Oromia (spelled
Oromiyaa in the
Oromo language; ) is one of the nine ethnically based
regional states of
Ethiopia, covering 284,538 square kilometers. It is bordered by the
Somali Region to the east; the
Amhara Region, the
Afar Region and the
Benishangul-Gumuz Region to the north;
South Sudan,
Gambela Region, and
Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region to the west; and
Kenya to the south. The 2007 census reported Oromia's population at over 27 million, making it the largest state in population and area. It includes the former
Arsi Province along with portions of the former
Bale,
Hararghe,
Illubabor,
Kaffa,
Shewa,
Sidamo, and
Welega provinces. Its current capital is
Addis Ababa ; other important cities and towns include
Adama,
Dire Dawa,
Harer,
Ambo,
Asella,
Bishoftu,
Chiro,
Dembidolo,
Fiche,
Gimbi,
Robe,
Goba, Dello Buna,
Jimma,
Metu,
Negele Boran,
Moyale,
Nekemte,
Shashamane and
Waliso.