Jimma (Oromo: Jimmaa) is the largest city in south-western Ethiopia and the seat of Jimma Special Zone, an urban zone of the Oromia Region separated from the surrounding Jimma Zone before the 2007 census. It sits at 7°40′N 36°50′E, about 1,780 metres above sea level, and counted 120,960 residents in the 2007 census, projected to about 250,900 for 2022. The city lies roughly 350 kilometres south-west of Addis Ababa on the asphalt highway through Woliso and Welkite.
| Region | Oromia |
| Status | City administration / special zone |
| Elevation | 1,780 m |
| Coordinates | 7°40′N 36°50′E |
| Population (2007 census) | 120,960 |
| Population (2022 projection) | 250,900 |
| Distance from Addis Ababa | about 350 km |
| Airport | Aba Segud (JIM) |
Jimma City and Jimma Zone
The two are separate administrations with the same name. Jimma city is a special zone answering directly to the Oromia regional government, divided into urban kebeles rather than woredas. Jimma Zone is the rural zone of 17 woredas that rings the city; its offices remain in Jimma, which is why the names are often confused. Population and area figures quoted for “Jimma” usually refer to the zone unless a city administration is named.
Neighbourhoods & Areas
The city is built along the Awetu River, which splits the old commercial core from the newer quarters. Recognised areas include Hermata, the main market district; Bocho Bore and Ginjo Guduru on the higher ground; Mendera, near the university’s main campus; Bosa Kito; Ferenj Arada, the Italian-era grid; and Kofe, on the Agaro road. Merkato Hermata remains the trading centre for coffee, grain and livestock brought in from the surrounding woredas.
History
The settlement began as Hirmata, a caravan market on the trade route between the Gibe kingdoms and the Ethiopian highlands. It grew alongside the palace of the Kingdom of Jimma at Jiren, whose best-known ruler, Abba Jifar II, governed until his death; the kingdom was formally absorbed into Ethiopia in 1932 and merged into the province of Kaffa. Italian occupation forces rebuilt the town centre in the late 1930s with a grid plan and new roads, which still shape the layout around Ferenj Arada. The palace ruins at Jiren, above the city, are the main historical site.
Landmarks & Institutions
Jimma University, founded from an agricultural college, is the city’s largest institution and one of Ethiopia’s biggest public universities, with a teaching hospital that serves the whole south-west. The Jimma Agricultural Research Centre works on coffee breeding, disease resistance and yield, and is the national reference point for Arabica research. The Jimma Museum holds material from the Gibe kingdoms, including items associated with Abba Jifar II. Aba Segud Airport (IATA JIM, ICAO HAJM) lies just outside the built-up area.
Climate
Jimma has a tropical monsoon climate moderated by altitude. Afternoon highs stay between about 24 and 27 °C through the year. The wet season runs from March to October and is long and heavy by Ethiopian standards, which is what makes the surrounding highlands suitable for coffee. Nights are cool, usually in the low teens.
Economy
Coffee dominates. Jimma is the collection, hulling and export-preparation point for the crop grown across Jimma, Illubabor and Buno Bedele zones, and the name is used internationally as a coffee origin. The city also serves as the regional centre for wholesale trade, banking, health care and higher education, and has small-scale food processing, timber and construction-materials industries. The university and the hospital are among the largest employers.
Getting There
Buses leave Addis Ababa daily for Jimma, taking six to eight hours on the asphalt road via Woliso and Welkite. Ethiopian Airlines flies to Aba Segud Airport from Addis Ababa. From Jimma, sealed roads run north-west to Agaro (about 45 kilometres) and on to Bedele and Nekemte, and south-east toward Bonga and the Kaffa highlands. Minibuses to woreda centres such as Serbo, Yebu and Asendabo leave from Hermata.
FAQ
Where is Jimma?
In south-western Ethiopia, in the Oromia Region, about 350 kilometres by road south-west of Addis Ababa.
What is the population of Jimma?
120,960 at the 2007 census; the 2022 official projection is about 250,900.
Is Jimma part of Jimma Zone?
No. The city was separated before the 2007 census and is administered as its own special zone, surrounded by Jimma Zone.
What is Jimma known for?
Coffee, Jimma University, and the palace of the Kingdom of Jimma at Jiren.
Does Jimma have an airport?
Yes — Aba Segud Airport, with scheduled flights from Addis Ababa.
What language is spoken in Jimma?
Afaan Oromoo is the main language; Amharic is widely used in trade and government.