By Dwight Malone
Uganda is a landlocked African nation on the eastern part of the continent. Lake Victoria, the largest lake in
Africa, is a popular Uganda destination. One of the main tourism draws in Uganda is the mountain gorilla, because it is one of only three African nations where it can be seen. Two of Uganda's national parks are popular attractions for viewing these sought-after animals.
Culture and Language
Uganda is home to several different ethnic groups, and as such many different languages are spoken there. The official language is English, which is taught in schools. Among the native languages are Luganda and Ganda. Swahili was named as the second official language in 2005.
The Economy
Farming and agriculture are the leading industries in Uganda, with coffee accounting for the majority of the nation's money made from exports.
Climate
The weather in Uganda is similar to that of most equatorial regions, with tropical climates in most of the country. The southern portion of Uganda experiences two rainy seasons, in April and October. The northeast section of Uganda is considerably drier, with long periods of little precipitation.
Politics
Uganda was a former colony of the United Kingdom, declaring its freedom in 1962. The country is perhaps most notorious for former dictator Idi Amin, who in the 1970s oversaw a gruesome war that left more than 300,000 dead.
Religion
About 42 percent of Ugandans are Roman Catholic and about 36 percent are Anglican. Twelve percent of the population is Muslim.
About the Author:
Dwight Malone is a journalist who has worked for various Chicago-area newspapers, including the "Chicago Tribune" and "Naperville Sun." He has been a writer, editor and graphic designer since 2000. Malone studied journalism at Eastern Illinois University.
