Arba Minch Arba Minch (Amharic, "forty springs") is a city in southern Ethiopia; less common name for this

city called Ganta Garo. Located in the Gamo Gofa Zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region about 500 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, at an elevation of 1285 meters above sea level. It is the largest town in Gamo Gofa Zone as well as Arba Minch Zuria woreda and the second town in SNNPR next to Awassa. Contents [hide]

1 Overview 2 History 3 Demographics 4 References 5 External links

[edit] Overview Arba Minch received its name for the abundant local springs which produce a groundwater forest. Besides the forty springs crossing the town is a river kulfo, affectionately referred to as "cock river", which is used by the local people for washing cloths and farming. Located at the base of the western side of the Great Rift Valley, Arba Minch consists of the uptown administrative centre of Shecha and 4 kilometers away the downtown commercial and residential areas of Sikela, which are connected by a paved road. On the eastern side of Sikela is the gate to Nechisar National Park, which covers the isthmus between Lake Abaya to the north and Lake Chamo to the south. Buses and taxis connect the uptown and downtown parts; both parts have schools.[1] Arba Minch was connected by dry-weather roads until they were upgraded in 1966. A telephone line connecting the town to the capital, costing E$ 250,000, was turned up on 15 July 1967.[2] According to the SNNPR's Bureau of Finance and Economic Development, as of 2003 other amenities in Arba Minch include postal service, 24-hour electrical service, a bank and a hospital.[3] May 2010, the

Ethiopian Roads Authority awarded a contract worth 563 million E$ to the construction firm of Brehane Hagos to build a road 60 kilometers in length from this town to Belta.[4] Arba Minch is known as a source for fruit, including mango, banana, orange, apple, guava and pineapple, and is also known for its fish farms.Indicating its richness of fish a local singer named Abile Chedo sang the song Nu Dere Gamo Gofa Oycha Arbaminche. It is the home of Arba Minch University and the Southwest Synod of the Mekane Yesus Church. The town also is served by Arba Minch Airport, (ICAO code HAAM, IATA AMH). [edit] History Arba Minch was founded in the 1960s and the city succeeded Chencha as the provincial capital of Gamo-Gofa,[5] holding this honor until the reorganisation of provinces in 1995. It retains a degree of government importance as the administrative center for its Zone. The Norwegian Lutheran Mission opened a station at Arba Minch in 1970, which included a trade school; the school's operation was later taken over by the Mekane Yesus Church. At the beginning of the Ethiopian Revolution public demonstrations occurred in the town,[6] and four people were killed in clashes with the police on 28 March 1974.[2] Following the revolution privately-held plantations were made into state farms.[6] The 193 million birr Arba Minch Textile Mill was opened on 6 May 1992 in the presence of Ethiopian Prime Minister derg. The mill would produce polyester mixed with cotton grey fabrics.[2] The town's police and militia were accused of human rights violations in 2008 by the US State Department, who alleged that they broke into the home of an Arba Minch resident, beat him and detained him, with local authorities taking no action following complaints.[7] In December of that year, police opened fire at a public gathering outside a church in Arba Minch, wounding three individuals.[citation needed] Police were reportedly attempting to disperse a crowd following a disagreement between Ethiopian Orthodox priests.[citation needed] The other claim is that federal police were chasing down 3 escaped prisoners that took asylum in the church hoping that the police would not open fire on them in the church. They were wrong.

[edit] Demographics Based on figures from the Central Statistical Agency in 2005, Arba Minch has an estimated total population of 82,507 of whom 41,296 were males and were 41,211 females.[8] The 1994 national census reported this town had a total population of 40,020 of whom 20,096 were males and 19,924 were females. [edit] References 1. ^ Philip Briggs, Ethiopia: The Bradt Travel Guide, 3rd edition (Chalfont St Peters: Bradt, 2002), p. 229 2. ^ a b c "Local History in Ethiopia" The Nordic Africa Institute website (accessed 6 June 2008) 3. ^ "Detailed statistics on hotels and tourism", Bureau of Finance and Economic Development website (accessed 4 September 2009) 4. ^ "Tigray, Southern Towns Get First Roads", Addis Fortune 2 May 2010 (accessed 5 May 2010) 5. ^ Freeman, Dena (2002). Initiating change in highland Ethiopia: causes and consequences of cultural transformation. p. 37. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=OCVF_xFbM50C&pg=PA37&dq=arba +minch&hl=en&ei=pT8nTbe1DoT78Abqo5S4AQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct =result&resnum=8&ved=0CEkQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=arba%20minch& f=false. 6. ^ a b Gnther Schlee, Elizabeth E. Watson (2009). Changing identifications and alliances in North-East Africa, Volume 1. 2: Ethiopia and Kenya. Berghahn Books. p. 150. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=XKLmgm4VfGoC&pg=PA150&dq=arb a+minch&hl=en&ei=JkEnTcuHPIOYOoP49fgC&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=r esult&resnum=1&ved=0CCUQ6AEwADgK#v=onepage&q=arba%20minch &f=false. 7. ^ "2008 Human Rights Reports: Ethiopia", Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, US State Department (accessed 8 July 2009) 8. ^ CSA 2005 National Statistics, Table B.3 [edit] External links

Picture of Arba Minch Gughe Indigenous Art & Music Association One Heart

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Cities of Ethiopia Adama (Nazret) Addis Ababa Adigrat Adwa Ambo Arba Minch Asella Awasa Axum Bahir Dar Debre Berhan Debre Marqos Debre Tabor Debre Zeyit Degehabur Dembidolo Dessie Dila Dire Dawa Gambela Goba Gode Gondar Harar Irgalem Jijiga Jimma Kebri Dahar Kombolcha Mek'ele Negele Arsi Negele Boran

Nekemte Shashamane Sodo Weldiya Wukro Ziway

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Language

Ethiopia has 83 different languages with up to 200 different dialects spoken. The largest ethnic and linguistic groups are the Oromos, Amharas and Tigrayans.

Ge'ez is the ancient language, and was introduced as an official written language during the first Aksumite kingdom when the Sabeans sought refuge in Aksum. The Aksumites developed Ge'ez, a unique script derived from the Sabean alphabet, and it is still used by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church today. Tigrigna and Amharigna (Amharic) are the modern languages which are derived from Ge'ez. Amharic is the official national language of Ethiopia. English, Arabic, Italian and French are widely spoken by many Ethiopians. The Ethiopian languages are divided into four major language groups.These are Semitic, Cushitic, Omotic, and Nilo-Saharan. Semitic The Semitic languages are spoken in northern, central and eastern Ethiopia (mainly in Tigray, Amhara, Harar and northern part of the Southern Peoples' State regions). They use the Ge'ez script that is unique to the country, which consists of 33 letters, each of which denotes 7 characters, making a total of 231 characters. The Semitic Languages:

Adarigna Amharigna Argobba Birale Gafat Ge'ez

Guragigna Chaha group (Chaha, Muher, Ezha, Gumer, Gura) Inor group (Inor, Enner, Endegegna, Gyeto, Mesemes) Silt'e group (Silt'e, Ulbareg, Enneqor, Walane) Soddo group (Soddo, Gogot, Galila) Tigrigna Zay

Cushitic The Cushitic languages are mostly spoken in central, southern and eastern Ethiopia (mainly in Afar, Oromia and Somali regions). The Cushitic languages use the Roman alphabet and Ge'ez script. For example, Oromo is written in the Ge'ez script whereas Somali is written in the Roman alphabet. The Cushitic Languages:

Afarigna Agewigna Alaba Arbore Awngi Baiso Burji

Bussa Daasanech Gawwada Gedeo Hadiyya Kambatta Kemant Konso Kunfal Libido Oromigna Saho Sidamigna Somaligna Tsamai Werize Xamtanga

Omotic The Omotic languages are predominantly spoken between the Lakes of southern Rift Valley and the Omo River.

The Omotic Languages:

Anfillo Ari Bambassi Basketto Bench Boro Chara Dime Dizzi Dorze Gamo-Gofa Ganza Hammer-Banna Hozo Kachama-Ganjule Kara Kefa Kore

Male Melo Mocha Nayi Oyda Shakacho Sheko Welaytta (Welamo) Yemsa Zayse-Zergulla

Nilo-Saharan The Nilo-Saharan languages are largely spoken in the western part of the country along the border with Sudan (mainly in Gambella and Benshangul regions). The Nilo-Saharan Languages:

Anuak Berta Gobato Gumuz Komo

Kunama Kwama Kwegu Majang Me'en Murle Mursi Nera Nuer Nyangatom Opuuo Shabo Suri Uduk

Ethiopian Ethnic Groups:

Afar Alaba Agew/Awingi Agew/Kamyr

Amhara Anyiwak Arborie Argoba Ari Badi Basketo Bench Burji Charra Dasenech Dime Dizi Dorzie Fekashi Felasha Gamo Gamili Ganjule

Gebato Gedeo Gewada Gidole Goffo Guagu Gurage Hadiyya Hamer Harari/Adare Jebelawi Kebena Kechama Keffa Kemant Kembata Konta Kulo Kewama

Koma Konso Koyra Kunama Mabaan Macha Mareko Mao Me'en Malie Mello Mer Mesengo Mossiya Mursi Nao Nuer Nyangatom Oromo

Oyda Saho She Sheko Shinasha Shita Sidama Soddo Somali Suri Tigrayan Timbaro Tsamay Welaytta Werji Weyito Yemsa Zeysie Zergula

Tourism Attractions in Hawassa Hawassa is one of the most beautiful cities in Ethiopia, Exploring the city is an enjoyable and worthwhile experience for both foreign and domestic tourists. The city has about 306,056 populations (dwellers) including Hawella Tulla sub city. Most of the people in the city are followers of Christianity and Moslem religion. As a regional capital of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State (SNNPRS), Amharic is an official working language. Other regional languages and English are also mediums of communication. Hawassa is located 275 Km south of Addis Ababa, 180 km South of Ziway and 20 kms south of Shashemene which are all linked together by the Ethio-Kenya international road. Bicycles, Taxies, house drawn carts locally known as garii and currently Bajjaj are the major means of transportation in the city. There are about seven fueling stations in the city. There are also banks, Telecommunication, Insurances, Post Office and a number of other service giving institutions including the Cultural Hall. The city hosts its guests and tourists in seventy five hotels, forty eight restaurants, forty two pensions and seventeen guest houses. The city council plans to increase the number of tourist accommodation facilities to meet the needs of the ever growing

number of tourist flow in to the city. The city is an ideal transit spot for tourists who travel between Addis Ababa- Moyale, Hawassa- ArbaminchJinka and Hawassa- Wolayta Sodo- Jima- Mizanteferi roads. The great open air marker at the heart of the town is a displaying ground of the wealth, styles of hair, dress and make ups of the people that constitute different culture of the region. Mondays and Thursdays are market days in the city. Tabour hill on the western end of the town towers above the peaceful lake Hawassa to the left and the town stretched below it in all directions. Mt, Alamura. It is a small mountain situated at the south western end of the town. From the top of the mountain, one can enjoy a partial view of the town and the lake stretched below it. Paying a visit to this mountain and ascending to its top is worth a day of any ones time. The south western lake shore locally known as Amora Gedel is probably named after the flock of pelicans, marabous stork, hammer kop, kingfisher and other prey bird soaring over the grounds of the shore in search of fish left over along with the early morning hectic activities of fish- men and small boys with cleaning knives. The place is an ideal spot for bird watch. Gudumale - is also a special place in the lake area where the Sidama cultural and spiritual holiday Fiche is annually celebrated. Lake Hawassa - is the most beautiful lake which attracts thousands of tourists each month. The lake is rich in different kinds of fish species like Barbus, Telapia and cart fish for tourists who care to indulge in leisure fishing and consumer fishing for the dwellers.

The breezing of cool air in the morning and evening hours rolls the lake with gentle tides and washes millions of planktons to the shore to be devoured by fishes and fish birds. Marabus stork, Great-white pelican, Hammer Kop, Shoveled, Egyptian Goose, Wattled ibis, saddle-bill stork, African fish, Eagles, Hoopoe, Spur wing plover, carmine Bee-eater and pied king fisher make the lake an ornithological paradise. Boating on Lake Hawassa with the spectacular and breath taking view of the sun set is a moment of tranquility among visitors. Motor boats carry passengers to and from Wabe - Shebele and 11 hotels that are built on the shore and peninsula of the lake. This offers an excellent chance to tourists to see the length and width of the lake in all directions. A fleet of colorfully painted passenger boats, flying the green-yellow and red Ethiopian flag entertain their passengers with soft Ethiopian traditional music while sailing on the peaceful lake under the blue sky.

Spring Water There are three natural heritage sites (spring waters) surrounding Hawassa town. These are: Burqito it is hot spring water located twelve km in the south Eastern direction of the city. The people take swim and long baths in the spring water which is believed to have a curative nature. Wondogenet is located 39 kms from Hawassa. This resort area was found in 1962 E.C. by princess Tenagne Work Haile Selassie. It is now run by the Wabe Shebelle Hotels Administration. Gedabo the Gedabo spring water lays 41 kms south to Hawassa on the

main road to Yirgalem. Parks According to the Hawassa municipality magazine of 1959 E.C, there were two squares (recreational sites) reserved at the center of the town. Gradually parallel with the growth of the town attentions begun to be given on lands reserved for similar purposes. Some of the major parks are:

Tikur Wuha Park: While entering into the city from Shashemene, one can notice this beautiful park. This park was previously owned by Ras Andargachew Mesay who was a high ranking official in the 1950s. It was handed over to the Hawassa municipality in the 1960s and was renowned as a park ever since. Its total area is estimated 475,037. sq. meter. Amora Gedel Park: occupies about 261.910 sq. meter. It is found near the main fish market. Previously the place was occupied by Princess Tenagne Work Teferi. After the 1950s Ethiopian revolution it was reserved as the peoples recreation park under the municipality of the city. Timket Bahir: it was about 1954 E.C. that this area was reserved as a park and begun to serve as open space. Religious rituals and epiphany is celebrated in this area. It occupies 35,250 sq. meters. The Sidama Cultural Hall: it is found in front of the Sidama Cultural Hall. It was reserved as a park during the Dergue regime. It occupies about 5000 sq. meter.

Main Squares Meskel Square (Adebabay) covers about 15,744.05 sq. meters. The place got an attention when the city was chosen as a seat for Sidama governorate general in the 1960s E.C. It was in this place that the foundation stone was placed by Emperor Haile Selassie. Public gatherings, religious ceremonies, cultural festivals, and bazaars are conducted in this square. A square in front of St. Gebriel is also one of the most important squares of the city which occupies 2,036 sq. meters. A square around the city municipality also occupies 2,250,057 sq. meters which is named as Africa Square in 1967 E.C. by Hawassa municipality.