Oromo people

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Ethnic group in Ethiopia and Kenya

Oromo

Total population
35 million
Regions with significant populations
Ethiopia	34 million
Kenya	1 million
Languages
Oromo
Religion
Islam, Christianity, Traditional African religions
Related ethnic groups
Somali people, Afar people, Sidama people

The Oromo people are an ethnic group inhabiting Ethiopia and Kenya. They are the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia, constituting approximately 34 million people, and have a significant presence in Kenya with around 1 million people. The Oromo speak the Oromo language, which is part of the Cushitic languages family.

History

The history of the Oromo people dates back several centuries. They are believed to have originated in the region that is now Ethiopia and have a rich cultural heritage. The Oromo have traditionally been pastoralists, though many have also engaged in agriculture.

Culture

The Oromo culture is diverse and includes various traditional practices, beliefs, and social structures. One of the most notable aspects of Oromo culture is the Gadaa system, a traditional system of governance that organizes society into age sets and roles. The Gadaa system is a democratic system that has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Language

The Oromo people speak the Oromo language, also known as Afaan Oromoo. It is the most widely spoken Cushitic language and serves as a lingua franca in many parts of Ethiopia. The language has its own script, known as the Oromo alphabet, which is based on the Latin script.

Religion

The Oromo people practice a variety of religions, including Islam, Christianity, and traditional African religions. Islam and Christianity were introduced to the Oromo through trade and missionary activities, respectively. Traditional beliefs often involve the worship of a supreme being known as Waaq.

Geography

The majority of the Oromo people live in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia, which is the largest region in the country. The region is known for its diverse landscapes, including highlands, lowlands, and river valleys. The Oromo also inhabit parts of Kenya, particularly in the northern regions.

Economy

The economy of the Oromo people is primarily based on agriculture and pastoralism. They cultivate crops such as teff, maize, and sorghum, and raise livestock including cattle, sheep, and goats. In recent years, there has been a shift towards more diversified economic activities, including trade and small-scale industries.

Notable Oromo People

• Abiy Ahmed - Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
• Haile Selassie - Former Emperor of Ethiopia, who had Oromo ancestry.
• Jawar Mohammed - Prominent political activist and media mogul.

Related Pages

• Oromia Region
• Gadaa system
• Oromo language
• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Cushitic languages