Wenj Gefersa

Wenj Gefersa (also transliterated Wenji, Wonji) is a town in central Ethiopia. Located in the Misraq (East) Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region, this town has a latitude and longitude of coord|8|27|N|39|17|E with an elevation of 1588 meters above sea level.

Local landmarks include the Wenji Ye'itkilt Wana Mesreya church and the Wonji Sugar Plantation. A paper mill was opened in Wenji Gefersa in 1970.

Based on figures from the Central Statistical Agency in 2005, Wenji Gefersa has an estimated total population of 23,510 of whom 11,456 were males and 12,054 were females. [ [http://www.csa.gov.et/text_files/2005_national_statistics.htm CSA 2005 National Statistics] , Table B.4] The 1994 national census reported this town had a total population of 13,156 of whom 6,213 were males and 6,943 were females. This was a dramatic decrease from the 38,408 recorded in 1987. [http://130.238.24.99/library/resources/dossiers/local_history_of_ethiopia/vw/ORTWEN.pdf "Local History in Ethiopia"] (pdf) The Nordic Africa Institute website (accessed 19 November 2007)] It is one of five settlements in Adama woreda.

In the latter part of August 1968, approximately 2,000-4,000 workers from the plantation marched to Addis Ababa in a labor protest; they were met by military fire and several workers were killed.

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