THE REGIONAL STATE OF BENISHANGULGUMUZ

The State of Benishangul-Gumuz comprises 3 administrative zones, made up of 19 weredas out of which oneis special wereda (Mao Komo), one City Administration (Assosa) and 475Kebeles. Amharic is the working language of the State.

CAPITAL CITY

Assosa is the capital city of the State

LOCATION

The State of Benishangul-Gumuz is located in the western part of Ethiopia. The State shares common boundaries in the west with the North & South Sudan, in the north-east with the State of Amhara, in the east and south with the State of Oromia.

Astronomically, Benishangul-Gumuz extends from 08⁰56’8’’ North to 12⁰0’27’’ North latitudes (extending about 03.07180 north to south), and 34⁰3’53’’ East to 36⁰42’8’’ East longitudes (extending about 02.63740 west to east).

AREA

The State of Benishangul-Gumuz has area size of 50,698.68 square kilometers and density of 18.5 persons per area.

POPULATION

According to the July 2011 population projection, the population was estimated at 938,996 of which 476,999 were males and 461,997 were females. Rural population was 150,103, while the urban population was 788,893.

MAJOR ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

Farming and cattle breeding are predominant occupations in the State. Millet, Sorghum, Teff, Coffee and Mango are among the major agricultural products. Primitive gold mining, which requires intensive labor and non-sustainable forest dependent activities such as charcoal and fire wood production are other means of livelihood for the region's population.