Jimma is a city in Western Ethiopia. Historically, it was a lively market town that attracted all of Ethiopia's diverse ethnic groups as well as people from neighboring kingdoms, buying coffee, perfume and other products.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
In 2022, Jimma was home to about 207,000 people. The three largest ethnic groups in Jimma are the Oromo (80%), the Amhara (17%) and the Dawro (1%); all other ethnic groups make up 2% of the population. Amharic and Afan Oromo are each spoken by a plurality of inhabitants. The most popular religion practiced in Jimma is Islam, followed by Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and Protestantism. What now lies in Jimma's northern suburbs was Jiren, the capital of a late 19th century Oromo kingdom.
Within the city limits people take bajajs (similar to tuktuks) or “line taxis” that are converted mini vans.
A few buildings have survived from the time of the Jimma Kingdom, including the Aba Jifar Palace. Aba Jifar Palace (in the north end of town), ☏ +251 98 813 9955. (updated May 2018) Jimma Museum (Muuziyemii Jimmaa), ☏ +251 91 700 8113. (updated May 2018) 1 Coffee Pot Monument. A big sculpture of an Ethiopian coffee pot. (updated May 2018) Lake Boye (Boye Dam). Of particular interest to birdwatchers. Birdlife at the lake and on its marshy fringes include little grebes, white pelicans and a variety of ducks. Can be explored in a half-day trip from Jimma. (updated May 2018)
Jimma University Mini Stadium, at the southern end of Jimma University. With a capacity of 50,000, the stadium is the biggest sports venue in Jimma. The Mini Stadium is mainly used to host football matches, though athletics (track and field) events are held as well. Jimma Aba Jifar F.C. play their home games in the Ethiopian Premier League. Graduation ceremonies for college students are also held here. (updated May 2020)
Biqilti Jimma Cafe. (updated May 2018) 1 Melat Pastry. (updated Sep 2018)
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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