Uganda is located in Eastern Africa, and its capital is Kampala. It has a population of approximately 50,015,092 and covers an area of about 241,550 km². Its official currency is the Ugandan shilling (UGX).
What stands out
People & place
207 /km² across 241,550 km²
Uganda has a recorded population of 50,015,092 and a reported surface area of 241,550 km².
Economic snapshot
$53.91 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $53.91 billion and GDP per capita at $1,078 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Uganda is a landlocked nation in East Africa, famously called the Pearl of Africa for its lush landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity. Straddling the equator, it is home to half the world's mountain gorillas and to the source of the Nile. Green, fertile and youthful, it is one of Africa's most welcoming destinations.
Uganda sits on the East African plateau, sharing the vast Lake Victoria with its neighbours and giving rise to the White Nile at Jinja. Its terrain ranges from savanna and wetlands to the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and the forested slopes where gorillas live. The equatorial climate is mild and wet for much of the year.
Uganda is richly diverse, home to dozens of ethnic groups and traditional kingdoms such as Buganda, from which the country takes its name. English and Swahili are official languages, and the culture is known for vibrant music and dance, a passion for football, and warm hospitality.
Once organised into powerful kingdoms, the region became a British protectorate and gained independence in 1962. Uganda endured turbulent years under Idi Amin in the 1970s before achieving greater stability. Today it is known for conservation tourism and as a regional hub in East Africa.
Key facts
About half of all surviving mountain gorillas live in Uganda.
The White Nile begins its journey at Jinja, on Lake Victoria.
Winston Churchill called Uganda the Pearl of Africa.
It straddles the equator and contains part of Africa's largest lake.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Uganda has a recorded population of approximately 50,015,092 people.
How big is Uganda?
Uganda covers an area of about 241,550 km².
What is the population density of Uganda?
Uganda has a population density of roughly 207 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Uganda?
Uganda has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $53.91 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Uganda?
Uganda has a GDP per capita of approximately $1,078.
What currency is used in Uganda?
Uganda uses the Ugandan shilling (UGX), with the symbol USh.
Where is Uganda located?
Uganda is located in Eastern Africa, Africa.
What are people from Uganda called?
People from Uganda are referred to as Ugandan.
What is the phone calling code for Uganda?
The international dialing code for Uganda is +256.
What is the internet domain for Uganda?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Uganda is .ug.
What time zone is Uganda in?
Uganda uses the Africa/Kampala time zone.
What is Uganda known for?
Uganda is a landlocked nation in East Africa, famously called the Pearl of Africa for its lush landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity. Straddling the equator, it is home to half the world's mountain gorillas and to the source of the Nile. Green, fertile and youthful, it is one of Africa's most welcoming destinations.
Eastern Africa