Tigray is bordered by Eritrea to the north (independent from Ethiopia since 1993), Sudan to the west, the Ethiopian region of Afar to the east and the Ethiopian region of Amhara to the south. Besides Mek'ele, other major towns and cities in Tigray include Abiy Adi, Adigrat, Adwa, Aksum, Himora, Inda Selassie, Korem, Maychew, Wukro and Zalambessa.

History

For the history of the Tigray area prior to 1995, see Tigray Province.

In 1998, war erupted between Eritrea and Ethiopia over a portion of territory that had been administered at part of Tigray, which included the town of Badme. Following a 2002 United Nations decision, much of this land was awarded to Eritrea.

Demographics

Based on figures from the Central Statistical Agency (CSA) of Ethiopia published in 2005, Tigray has an estimated total population of 4,334,996, consisting of 2,136,000 men and 2,198,996 women. With an estimated area of 50,078.64 square kilometers, this region has an estimated density of 86.56 people per square kilometer.

According to the 1994 Census the state's population was 3,136,267, of which 1,542,165 were males and 1,594,102 were females. The urban residents of the region numbered 468, 478, and its rural residents 2,667,789. 95.5% of the population were Orthodox Christians, while 4.1% and 0.4% were Muslims and Catholics, respectively. The State is predominantly Tigrean, at 94.98% of the population, while 2.6% Amhara, 0.7% Erob, and 0.05% Kunama. Its working languge is Tigrigna.

Agriculture

The CSA estimated in 2005 that farmers in Tigray had a total of 2,713,750 cattle, 72,640 sheep, 208,970 goats, 1,200 horses, 9,190 mules, 386,600 asses, 32,650 camels, 3,180,240 poultry of all species, and 20,480 beehives.

Landmarks of Tigray

A distinctive feature of Tigray are its rock-hewn churches. Similar in design to those of Lalibela, these churches are found in four or five clusters -- Gheralta, Takatisfi, Atsbi and Tembien -- with Wukro sometimes included. Some of the churches are considered earlier than those of Lalibela, perhaps dating from the eighth century. Mostly monolithic, with designs partly inspired by classical architecture, they are often located at the top of cliffs or steep hills, for security. For example, Tigray's ancient Debre Damo monastery is accessible only by climbing a rope 25 meters up a sheer cliff.

Zones:

Mirabawi (Western) ;

Misraqawi (Eastern) ;

Mehakelegnaw (Central) ;

Debubawi (Southern).