Finote Selam

Finote Selam is a town and a separate woreda situated in the Mirab Gojjam Zone of the Amhara Region in western Ethiopia. It is located approximately 387 km by road from Addis Ababa and 176 km from Bahir Dar, with an elevation of 1917 meters above sea level. The town's name, "Finote Selam," meaning "Pacific Road," was given by Emperor Haile Selassie during the Italian invasion of Ethiopia, replacing its former name, Wojet. It currently serves as the capital city of the West Gojjam Zone.According to the 2007 national census, Finote Selam had a total population of 25,913, which was projected to increase to 55,567 by 2021 and 58,429 by 2022. The majority of its inhabitants, 95.91%, practice Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. The surrounding area, including Finote Selam and neighboring woredas, is recognized for its agricultural production, yielding crops such as teff, maize, peppers, beans, chickpeas, various fruits, and vegetables.The town is home to educational institutions like Damot Higher and Secondary School, Damot Preparatory school, Finote Selam Teachers College, and Finote Damot TVET College. While not extensively detailed for tourism, hotels such as Damot Hotel and Xtrem Hotel are mentioned. Historically, a hospital for lepers, Finote Selam Hospital, was established in 1964 with private funding. The town has also been a site of political demonstrations and, more recently, was impacted by a drone strike in August 2023. Notable individuals from Finote Selam include scientist Segenet Kelemu and artist Yehunie Belay.