Amaro Zone, also called Koore Zone, lies on the eastern shore of Lake Abaya in the South Ethiopia Region, with its capital at Kele. The 2007 census recorded 149,231 people in 1,522.16 square kilometres, and the 2022 projection is about 206,000. It became a zone in August 2023, after decades as the Amaro special woreda.
The zone is named for the Amaro Mountains that run through it, and its people are the Koore, who make up almost the whole population.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capital | Kele |
| Region | South Ethiopia |
| Zone status | August 2023, from Amaro special woreda |
| Area | 1,522.16 km² |
| Population | 149,231 (2007 census) |
| Projection | about 206,000 (2022 CSA projection) |
Woredas (Districts)
| Woreda | Note |
|---|---|
| Gorka | Rural woreda |
| Sarmale | Rural woreda |
| Kele town | Town administration, seat of the zone |
The 2007 census counted Amaro as one special woreda, so the figure of 149,231 covers all three units together.
Major Towns
| Town | 2007 census | 2022 projection |
|---|---|---|
| Kele | 8,633 | 23,100 |
Kele is the only town of any size; 5.78 per cent of residents were urban at the 2007 census. Rural centres recorded across the zone include Bale, Ganna, Derba, Chirme, Hailu and Aicuri.
Geography
Amaro is mountain country. The Amaro Mountains rise east of Lake Abaya and reach 3,600 metres at Mount Dello, the highest point in this part of the Rift Valley wall. The land falls steeply west to the lake shore and east towards the Oromia lowlands, so the zone packs cool moorland, temperate farmland and hot lowland into a short horizontal distance. Nechisar National Park covers ground on the western side, between Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo.
Amaro borders Lake Abaya and Gamo Zone to the northwest, Gardula Zone to the west, Konso Zone to the southwest, Burji Zone to the south, and Oromia Region to the east.
Demographics
The 2007 census recorded 149,231 people, 75,202 men and 74,029 women, with 8,633 or 5.78 per cent living in towns. The 2022 projection is about 206,000. That later figure is a Central Statistical Agency projection; Ethiopia’s last completed census was in 2007.
The Koore people make up 97.8 per cent of residents, and the Koorete language is the first language of 97.36 per cent. This makes Amaro one of the most linguistically uniform zones in the region. Amharic is used in administration and schooling.
Economy & Local Life
Farming follows altitude. The high ground grows barley, wheat and enset; the middle slopes grow maize, teff and navy beans; and coffee is the main cash crop, with 1,082 tonnes recorded in 2005. Cattle and sheep are kept throughout, and the higher pastures carry stock through the dry season. Kele’s market is the trading point for coffee and grain leaving the zone.
Amaro’s position on the lake shore also puts it on the edge of Nechisar National Park, and the road along the eastern side of Lake Abaya carries traffic between Arba Minch and the Oromia highlands.
Getting There
Kele is reached by road from Arba Minch, running around the eastern side of Lake Abaya, or from the Addis Ababa–Moyale highway by turning west near Bule Hora. Both approaches climb steeply and are slow. The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Arba Minch.
FAQ
Where is Amaro Zone?
In the South Ethiopia Region, in the Amaro Mountains on the eastern shore of Lake Abaya.
What is the capital of Amaro Zone?
Kele, projected at about 23,100 people for 2022.
When did Amaro become a zone?
In August 2023, when the South Ethiopia Region was created. It had been the Amaro special woreda, and from 2011 part of the Segen Area Peoples Zone.
How many woredas are in Amaro Zone?
Three: Gorka, Sarmale and the Kele town administration.
What language is spoken in Amaro?
Koorete, spoken as a first language by 97.36 per cent of residents. The zone is also known as Koore Zone after its people.
What is the highest point in Amaro Zone?
Mount Dello, at 3,600 metres.