Central Ethiopia

The Central Ethiopia Regional State is a regional state in Ethiopia. It was formed from the northern part of the then Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) on 19 August 2023. Its formation was affected when the South Ethiopia Regional State was established after a successful referendum from the former SNNPR. The largest ethnic groups in the region are the Gurage and Hadiya, constituting 70 percent of the region’s population, and the president hails from the Gurage people.

The following list shows founding and newly established Zones and Special Woreda in Central Ethiopia Regional State.

No.	Zone/Special Woreda	Seat
1	East Gurage Zone	Butajira
2	Gurage Zone	Welkite
3	Hadiya Zone	Hosaena
4	Halaba Zone	Halaba Kulito
5	Kembata Zone	Durame
6	Siltʼe Zone	Worabe
7	Yem Zone	Saja
8	Kebena Special Woreda	Wosherbe
9	Mareko Special Woreda	Koshe
10	Tembaro Special Woreda	Mudula

Welkite

This town in the Gurage Zone is known for its vibrant markets, where visitors can experience the local culture and trade. Welkite is also a gateway to the Gurage people’s traditional villages, providing opportunities for cultural immersion and interaction.

Sodo

Sodo is the administrative center of the Gurage Zone and offers a glimpse into Gurage culture and lifestyle. The town itself is bustling with activity, and visitors can explore local markets, sample traditional cuisine, and interact with friendly locals.

Tiya

Tiya is an archaeological site in central Ethiopia. It is located in the Soddo woreda, in the Gurage Zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region south of Addis Ababa.It is best known for its archaeological site its large stone pillars, many of which bear some form of decoration. The archeological site was designated a World Heritage Site in 1980, due to the unique nature of these monolithic monuments.