Gambella Region

Gambela (sometimes spelled Gambella) is a federated state (kililoch) of Ethiopia. It was previously known as Region 12. Its capital is also called Gambela.

Geography

It has an area of 29,782 km², which in terms of extension is similar to Sicily. It is located in the westernmost part of the Ethiopian Territory right on the border with South Sudan.

Demographics

According to data from the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia, published in 2005, Gambela has a population of approximately 247,000, of whom 125,999 are men and 121,001 are women. With an area of 25,802 km², the region has a population density of 9.57 hectares/km².¹

According to the 1994 census, the total population was 181,862 (92,090 males and 88,960 females). 84.9% of the population (153,438) lived in rural areas. For 2017, a population of 435,999 people was estimated.

The main ethnic groups in the region are Nuer (40%), Anuak (27%), Amhara (8%), Oromo (6%), Mezhenger (5.8%), Keffa (4.1%), Mocha (2%) and others from southern Ethiopia. Amharic is the working language of the region. 44% of the inhabitants are P'ent'ay Protestants, 24.1% Christians of the Ethiopian Tewahido Coptic Church, 10.3% practice animism, 5.1% are Muslims, 3.2% Catholics, and 12.7 others. %.

Gambela has traditionally been the land of the Anuak. In recent years there have been violent episodes between the Anuak and more recently arrived Ethiopians, often referred to as 'highlanders'.

Political parties

The Gambella Peoples' Liberation Party and the Gambella Peoples' Democratic Unity Party (Gambella Peoples' Democratic Unity Party). The Ethiopian government favors the Anuak ethnic-based parties against the Nuer ethnic-based ones.

Presidents of the Executive Committee

• Okello Ouman 1992-1997
• Okello Gnigelo (GPDF) August 1997 - 2003
• Okello Akway 2003 - 2004
• Keat Tuach Bithow (in functions) January 2004 - 2005
• Umed Ubong (GPDM) September 29, 2005 - Presente

(This list is based on information from Worldstatesman.org.)