Dire Dawa, Administrative division in eastern Ethiopia.
The Dechatu River divides Dire Dawa into two distinct sections: Kezira with European-style buildings and Megala with traditional Muslim architecture.
Founded in 1902 during the construction of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, Dire Dawa rapidly developed into a major commercial center in eastern Ethiopia.
The population reflects Ethiopia's diversity with Oromo constituting 46%, followed by substantial Somali and Amhara communities, while Islam represents the predominant religion.
The city functions as a transportation hub with an international airport and extensive road networks connecting Addis Ababa, Harar, and neighboring Djibouti.
The Kafira Market features local traders arriving with camel caravans, maintaining centuries-old commercial traditions in this modern administrative center.
Location: Ethiopia
Inception: 1902
Elevation above the sea: 1,276 m
Shares border with: Somali Region, Oromia Region
Address: Dire Dawa, Ethiopia Dire Dawa
Website: https://web.archive.org/web/20120325191237/http://www.dire-dawa.gov.et:80/site
GPS coordinates: 9.58333,41.86667
Latest update: October 1, 2025 14:46
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