Uganda
The Pearl of Africa
Lush. Diverse. Extraordinary. Winston Churchill's Pearl of Africa is a land of mountain gorillas, the mighty Nile, fertile soils, and 49 million people full of potential. This is Uganda.
49M+
Population
One of the youngest and fastest-growing populations in the world
241,038
sq km
Uganda's total land area, roughly the size of the United Kingdom
56
Ethnic Groups
Diverse cultures united under the Pearl of Africa
60%
Under 25
Uganda's extraordinarily young demographic
135,000
sq km of water
Including Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake
1,000+
Mountain Gorillas
Over half the world's mountain gorillas live in Uganda
A Country of Extraordinary Gifts
Uganda sits at the heart of East Africa, straddling the equator and bordering six countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan. Landlocked but by no means isolated, Uganda is positioned at the crossroads of a region home to over 300 million people.
The country is divided into four regions — Northern, Eastern, Western, and Central — each with its own distinct culture, languages, and landscape. From the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to the expansive savannahs of the north, from the crater lakes of the west to the shores of Lake Victoria in the south, Uganda's geography is as varied as its people.
Uganda gained independence from Britain on 9 October 1962. Since then, it has known turbulence and resilience in equal measure. The country today is governed as a presidential republic, with a Parliament, an independent Judiciary, and a rich web of local government structures that reach into every village.
Uganda's population is among the fastest-growing and youngest in the world. Over 60% of Ugandans are under the age of 25 — a demographic dividend that, if properly educated and employed, could transform the country within a generation. The challenge and the opportunity are both immense.
Two Ways to Learn More
Go deeper into Uganda's story. Learn about its strengths and what needs to change, or find out how your government works and what services you can access.
Uganda's Strengths & What Must Change
Discover what makes Uganda extraordinary: its biodiversity, its people and its agricultural potential. Then honestly examine the challenges that must be overcome for the country to fulfill its promise.
Read About UgandaGovernment, Leaders & Local Services
Learn how Uganda's government is structured, who your national leaders are, how the Local Council system works, and exactly what documents you need to access government services at every level.
Know Your Country