Based on the 2007 Census conducted by the CSA, this Zone has a total population of 199,314, of whom 101,059 are men and 98,255 women; 34,227 or 17.17% are urban inhabitants. The seven largest ethnic groups reported in this Zone were the Shakacho (32.41%), the Amhara (22.17%), the Kafficho (20.16%), the Oromo (7.39%), the Bench (5.23%), the Sheko (4.24%), and the Majang (1.73%); all other ethnic groups made up 6.67% of the population. Shakacho is spoken as a first language by 33.44%, 26.98% speak Amharic, 20.15% Kafa, 6.54% speak Oromo, 5.24% Bench, and 4.35% Sheko; the remaining 3.3% spoke all other primary languages reported. 39.93% were Protestants, 39.39% of the population said they practiced Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, 15.09% were Muslim, and 3.51% practiced traditional beliefs.[1]