Afar Region

Afar Region

Country	Ethiopia
Coordinates	11°30′N 41°00′E
Population (2007)	1,812,002

The Afar Region is one of the nine regional states of Ethiopia, located in the northeastern part of the country. It is bordered by Eritrea to the north, Tigray Region to the northwest, Amhara Region to the southwest, Oromia Region to the south, Somali Region to the southeast, and Djibouti to the east. The region is named after the Afar people, who are the predominant ethnic group in the area.

Geography

The Afar Region is characterized by its arid and semi-arid climate, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) in the lowland areas. The region is part of the Great Rift Valley, which is a significant geological feature that extends from the Middle East to Mozambique. The Afar Triangle, a geological depression, is located within the region and is known for its active volcanoes, including the Erta Ale volcano.

The region's landscape is dominated by desert and semi-desert areas, with sparse vegetation. The Awash River, one of the major rivers in Ethiopia, flows through the region, providing a vital water source for the local population and wildlife.

Demographics

According to the 2007 national census, the Afar Region has a population of approximately 1.8 million people. The majority of the population are ethnic Afar, who are traditionally pastoralists, relying on livestock such as camels, goats, and sheep for their livelihood. The Afar people speak the Afar language, which is part of the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family.

Economy

The economy of the Afar Region is primarily based on pastoralism and agriculture. The harsh climate and arid conditions limit agricultural activities, but some areas along the Awash River are suitable for irrigation and crop production. Salt mining is another important economic activity, particularly in the Danakil Depression, where salt is extracted from the salt flats and transported to other parts of Ethiopia.

Culture

The Afar people have a rich cultural heritage, with traditional music, dance, and oral literature playing a significant role in their society. The Afar are known for their distinctive dress, which includes a white cotton cloth wrapped around the body and a curved knife called a "gile" worn at the waist.

Challenges

The Afar Region faces several challenges, including recurrent droughts, food insecurity, and limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education. The region's remote location and harsh environment make it difficult to develop infrastructure and provide services to the population.

Also see

• Regions of Ethiopia
• Afar people
• Erta Ale
• Great Rift Valley
• Awash River