Oromo people
The Oromo (pron. /ˈɒrəmoʊ/ ORR-əm-oh Oromo: Oromoo) are a Cushitic ethnic group native to the Oromia region of Ethiopia and parts of Northern Kenya. They speak the Oromo language (also called Afaan Oromoo), which is part of the Cushitic branch of the Afroasiatic language family. They are one of the largest ethnic groups in Ethiopia. According to the last Ethiopian census of 2007, the Oromo numbered 25,488,344 people or 34.5% of the Ethiopian population. Recent estimates have the Oromo compromising 35.8% of the estimated 116,000,000 Ethiopian population placing Oromos at a population of 41,000,000.
Karrayyu Oromo in a traditional attire. | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Ethiopia | 25,489,000 (2007) |
| Kenya | 656,636 (2019) |
| Sudan | 96,000 (2017) |
| Somalia | 41,600 (2000) |
| United States | 40,000 |
| Australia | 4,310 (2021) |
| Canada | 3,350 (2016) |
| Languages | |
| Oromo | |
| Religion | |
| Islam (55–60%), Christianity (40–45%), Traditional religion (Waaqeffanna) (up to 3%) | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Somali • Sidama • Gabra • Rendille • other Cushitic peoples | |
The Oromo people traditionally used the gadaa system as the primary form of governance. A leader is elected by the gadaa system and their term lasts eight years, with an election taking place at the end of those eight years. Although most modern Oromos are Muslims and Christians, about 3% practice Waaqeffanna, the native ancient Cushitic monotheistic religion of Oromos. The significant Oromo population can be attributed to their historical conquests and invasions in various regions, where they often assimilated the other indigenous populations.