e miles within its borders, Uganda is in geographic terms approximately as large as the State of Oregon. Uganda's population in 1991 according to the census taken in that year was 16.6 million, which makes it in terms of population about the size of the State of New York. In terms of population, also, Uganda is one of the world's fastest growing countries. At least, Uganda has been one of the fastest growing nations. The AIDS pandemic, however, may threaten such growth.
In 1991, the population density in Uganda was 190 persons per square mile. The country's crude death rate was 22.1 persons per 1,000 persons. The death rate had been declining since 1960 at the rate of 1.5 percent per year; however, AIDS has reversed this trend in the 1990s. The country's crude birth rate per 1,000 persons was 49 persons. The total fertility rate for Uganda 7.0, which is far above average for countries in its developmental classification.
Approximately 50 percent of the country's population is in the work force age 15 through 64 years. Between 1990 and 2000, the country's work force is projected to grow at the rate of 3.3 percent per annum, a factor which will significantly stress the economy. In 1991, the per capita income in Uganda was the equivalent of US$170, a decline of 32 percent since 1987.
Uganda's chief crops are coffee, cotton, tea, corn, bananas, and sugar. The country's primary mineral production is in copper and cobalt. Livestock production is also significant to the country's economy.
Uganda has a positive export import balance. The country's leading export partners are the United States (the destination of 27 percent of Uganda's exports) and the United Kingdom (18 percent). Uganda's leading import partners are Kenya (the source of 24 percent of Uganda's imports) and the United Kingdom (17 percent). Trade between Uganda and its East African neighbors is minimal.
Urbanization has proceeded in Uganda at a fast...