LAND

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Originally,Oromiya the land of oromo is located between 2-12 degree N and 34-44 degree E. It is bordered by Somalia in the SE, Afar in the NE, Djibouti in the E, Sudan in the W, Kenya in the S , Amhara and Tigray (Abyssinia) in the north. About 375,000 Square Miles, or, 600,000 square kilometers; Larger than France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium & the Netherlands combined.

The physical geography of Oromia is quite varied. It varies from rugged mountain ranges in the centre and north to flat grassland in most of the lowlands of the west, east and south. Among the many mountain ranges are the Kakka in Arsi (4340 m), Baatu in Baale (4377 m), Honkolo in Arsi (4300 m), Garaa Mul'ataa in Hararge (3392m) and Baddaa Roggee in Shawa (3350 m) and many others.

Similarly, there are many rivers and lakes in Oromia. Many of the rivers flow westwards into either the Blue Nile or the White Nile, and others flow eastwards to Somalia and Afar land. Among the large rivers are the Abbaya ( Nile,the life blood of Egypt), Hawas (Awash), Gannaalee, Waabee, Dhidheessa, Gibe and Baaroo.

For the peoples of Egypt, the Sudan and Somalia, life would be impossible without these rivers. They carry millions of tons of rich soil to Egypt, the Sudan and Somalia every year. Somalia depends heavily on the Gannaalee (Juba) and Waabee (Shaballe) rivers which come from Oromia. In fact Oromia supplies almost 100 per cent of the fresh water for Somalia, Djibouti and Afars. At present the Ethiopian government depends heavily on Hawas (Awash) water as a source of electric power for its industries and irrigation water to grow sugar cane, cotton and fruits. The Wanji and Matahara sugar estates are good examples. There is a great potential in all these rivers for the production of electric power and for irrigation. Qoqaa, Fincha, Malkaa Waakkanna, Gibee Tiqqaa dams are examples of where hydro-electric power is already being produced or in the process of being harnessed.

Among the Oromo lakes are Abbaya, Hora, Bishofitu, Qoqaa, Langanno and Shaalaa. Many of these lakes possess a great variety of fish and birds on their islands and shores.

The climate is as varied as the physical geography, although close to the equator (to the north of it), because of the mountain ranges, high altitudes and vegetation, the climate is very mild and favorable for habitation. Snow can be found on the mountains such as Baatu and Kakka. In the medium altitudes (1800-2500 m) the climate is very mild throughout the year and one of the best. Up to 80 per cent of the population lives at this altitude and agriculture flourishes.

Oromiya is home to many rivers and lakes famous for their scenic beauty besides being endowed with rich natural resources both renewable and non-renewable, healthy environment, and ecological set up in the past before being looted and destroyed by Abyssinian authorities. The forests of oromiya contain a variety of excellent and valuable timbers before being devastated by colonizers of the empire. oromiya is known for its bio-diversity ,a number of indigenous species of birds, mammals and many precious wild animals.

For instance, crops like coffee, the largest cash crop for many countries through out the world is originated in oromiya prior to 1000 AD, Anchote, aroot crop & favorite food of oromiya, oakra and other indigenous.

The country is also rich in wild animals. There are also hundreds of beautiful birds and mammals which are only found in oromiya. Many different species are found in the waters and forests of Oromiya: different kinds of fish, hippopotami, and crocodiles. Land animals include lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo, giraffe, wild ass, zebra, Columbus monkey and elephant. There are also a number of wild animals that are found solely in Oromiya, such as Nyaala (Gadamsaa), bush-buck ( forest living animals inhabiting dense bush is fairly plentiful in Bale Mt. national park, special type), Red Fox (Jedalaa Dimtuu), Swayne's heart beast, long faced withers, in open wood land, Qorkee, etc. Various types of birds, many of them unique (like flamingo), are found around lakes and elsewhere. These creatures are a source of attraction for tourists and natural scientists alike. Oromiya has also important mineral deposits. The gold mines at Adola and Laga Dambi in Borana and around Nejjo, Asosa and Birbir river valley in Wollega regions. Other important minerals found in Oromiya are platinum at Yubdo and neighboring areas in the same region, sulphur, iron-ore, silver , salt and large deposits of natural gas and oil in Baale and Hararge regions.

NATURAL TOURIST ATTRACTION CENTERS IN OROMIYA.

THE RIFT VALLEY, which is part of the famous east African rift valley, comprises numerous hot springs, beautiful lakes and a variety of bird life with a chain of numerous lakes.
THE SOF- OMAR CAVE: Is one of the extensive underground cave system in the world which have a religious and cultural history that traces back to the day of Gada system.
AWASH NATIONAL PARK 210km East of Finfine.
BABILLE ELEPHANT SANCTUARY 570 KM East of Finfine.
KUNI-MUKTAR WILD LIFE SANCTUARY 350 KM East of Finfine near CIROO.
YA'AA BALDHO'O WILD LIFE SANCTUARY 500 KM South of Finfine.
DIDESAA WILD LIFE RESERVE
DIRE SHEIK HUSSEIN
CASTLES OF ABBA JIFFAR
BALE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARKS
ABIYATTA-SHALLA NATIONAL PARK
FINCA'AADHAAN ADDAA ADDAA NAANOO ILLUU ABBA BOORII FI WOLEGAA...numerous water falls and spring waters in parts of wollega and Illuu Abba Boori.