One of nine regional states (or 'kililoch') created on the basis of a presumed common genealogy or common language by the revolutionist Ethiopian regime, a process which began on its assumption of power in 1991.
Region is dominated by Nilotic (indigeneous Nile-Valley) peoples who speak unique and rare languages, of which the Nuer language is most represented.
Refugees from South Sudan have moved into the region, and though not counted as Ethiopians, they make up more than half of the region's population.