Uganda is a land-locked East Central African nation near the equator.
 

It is about the size of Oregon.
 

It has a population of about 40 million. 
 

Uganda is one of the youngest populations in the world.  Fifty-five percent of the population is under the age of 18.  Only two percent are over the age of 65.  The average life-span is 54 for men, 55 for women.
 

The gross national per person income is $510 U.S., or $1.39 per day.
 

Most Ugandans live in small mud and straw houses with corrugated tin roofs.
 

English is the official language.  Luganda is the native language.
 

Over 60 percent of the people are Catholic or Protestant.  The remainder are Muslim or Hindu.
 

While poor, Uganda is considered a safe, stable and secure nation.  It has a strong central leader who has held office since 1986.
 

Uganda is called the Pearl of Africa.  It is the second largest producer of bananas in the world.
 

Their favorite food is the Rolex -- a chapati (think soft taco) filled with scrambled eggs, vegetables and sausage.
 

Motorcycles--called Boda Boda’s--are Uganda’s taxis.
 

Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile River, and Murchison Falls, the world’s most powerful waterfall, are in Uganda. The nation is home to over half of all Mountain Gorillas in the world, and more Chimpanzees that any other East African nation, making it a favorite safari destination.