Idjwi
Idjwi, in the central-southern region of Lake Kivu
Idjwi is located in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Idjwi
Idjwi
Geography
LocationLake Kivu
Coordinates02°06′18″S 29°03′36″E / 2.10500°S 29.06000°E / -2.10500; 29.06000
Area340 km2 (130 sq mi)
Length70 km (43 mi)
Highest pointNyamusisi
Administration
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Demographics
Population250,000 (2009)
Pop. density700/km2 (1800/sq mi)
Ethnic groupsHavu (Bany'Idjwi)

Idjwi, or Ijwi, is an inland island in Lake Kivu which forms part of South Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At 70 km (43 mi) in length and with an area of 340 km2 (131 sq mi), it is the second-largest lake island in Africa and the tenth largest in the world.[lower-alpha 1] Idjwi is roughly equidistant between the Congo and Rwanda, with 10 to 15 kilometres (6 to 9 mi) separating its western shore from the DRC mainland and a similar distance between its eastern shore and the coastline of Rwanda. The island's southern tip, however, lies only 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) from a promontory of the Rwandan coast.

History

Historically a clan-based Bahavu society, Idjwi island became a kingdom in the late 18th century (roughly between 1780 and 1840).[1]

Demographics

In 2013, the island was estimated to have a population of 252,000, mostly Havus, with a small Pygmy minority. This is a massive increase from the estimated population of 50,000 in 1983.

Malnutrition is common, especially among children, and almost all of the population is dependent on subsistence agriculture.

References

  1. ↑ Ukerewe Island in neighbouring Lake Victoria is considerably bigger than Idjwi, at 530 km2 (205 sq mi).

Citations

  1. ↑ Newbury, David S. (1991). Kings and Clans: Ijwi Island and the Lake Kivu Rift, 1780-1840. Univ of Wisconsin Press. p. 239. ISBN 9780299128944.
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