Wolayta

The Wolayta, also spelled Welayta or Wolaitta, are an ethnic group and their language in southern Ethiopia. They are concentrated primarily in the Wolayita Zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR). They constitute one of the larger ethnic groups in the country.

The Wolaytta language is an Omotic language within the Afroasiatic family and is spoken as a first language by the Wolaytta people. It has several dialects and is written in local orthographies as well as Latin-based transcriptions in modern contexts.

Geographically, the Wolayta region features river valleys and highlands. The economy is largely agricultural, with enset as a staple crop and additional crops such as maize, sorghum, teff, and pulses. Livestock rearing is also common, supporting rural livelihoods.

Historically, the Wolayta maintained customary social and political structures. They became part of the Ethiopian state through historical expansion and integration, and in the contemporary federal system they are recognized within the SNNPR.

Religiously, the Wolayta are diverse. A significant portion practices Protestant Christianity, while others follow Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, Islam, or traditional beliefs. Cultural expression includes music, oral literature, and traditional dress, reflecting the region’s social and artistic traditions.