Uíge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Uíge
Wizidi
Carmona
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Municipality and town
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Main street in Uíge
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 Uíge
Location in Angola
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| Country |  Angola |
| Province | Uíge Province |
| Founded | 1946 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1,188 km2 (459 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 858 m (2,815 ft) |
| Population
(mid 2020)
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| • Total | 616,605 |
| • Density | 519.03/km2 (1,344.3/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
| Climate | Aw |
Uíge (also known as Wizidi or Wizi in the Kikongo language) is an important city in northwestern Angola. It is the capital of the Uíge Province. The city of Uíge had a population of about 322,531 people in 2014. The larger area around it, called the municipality, had about 519,196 people in 2014.
Uíge started as a small market town in 1945. It grew quickly and became a city in 1956. Today, it has its own airport, the Uíge Airport, with daily flights to Luanda, the capital of Angola.
Contents
Understanding Uíge's Name
Uíge has had different names over time. In 1955, it was renamed Vila Marechal Carmona. This name honored Óscar Carmona, who was a former president of Portugal. Later, when it became a city, its name was shortened to just Carmona. However, in 1975, the city's name was changed back to Uíge.
A Glimpse into Uíge's Past
Uíge's Role in Coffee Production
During the time when Portugal ruled Angola, Uíge became a very important center for growing coffee. This was especially true in the 1950s. Coffee was a major product for the region.
Uíge and the Fight for Independence
The city of Uíge was also a key place for groups who wanted Angola to be independent from Portugal. It was a central point for activities against Portuguese rule. Because of this, there were often conflicts in the city between Portuguese forces and the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA), a group fighting for independence.
Notable Events in Uíge's History
In 2005, Uíge experienced a serious health challenge. There was an outbreak of the Marburg virus, which is a type of fever. Local and international health organizations worked together to control the situation.
On February 10, 2017, an unfortunate event happened at the 4 January Stadium in Uíge. During a football match, a crowd surge occurred. This incident led to the deaths of 17 people and injured 58 others.
Uíge's Growing Population
Uíge has been growing rapidly. In 2010, the city's population was around 119,815 people. By 2014, it had grown significantly to 322,531 people. Experts predicted that Uíge would be one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa between 2020 and 2025. Its population was expected to grow by about 5.92% each year during that period.
See also
In Spanish: Uíge para niños
