Oromo people

The Oromo people (Oromo: Oromoo, pron. /ˈɒrəmoʊ/ ORR-əm-oh) 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 comprising 45,000,000 people, or 35.8% of the total Ethiopian population estimated at 116,000,000.

The Oromo were originally nomadic, semi-pastoralist people who later would conquer large swaths of land during their expansions. After the settlement, they would establish kingdoms in the Gibe regions and assimilating the natives. 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 or Christians, about 3% practice Waaqeffanna, the native ancient Cushitic monotheistic religion of Oromos.