The Southern Nations and Nationalities People’s Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia is the home of distinct people groups. Formed in 1992 by the merger of 5 regions within the country, the Sidama and Weylayta people make up the largest demographic, but as the name implies, there are over 45 ethnicities that call this region home. SNNPR borders Kenya and the Sudan on the south and the Oromia and Gambela regions within Ethiopia to the north and northeast.
This large region accounts for nearly 45% of Ethiopia’s coffee production, and each coffee growing area with this large region carries its own distinctive terroir. Some of the more well-known regions/zones are Sidama, Yirgacheffe, Kochere, Wolayta, and Bench Maji.