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Facts about Uganda

The Ugandan flag was adopted in 1962. The black identifies Uganda as a black nation of Africa, the yellow represents the abundant sunshine Uganda enjoys being situated on the equator, and the red represents Uganda's brotherhood with the rest of Africa and the world.

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Nickname: 'Pearl of Africa'

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Population: 37 million

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Age: Almost 50% of the population are under the age of 15 years

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Life Expectancy: 54 years for men and 55 years for women

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Gross National Income per person: 510 US dollars

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Capital: Kampala

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Current President: Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (in office since 1982)

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Currency: UGX Ugandan Shilling

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Offical Languages: English, Swahilli (multiple other languages are also spoken in more rural areas)

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Time: GMT+3

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Religion: Predominantly Christian with a Muslim minority

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Ethnic Groups: Over 40 ethnic groups live in Uganda. The Baganda form the largest ethnic group, comprising almost 17% of the population. 

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Dress: Modesty in dress applies equally to both men and women. Many women will wear a traditional dress called Busuuti.

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Food: Traditional and modern cooking styles with English, Arab, Asian and Indian influences. 

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Climate: Tropical, generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to February and June to August). Average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius in June/July.

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The crested crane is the national bird of Uganda and adorns the center of the flag. The crane stands on one leg facing the flag pole. The raised leg symbolizes that Uganda is not stationary but moving forward.

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