FDRE States-Basic Information, Beneshangul and Gumuz

 The State of Benishangul - Gumuz
 
The Constitution of the State
Major Economic Activities
Topography and Climate
Location
Tourism and Heritage
Population
Area / Sq. Km.
Investment
Rivers and Lakes
Minerals
Livestock
Fauna
 

The State of Benishangul Gumuz comprises 3 administrative zones, made up of 19 woredas out of which two are special woredas (Pawi and Tongo) and 33 Kebeles. Amharic is the working language of the State.

CAPITAL CITY

LOCATION The State of Benishangul Gumuz is located in the north-western part of Ethiopia. The State shares common boundaries in the west with the Sudan, in the north-east with the State of Amhara, in the east and south with the State of Oromia. AREA The State of Benishangul Gumuz has an estimated area size of 51,000 square kilometers. POPULATION According to the 1994 census, the population was estimated at 460,459 of which 233,013 were males and 227,446 were females. Rural population was 424,432, while the urban population was 36,027. MAJOR ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES Farming and cattle breeding are predominant occupations in the State. Millet, Sorghum, Teff, Coffee and Mango are among the major agricultural products. Primitive gold mining, which requires intensive labor and non-sustainable forest dependent activities such as charcoal and fire wood production are other means of livelihood for the region's population. TOPOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE The State has three types of climatic zones: "kola", "dega", and "woyna dega". About 75% of the State classified as "kola" (law lands) which is below 1500 meters above sea level. The altitude ranges form 550 to 2,500 meters above sea level. The average annual temperature reaches from 20-250C. During the hottest months (January - May) it reaches a 28 - 340C. The annual minimum and maximum mean temperature registered at Asosa for the last 26 years is 12.40C and 27.80C respectively. The annual rainfall amount ranges from 500-1800mm. The amount of rain fall registered at Assosa is 1056.2 mm. The rainy season spreads through May to October. RIVERS AND LAKES There are two river basins, Abay and Baro Akobo. The rivers found in these basins include Dabus, Yabus, Dura, Juila and Beles. These rivers have potentials for irrigation, water supply, and mini-hydro electric power generation. These rivers are the main tributaries of the Blue Nile. Dubus river is studied for its utilization as a source of hydro-electric power. LIVESTOCK According to 1996/97 censusration conducted by the State's agricultural bureau, the State has 253,703 cattle, 24,318 pack animals (donkey, mule, horse), 102,290 sheep, 240,848 goat, and 505,412 poultry. FAUNA Wild animals such as lion, cheetah (Abo Shemane) elphant, antelope, bufflao, warthog, bushbuck, and duiker are found in the State. Even though there is high potential there is no reserved hunting area, wild life sanctuary or park in the state. MINERALS The State is rich in gold, copper, zink, base metal, marble resources. Artisan mining is considered as part of the natives of the region. INVESTMENT From November 1994 up to now (November 1998), 39 investment certificates with a capital of 332 million Birr have been awarded in the region. Of these 30 have started functioning. The 332 million Birr have been awarded in the State. Of these 30 have started functioning. The remaining are in construction and preparatory phases. Agriculture is the sector, which attracted 30 investors with the biggest share of the total capital. The other investment sectors include hotel, mining (marble), natural gum and incense, and metal and wood works. Two investors are involved in the production of natural gum and incense on an area of more than 80,000 hectares. Two modern hotels and one metal and woodworks industry have begun work in Assosa town. The investment projects will create a job opportunity for 23,126 persons in the region.
 

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