Wikipedia
Alemaya (also transliterated Alem Maya; ) is a town in east-central Ethiopia. Located in the Misraq Hararghe Zone of the Oromia Region, the town has a latitude and longitude of with an elevation of 2047 meters above sea level.
Alemaya is 10km west of Harar, on the road to Dire Dawa. It is located on Lake Alemaya, a seasonal freshwater lake which supports a population of flamingo, as well as other birds.
Alemaya is home to Haramaya University (formerly Alemaya University). The University was originally established as an agricultural technical college, with assistance from Oklahoma State University. Although classes started 5 November 1956, the University was formally inaugurated by Emperor Haile Selassie 16 January 1958. By 1967 Alemaya had telephone service.
Based on figures from the Central Statistical Agency in 2005, Alemaya has an estimated total population of 15,317 of whom 7,796 are men and 7,521 are women. The 1994 national census reported this town had a total population of 8,560 of whom 4,228 were males and 4,332 were females. It is the largest of three towns in Haro Maya woreda.