Debub

Debub is a toponym meaning "south" in several languages of the Horn of Africa, notably Tigrinya and Amharic. It is used in both Eritrea and Ethiopia to designate southern geographic zones or regions within larger administrative structures.

In Eritrea, Debub refers to the Debub Region, commonly translated as the Southern Region. It is one of Eritrea's administrative regions and lies in the central-southern part of the country, featuring a mix of highland and lowland landscapes. The regional capital is Mendefera, and the region includes a variety of rural communities and historic towns. The name reflects the region’s position relative to other parts of Eritrea.

In Ethiopia, Debub is used to designate a zone within the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR). The Debub Zone covers southern portions of the broader region and maintains its own local administrative authorities under the regional government. The usage of Debub in Ethiopian toponyms follows the common practice of naming zones and districts by cardinal directions, a pattern seen in other parts of the country’s administrative geography.

Across both countries, Debub appears in numerous place names and can be encountered in maps, signage, and historical documents. The term does not denote a single political entity across borders but rather a directional naming convention that has persisted through various administrative changes.

See also Debub Region (Eritrea); Debub Zone (Ethiopia).