Ogaden
Ogaden (pronounced and often spelled Ogadēn; Somali: Ogaadeen, Amharic: ውጋዴ/ውጋዴን) is one of the historical names used for the modern Somali Region which forms the eastern portion of Ethiopia and which borders Somalia. Before 1995 most of Ogaden was part of Ethopia's Hararghe province. The other names sometimes used for this area are Haud or Hawd.
Ogaden
Ogaadeen ውጋዴ/ውጋዴን | |
|---|---|
Map of the Ogaden region with Somali-inhabited land shaded in red | |
| Region (non-administrative) | Ogaden |
| Area | |
| • Total | 327,068 km2 (126,282 sq mi) |
| ISO 3166 code | ET-SO |
The region is an arid area, and encompasses the desolate plain between the border of Somalia and Ethiopia, extending towards the eastern Ethiopian Highlands where larger cities like Harar and Dire Dawa are located. The primary river in the region is the Shebelle, which is fed by temporary seasonal streams. Towards the southwestern edge of the Ogaden is the source of the Ganale Doria river which joins Dawa river to become the major Jubba) river on the Somali border.
The region has a low population density and is predominantly inhabited by Somali language-speaking nomadic herders. The Ogaden is known for its oil and gas reserves, although development efforts have been hindered by the instability prevailing in the area.