About Uganda
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is bordered by Sudan, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Sadly, Uganda is remembered for the brutal dictatorship of Idi Amin from 1971-1979.
- Most of the country is plateau rimmed by mountains
- Colonial boundaries created by Britain incorporated a wide range of people groups, each with their own language and culture
- Obtained independence from the United Kingdom on October 9, 1962
- Population of 33 million is growing at the 3rd fastest rate in the world, approximately 3.6% per year
- Capital city: Kampala
- Natural resources include: fertile soil, copper, gold, and other minerals, and recently discovered oil
- Prime export: coffee
- Currency: Ugandan Shilling (3000 UGX to 1 pound) 52% of the people live below the poverty line of $1.25 per day (roughly 2,900 Ugandan Shillings)
- Approximately 80% of the population is engaged in agriculture
- Life expectancy: 52 years
- Official languages: English, Luganda and Swahili
- 67% of the population is literate
