# Irgalem

> place in Ethiopia

**Wikidata**: [Q2189137](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2189137)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irgalem)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/irgalem

## Summary

Irgalem, also known by multiple aliases including Yirga Alem, Yirgalem, and Yirga-Alem, is a city located in the Sidama Region of Ethiopia. It serves as the capital of Dale and sits at an elevation of 1,776 metres above sea level. According to the 2007 census, Irgalem has a population of 30,348 residents.

## Key Facts

- **Classification**: City (large human settlement)
- **Country**: Ethiopia
- **Region**: Sidama Region
- **Administrative Role**: Capital of Dale
- **Population**: 30,348 (2007 census)
- **Elevation**: 1,776 metres above sea level
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 6.75, Longitude 38.41666667
- **Aliases**: Yirga Alem, Yirgalem, Irgalem, Yirga-Alem
- **Wikipedia Title**: Irgalem
- **Wikipedia Language Coverage**: 16 languages (Amharic, Egyptian Arabic, Cebuano, English, French, Hebrew, Croatian, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Swedish, Swahili, Zulu)
- **Sitelink Count**: 16
- **Geonames ID**: 325780
- **GNS Unique Feature ID**: -622378
- **Who's On First ID**: 421201463
- **Beta Maṣāḥǝft ID**: LOC6393YergaA
- **OpenWeatherMap City ID**: 325780
- **Freebase ID**: /m/07nv6j

## FAQs

**What are the different names for Irgalem?**
Irgalem is known by several aliases including Yirga Alem, Yirgalem, and Yirga-Alem. These variant names are used interchangeably across different sources and languages.

**Where is Irgalem located?**
Irgalem is situated in the Sidama Region of Ethiopia at coordinates 6.75° latitude and 38.41666667° longitude. The city stands at an elevation of 1,776 metres above sea level.

**What is the population of Irgalem?**
According to the 2007 census, Irgalem has a population of 30,348 residents. This figure was determined through an official census enumeration.

**What administrative role does Irgalem serve?**
Irgalem functions as the capital of Dale, serving as the administrative centre for this subdivision within the Sidama Region of Ethiopia.

## Why It Matters

Irgalem holds significance as an administrative centre within Ethiopia's Sidama Region, serving as the capital of Dale. Its elevated position at 1,776 metres above sea level places it within Ethiopia's highland geography, characteristic of the region's distinctive topography. The city's presence across 16 different Wikipedia language editions demonstrates its international recognition and the global interest in Ethiopian urban centres. As a documented settlement with a population exceeding 30,000 residents (as of 2007), Irgalem represents one of the established urban communities in the Sidama Region, contributing to the area's social and economic landscape.

## Notable For

- Serving as the administrative capital of Dale in the Sidama Region
- Maintaining a substantial population of over 30,000 residents according to the 2007 census
- Distinctive highland elevation of 1,776 metres above sea level
- Recognition across 16 different language editions of Wikipedia
- Multiple documented name variants reflecting linguistic diversity in the region
- Presence in multiple international geographic databases including Geonames, GNS, and Who's On First

## Body

### Geography and Location

Irgalem is positioned at coordinates 6.75° latitude and 38.41666667° longitude within the Sidama Region of Ethiopia. The city's elevation stands at 1,776 metres above sea level, placing it within Ethiopia's characteristic highland terrain. This elevated position influences the local climate and environmental conditions typical of the Ethiopian highlands.

### Administrative Function

The city serves as the capital of Dale, functioning as an administrative centre within Ethiopia's regional governmental structure. Dale is a subdivision (woreda) within the Sidama Region, and Irgalem's role as its capital positions it as a hub for local governance and administrative activities in the area.

### Demographics

According to the 2007 census, Irgalem has a recorded population of 30,348 residents. This census figure represents the official population count determined through systematic enumeration by Ethiopian statistical authorities. The census methodology employed a standard determination approach for establishing the population figure.

### Nomenclature and Linguistic Variants

The city is recognized under multiple names and spellings, including Yirga Alem, Yirgalem, Irgalem, and Yirga-Alem. These variant names reflect the transliteration differences and linguistic characteristics associated with Ethiopian place names. The multiple aliases demonstrate the city's documentation across various linguistic and administrative systems.

### Digital Presence and Documentation

Irgalem maintains presence across numerous international databases and reference systems:

- **Geonames ID**: 325780
- **GNS Unique Feature ID**: -622378
- **Who's On First ID**: 421201463
- **Beta Maṣāḥǝft ID**: LOC6393YergaA
- **OpenWeatherMap City ID**: 325780
- **Freebase ID**: /m/07nv6j

The city's Wikipedia article (titled "Irgalem") exists in 16 different language editions, including Amharic (am), Egyptian Arabic (arz), Cebuano (ceb), English (en), French (fr), Hebrew (he), Croatian (hr), Italian (it), Dutch (nl), Polish (pl), Romanian (ro), Russian (ru), Serbo-Croatian (sh), Swedish (sv), Swahili (sw), and Zulu (zu). This multilingual presence indicates international interest and documentation of the city across diverse cultural and linguistic communities.

### Classification

Irgalem is classified as a city, defined as a large human settlement. This classification places it within the category of established urban centres with significant population concentration and developed infrastructure relative to smaller settlements in the region.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. GeoNames