Jijiga is the capital city of the Somali Region in Ethiopia. It was designated as the regional capital in 1995, succeeding Gode in that role. The city is situated in the Fafan Zone at an elevation of 1,634 metres above sea level.
Geographically, Jijiga is located approximately 75 kilometres west of the border with Somaliland. Historically, the city serves as the traditional seat of the Bartire Garad Wiil-Waal of the Jidwaaq Absame. The local international airport is named in honor of this figure.