The Oromo people are the largest Cushitic ethnic group, residing across East Africa and in diaspora communities worldwide. Today, they are found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, Tanzania, Rwanda, as well as in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. Predominantly, however, the Oromo live in Ethiopia, where they constitute more than half of the country’s population. They speak Afaan Oromo, the 3rd widely spoken language in Africa, and their religious affiliations include Christianity, Islam, and the traditional Oromo faith known as Waaqeffanna (or Waaqefata), which predates the introduction of the major world religions, Islam and Christianity. The Oromo also maintain an indigenous democratic governance system known as the Gadaa system—a distinctive institution in which leaders are elected every eight years from among five political leadership groups. 

 Language

• Afaan Oromoo: The Oromo speak the Oromo language, also known as Afaan Oromoo or Oromiffa. It is one of Africa's most widely spoken native languages and belongs to the Cushitic branch of the Afroasiatic language family.
• Suppression and revival: The language was suppressed in Ethiopia for many years until the ban was lifted in 1991, resulting in a revival and strengthening of the Oromo identity. 

Governance: The Gadaa system

• Traditional democracy: The Gadaa system is an indigenous democratic socio-political structure that served as the Oromo's traditional form of governance for centuries.
• Eight-year cycle: It is based on a complex age-grade system, with a leader (Abbaa Gadaa) and officials elected every eight years to oversee all aspects of society.
• Inclusivity: The system also has institutions, like the Siiqqee for women, to protect the rights of different social groups. The Gadaa system is a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

Religion

• Diverse beliefs: While traditionally practitioners of the indigenous Waaqeffanna religion, the Oromo have diversified their beliefs due to external influence and historical oppression. Today, most Oromo are either Muslim or Christian.
• Waaqeffanna: This indigenous monotheistic religion recognizes a supreme creator, Waaqa, and is characterized by a deep connection to nature and a strong moral code.
• Islam and Christianity: Turkish and Egyptian colonizers introduced Islam, while Ethiopian rulers and missionaries introduced Eastern Orthodox and later Protestant Christianity.