Where is Oromo spoken in Ethiopia?

Oromo is one of the most widely spoken languages in Ethiopia. It is native to the western, southwestern, southern, and eastern regions of the country.1

Historically, following migrations in the 16th century, the Oromo settled across a broad range of areas, including:

• Southern Ethiopia: Occupying the southern provinces where pastoralism remains a primary way of life.2
• Central and Western Provinces: Including southern parts of the Amhara region.2
• Northern Regions: Extending into the Welo and Tigre areas near the border of Eritrea.2

Today, Oromo and Amharic serve as the two most widely spoken languages in the country, and all Ethiopian languages receive official state recognition under the constitution.1