Uganda
Africa · Eastern Africa
Overview
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa, straddling the Equator, once described by Winston Churchill as the "Pearl of Africa" for its lush green hills, lakes, and extraordinarily rich wildlife. A significant stretch of the Nile's source region lies within the country, and the landscape ranges from tropical rainforest through savanna to the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. Traditions from more than forty ethnic groups create a diverse cultural backdrop, and with relatively modest tourist numbers, Uganda remains one of Africa's less-visited yet more authentic wildlife destinations.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to nearly half of the world's mountain gorilla population and is one of Uganda's best-known destinations thanks to its gorilla trekking experiences. The source of the Nile near the town of Jinja, where the river flows out of Lake Victoria, is a hub for river-based adventure sports, including whitewater rafting. Rwenzori Mountains National Park, also a UNESCO-protected area, shelters one of Africa's highest mountain ranges, whose peaks remain permanently snow-capped despite their equatorial location.
Queen Elizabeth National Park's diverse wildlife includes lions, elephants, hippos, and the rare tree-climbing lions, while boat trips along the Kazinga Channel offer excellent opportunities to view wildlife gathered along the water's edge. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park offers a more affordable yet equally striking encounter with primates compared to gorilla trekking. Local cuisine is built around matoke, steamed and mashed green bananas, and posho, a cornmeal porridge, traditionally served with stewed meat or a peanut-based sauce.
Flag
Uganda's flag was adopted in 1962, at the time of independence. It consists of six horizontal stripes, with black, yellow and red repeated twice. At the centre, within a white circle, is a grey crowned crane, the country's national bird and also a symbol that appears on military insignia. The bird is depicted standing on one leg, facing the flagpole.
Map
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Browse all UNESCO sites →Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located in south-western Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forests, Bwindi Park covers 32,000 ha and is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. Many types of birds and butterflies can also be found there, as well as many endangered species, including the mountain gorilla.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa's third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region's glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa's most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant heather.
Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi
The Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi constitute a site embracing almost 30 ha of hillside within Kampala district. Most of the site is agricultural, farmed by traditional methods. At its core on the hilltop is the former palace of the Kabakas of Buganda, built in 1882 and converted into the royal burial ground in 1884. Four royal tombs now lie within the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the main building, which is circular and surmounted by a dome. It is a major example of an architectural achievement in organic materials, principally wood, thatch, reed, wattle and daub. The site's main significance lies, however, in its intangible values of belief, spirituality, continuity and identity.
Data: UNESCO WHC · CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Uganda?
The capital of Uganda is Kampala.
What is the area of Uganda?
The area of Uganda is 241,550 km².
What is the population of Uganda?
The population of Uganda is 50,015,092.
What is the currency of Uganda?
The currency of Uganda is Ugandan shilling (UGX).
What is the official language of Uganda?
The official language of Uganda: English, Swahili.
What side of the road does Uganda drive on?
Uganda: Left-hand traffic.
Is Uganda a member of the United Nations?
Yes, Uganda is a member of the United Nations.