Where do the Oromo people live in Eastern Africa?

The Oromo people, the largest ethnolinguistic group in Ethiopia, are primarily located across various regions of that country, with some populations also residing in Kenya.1

Following a series of migrations that began in the 16th century, the Oromo settled in several physically diverse areas:

• Southern Ethiopia: They occupy much of the south, where many continue to practice traditional pastoralism.1
• Central and Western Ethiopia: They inhabit most of the central and western provinces, including areas such as Shewa, Welega, and Gojam.12
• Northern and Eastern Ethiopia: Their presence extends to the Welo and Tigre regions near Eritrea, as well as the Harerge region.12
• Kenya: Some Oromo groups settled along the Tana River.1

Originally from the Sidamo-Borena plain, the Oromo expanded into these territories by moving from arid bush country into fertile, well-watered highlands. As they settled in these disparate regions, they frequently assimilated local customs and intermarried with other groups, such as the Sidamo and Amhara.21