These cities include Gondar, Dire Dawa, Adama, Mek’ele, Hawassa, Bahir Dar, Harar, Shashamane, Jimma, and Dila. Along with the larger capital city, Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa is a chartered city.
But according to the Ethiopian Government’s website, only about 16% of the population lives in cities—most people live a rural lifestyle.The capital city of Addis Ababa has a population of more than three million.
According to Wikipedia, there are nine Ethiopia regions and they are referred to as states: Afar; Amhara; Benishangul-Gumuz; Gambela; Harari; Oromia; Somali; the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region; and Tigray. The regions are based on ethnicity; for example, the Afar Regional State is the homeland of the Afar people.
Capital of Ethiopia: Addis Ababa
The largest city in the country, Addis Ababa has a population of more than three million. Founded in 1886 by Emporer Menelik II, it’s located in the state of Oromia. People from many different Ethiopia regions live here so a variety of languages are spoken.
There are numerous embassies and international missions in Addis Ababa and it is home to the African Union’s headquarters. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa is also located here.
If you’re thinking of visiting Addis Ababa, consider attending places such as St. George’s Cathedral, the Addis Ababa Museum, the Ethiopian Ethnological Museum, the Ethiopian Railway Museum, and the Ethiopian Natural History Museum. In the Mercato district, reportedly the largest market in all of Africa, you can shop for a variety of goods as well as see Anwar Mosque. The Imperial Palace and National Palace are also popular sites in Addis Ababa.