Ethiopia is divided into 9 administrative regions based on ethnic origin.
The local name of these regions is kilil. In addition to these regions, 2 privately managed city regions are counted as administrative regions.
This administrative zone system was introduced in Ethiopia under the Ethiopian Transitional Government in 1992 and was formalized in 1995 when the current Ethiopian Constitution entered into force.
Eleven Regions of Ethiopia
Ethiopia is divided into 9 regions, including 9 regions and 2 chartered cities.
These 9 regions or Ethiopia are:
- Afar Region
- Amhara Region
- Benishangul-Gumuz Region
- Gambela Region
- Harari Region
- Oromia Region
- Somalia Region
- Southern Nations, Nationalities Peoples’ Region
- Tigray Region
2 Chartered Cities are Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa.
Addis Ababa is also the capital of the country.
Afar Region
Afar is one of the 11 administrative regions of Ethiopia. Located in the north of the country, the administrative center of the region is the city of Semera.
Its surface area is 96,707 square kilometers and according to 2017 data, it has a population of 3,812,002.
Amhara Region
Amhara Region is one of the 11 administrative regions of Ethiopia. Located in the north of the country, the administrative center of the region is Bahir Dar.
Its surface area is 156,960 square kilometers and according to 2017 data, it has a population of 21,134,988.
Benishangul-Gumuz Region
The Benishangul-Gumuz Region is one of the 11 administrative regions of Ethiopia. The administrative center of the region in the northwest of the country is the city of Asosa.
Its surface area is 50,248 square kilometers and according to 2018 data, the population is 1,127,001.
Gambela Region
The Gambela Region is one of the 11 administrative regions of Ethiopia. In the northern part of the country, the administrative center of the region is Gambela.
Its surface area is 25,802 square kilometers and according to 2017 data, it has a population of 435,999.
Harari Region
Harari Region is one of the 11 administrative regions of Ethiopia. In the northern part of the country, the administrative center of the region is Harar.
Its surface area is 374 square kilometers and according to 2017 data, the population is 246,000.
Oromia Region
Oromia Region is one of the 11 administrative regions of Ethiopia. According to the law of the region covering the central and southern parts of the country, the administrative center is Addis Ababa, the implementation center is Adama city.
Its surface area is 353,632 square kilometers and according to 2017 data, it has a population of 35,000,000. The region of Oromia has the highest surface area in Ethiopia.
Somali Region
The Somali Region is one of the 11 administrative regions of Ethiopia. Jijiga is the administrative center of the region, which runs along the Somali border to the east of the country.
Its surface area is 279,252 square kilometers and according to 2017 data, it has a population of 8,500,000. It is the second-largest area after the Oromia Region in the administrative regions of Ethiopia.
Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region
Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region is one of the 11 administrative regions of Ethiopia. Located in the south of the country, the administrative center of the region is the city of Hawassa.
The land area is 112,343 square kilometers and according to 2017 data, the population is 19,170,007.
Tigray Region
The Tigray Region is one of the 11 administrative regions of Ethiopia. The administrative center of the region in the north of the country is the town of Mek’ele.
Its surface area is 50.078 square kilometers and according to 2017 data, the population is 5,247,005.
Addis Ababa (Chartered City)
Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and the African Union. In the city where 80 different languages are spoken, there are Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities.
The city had a status of the chartered city in 1886 and has a surface area of 527 square kilometers and a population of 3,384,569. Addis Ababa or Addis Abeba is the capital of Ethiopia and the African Union. In the city where 80 different languages are spoken, there are Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities.
In addition to the wide streets and modern high-rise buildings, the city has traditional huts and shanty neighborhoods and has a soft climate. Addis Ababa University, music and performing arts colleges and many research institutes make the city an important training center. Since it is the center of the African Union and the United Nations African Economic Council, it hosts many international conferences.
Dire Dawa (Chartered City)
In 2004 Dire Dawa became a chartered city and is one of the 11 administrative regions of Ethiopia. Dire Dawa’s surface area is 1,213 square kilometers and the population is 440,000.
Ethiopia: Geography, Facts
- Population: 109,182,425
- Population Density: 110 per Km2
- Land Area: 1,000,000 Km2
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is an African country with many ethnic groups. The country, which is also known by its ancient name, Abyssinia, is known as the oldest civilization in history. For this reason, there are historical structures that you may be interested in.
Addis Ababa is the capital city and at the same time the largest city in the country.
Ethiopia has the second-highest population of Africa.
It is located in East Africa. Its neighbors are Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and Uganda.
Geography
It is generally a mountainous and plant-covered country. There are many broken lines. According to the examinations, the blocks of Ethiopian and Arabia to the east and the blocks of Africa in the west are continuously moving away from each other. For example, this distance of at least 1 millimeter per year is around 2 centimeters per year in the vicinity of the Red Sea.
Governance
In the country, which was a kingdom until 1974, the king was declared to be overthrown in 1975. They adopted a socialist regime. With the 1987 constitution democracy came.
Climate
The tropical monsoon climate is dominant. The temperature varies between 20-40 degrees during the year. There are long monsoon rains in the country.
Religion
55% of the population is Christian, 37% are Muslim, and 8% belong to other religions.
Industry and Tourism
In the country, where the economy is based on agriculture, 50% of the land is farmed. However, since the agricultural equipment is very primitive, product efficiency is at a low level.
Wheat, barley, oats, corn, millet, especially a variety of fruits and vegetables are essential products. Besides, Mediterranean products such as cotton, sugarcane, and banana are also important products. The grown products meet your country needs. Coffee is the most important income-generating export product.
The factories are based on weaving, leather, furniture, cement, chemicals, and cigarettes. It lacks the energy necessary for the development of the industry. Animal husbandry, climate, and natural conditions are very convenient because of the availability. Cattle, horses, mules, camels, and sheep are fed in large quantities.
Thanks to its magnificent nature and animal diversity, it attracts tourists.
Also read: Why you should visit Ethiopia