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General Information

Rapid population growth and development is an international as well as a national concern.  The estimated population of Ethiopia is 61.7 million in 1991. It is now over 72 million. This makes Ethiopia the 3rd most densely populated country in Africa.  The annual population growth for Ethiopia is about 3 percent.

Ethiopia, with a per capita GNNP of only $120 is probably the poorest country in the world.  The Ethiopian infant mortality rate is 168 per 1000 (sixth highest in the world) and life expectancy is only 41 years. The country does not have the resources to immediately provide all the required health services.

The SNNPRG has a population of 11.6 million in 1999. According to the CSA in 1994 over 93% of the population inhabits the rural areas.  The SNNPRG has the highest population density in the country with 95 per square Kilometer.

46% of the women in the region are between the ages of 15 and 45. The population of youth who are under the age 15 is just under 50%. Only 2-4% of the population is over the age 65. The total population of working age (15-64) is 51%.

It is reported that the maternal mortality rate is approximately 50 – 70 / 1000 live births for the region. The infant mortality rate (IMR) is 168/1000 live births and the child mortality rate  is 189/1000 live births.  The reproductive fertility rate of (7.16) children per women is reported to be the highest fertility rate in the country.

The Wolaitta area

Wolaitta is situated in the Southern Nations – Nationalities and Peoples Regional Government (S.N.N.P.R.G.).  

Location: Soddo is 400 Kilometers south of Addis Ababa in a mountainous region with beautiful weather at 7,400 feet elevation. Soddo, the town, is in the middle of the Wolaitta provience.

Language: English is spoken by the educated hospital staff, Amharic, is the official language of Ethiopia and is spoken by many. In the Wolaitta area alone about 14 languages are spoken.

Climate: Soddo, at about 7,400 feet elevation, rests on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. Misty green mountains hedge the city, and the climate is moderate and pleasant. October through April is the driest and hottest season, with temperatures ranging from 52 to 80 degree Fahrenheit. May to September is more moderate, with temperatures reaching 70 degrees. Two rainy seasons occur: February to March and May to September.

Religion: Animism and Orthodox Christianity are the primary religions. SIM evangelical Christians now have over 950 churches and over 120 evangelists in other areas of Ethiopia. Muslims have targeted Ethiopia and this area specifically.

Time difference: +7 hours daylight saving time (Central time zone)