Southwest Ethiopia Regional State

This region in southwestern Ethiopia comprises five administrative zones and one special district with varied terrain. The landscape ranges from mountains to fertile valleys and rural settlements.

The area became Ethiopia's tenth federal region in 2014 following a community vote. This creation emerged from local movements seeking self-governance and regional representation.

Multiple ethnic groups live throughout the region and each maintains distinct languages and traditional crafts. You can see these cultural differences in local markets and daily community life.

Visiting this region works best when you have basic knowledge of Amharic, which is the working language here. Local guides can help with navigation and communication in different areas.

The region stands out for its role in decentralizing Ethiopian governance and represents a modern experiment in regional development. This structure reflects efforts to unite different communities under unified administration.

Inception: November 23, 2021

Capital city: Bonga

Shares border with: Gambela Region, Oromia Region, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region

GPS coordinates: 6.83333,36.00000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 08:55