Awi in Ethiopia

People Name:	Awi
Country:	Ethiopia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	1,046,000
World Population:	1,046,000
Primary Language:	Awngi
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	96.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.23 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Ethio-Semitic
Affinity Bloc:	Horn of Africa Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Awngi language is spoken by the Awi people, who live mainly in Awi Zone in Amhara Region, but also in Dangur District of Metekel Zone of Benishangul Gumuz Region and in Q'uara and Alefa Districts of North Gonder Zone of Amhara Region in Northern Ethiopia. The North Gonder Zone Awis have previously been called Kunfäl. Awis are predominantly farmers (using a plow) and very similar in culture to Amharas. The North Gonder Zone Awis, however, are very different in culture to the rest of the group. There are three subgroups: the Awigna, the Himtigna and the Kimantigna.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Awis are strongly Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and very resistant to any form of Protestant Christianity. The Awi people accepted Orthodox Christianity hundred of years ago, and therefore they have integrated it into their culture.