There are 9 nations and nationalities in Ethiopia, and all of therm are naturally different and culturally independent of each other, while some national understandings surely underwrite the finer colloquial elements that help distinguish each region.
1. Tigray
The history of Tigray is remarkable due to the Axumite Empire, whose fame and prosperity was acclaimed beyond the Red Sea. The Tigrai are known for their exceptional skills in poetic combat, known as gene, and the marvelous architecture of their churches.
2. Oromo
Oromia is known as the “breadbasket” of the Horn due to its rich natural resources. They are known for their social system called gada, which was the basis of Oromo culture. The Oromo are also known for producing athletes that go on to win medals in international events, including the Olympics for long-distance running.
3. Amhara
The Amhara are the most dominant social force in Ethiopia. The Amhara were very expansionistic and so its people ruled Ethiopia until the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974. The Amhara have cultural games like the gang and are known for growing cayenne pepper, which is used to make berbere, a traditional sauce.
4. Afar
The Afar occupy the driest region of Ethiopia called the Danakil. They claim to be descendants of Noah. History has shown they participated in military campaigns against the Abyssininan Empire in the 16th century along with Ahmed Gragn, the Amir of Harar.
5. Somali
Natural gas and oil have been discovered in Ethiopia. The capital city of this region, Jijjiga, is an amazing trading center and is known to have had postal service as late as 1923.
6. Gambella
The state of Gambella is located in the Southwestern region of Ethiopia. The Gambella have 7 administration states, where each state follows the Nyech system. The Gambella National Park provides a home for 41 larger mammals and over 300 species.
7. Harari
Unlike most cultures in Ethiopia, women are considered prominent leaders in the Harari culture. The city of Harar is known as a center of Islamic learning, as a majority of the population are Sunni Muslims. Even though education is limited in Ethiopia, the majority of the Adere population are educated.
8. Benishangul-Gumuz
Gold and copper are some of the precious mineral in the Benishangul-Gumuz region. It has two major river basins and other small ones, which is the reason this region has a huge potential for hydroelectric power. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is currently being built in this area.
9. Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region
The SNNPR has over 56 ethnic groups and languages that vary in various Cushitic, Semitic, Osmotic, and Nilo-Saharan language families. The SNNPR is known for its farming system. This region currently produces 45 percent of coffee exported.
