The Sidama people are one of the Cushitic speaking people living in the North Eastern Africa in what is today's south Ethiopia. 

The population is over four million. 

The Sidama people share cultural, linguistic, and historical ties with the majority of the people in the Horn of Africa.

Sidama country is bordered by Oromia, Wolayata and Gedeo nations. Sidamaland lies between 4500 ft. to 10,000 ft. of altitude. A significant part of the land involves highland and midland plateaus. There are also lowlands stretching into the East African Great Rift Valley. Major rivers in and around Sidama include, Loggita, Gannale, Kolla and Gidawo. Lake Hawaasa (Awassa), and lake Abayya are the biggest lakes in the Rift Valley. 

Lake Hawaasa

Such a variety of land terrain, people, fauna and flora compelled Weedekend to suggest 'Sidam[a] citizens enjoy the reputation of being the beautiful people of a beautiful country'.

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