Quick Facts
- Uganda has a population of 42.86 million.
- The country shares its borders with five other countries: Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Uganda’s literacy rate for 2012 was 70.20%, a 3.01% decline from 2010. The average literacy rate is 85.3% for men and 71.5% for women.
- About 80% of Ugandans depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
- The poverty rate in Uganda as of 2016 was high, with over 87% of the population living on only $5.50 per day.
- Uganda is the second largest landlocked country in the entire world.
- The women of Uganda traditionally build the homes. They’re responsible for constructing the walls of mud houses while men construct the roofs.
Uganda
236 libraries established
Uganda, officially known as the Republic of Uganda, is one of the youngest countries on Earth with half of its population under the age of 14. Although control of the country passed to the British Colonial Office in 1905, Uganda was never fully colonized. The transfer of power to local Ugandans began around 1921 and Uganda became fully independent in 1962. However, the country struggled following the ascent of dictator Idi Amin who was in office until 1979. Following this turbulent time, Uganda has seen growth, albeit slow-paced, driven by agriculture and information and communication technology.
Education in Uganda: Uganda recognizes education is a human right and provides free primary education to children. However, there continue to be problems with teacher training and competency, funding, resources like books and libraries, and inadequate facilities to teach. This has inhibited the educational development in the country along with children’s literacy rates. As of 2019, African Library Project works in Uganda. Our partners in Uganda are enjuba and the Firm Foundation Education Trust.
Learn More About The Regions We Serve
Kenya
To walk the land of Kenya is to walk the history of humankind. Did you know some of the earliest fossils of prehistoric humans have been discovered in Kenya? A former British colony, Kenya achieved independence in 1963. Since then, the country has seen vast economic growth both in agriculture and technology.
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Uganda
Uganda, officially known as the Republic of Uganda, is one of the youngest countries on earth with half of its population under the age of 14. Although control of the country passed to the British Colonial Office in 1905, Uganda was never fully colonized.
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Botswana
Botswana, a former British protectorate, gained independence in 1966. The country’s economy depended primarily on livestock until the 1970s when Botswana became a major exporter of diamonds. Currently, Botswana has one of the most successful economies and stable democracies in Africa.
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Lesotho
Lesotho is a tiny country nestled in the middle of South Africa. Founded as a kingdom in the 1820s, Lesotho was a British protectorate for almost 100 years before regaining independence in 1966. Today, the country is one of the world’s smallest constitutional monarchies known for its beauty and unique culture. Since 2000, primary school education in Lesotho is free and as a result, enrollment has increased.
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Malawi
Known as “The Warm Heart of Africa”, The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country with a population of 18.7 million. The history of Malawi goes back to the 10th century, when the area was first settled. Today, Malawi is one of Africa’s poorest and most densely populated nations. Malawi’s economy is based on agriculture. Maize (corn) is the country’s main staple food while tea, coffee and sugar are some of its biggest exports.
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South Africa
South Africa (pop. 60.1 million) gained its independence in 1910. There are eleven official languages including IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, Sotho, Afrikaans, and English, the most common languages. South Africa is roughly one-eighth the size of the United States or five times larger than Britain.
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Ghana
Previously an African Empire and then a British colony, Ghana gained independence from the UK in 1957. It was the first sub-Saharan nation to achieve autonomy from colonial rule. Ghana was also the first place in sub-Saharan Africa where Europeans arrived to trade - first in gold, later in slaves. Archaeological evidence shows that humans have lived in present-day Ghana from about 1500 BC. Today, Ghana is a model of democracy for the continent and the world.
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Sierra Leone
According to archeological findings, people have been residing in the Sierra Leone for at least 2,500 years. In the sixteenth century Sierra Leone was a very important center for the transatlantic slave trade. However the country’s involvement with the slave trade ended in 1787 after Freetown was established by repatriated former slaves. Due to its rough beginnings, over 70% of the population in Sierra Leone lives under the poverty line.
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