Idjwi

Idjwi, or Ijwi, is an island in Lake Kivu belonging to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the Sud-Kivu province. 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.[1] Idjwi is roughly equidistant between the DRC 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 from a promontory of the Rwandan coast.

Idjwi

Idjwi, in the central-southern region of Lake Kivu
Idjwi
Geography
Location	Lake Kivu
Coordinates	2.165851°S 29.056091°E / -2.165851; 29.056091
Area	340 km^2 (130 sq mi)
Length	70 km (43 mi)
Highest point	Nyamusisi
Administration
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Demographics
Population	250,000 (2009)
Pop. density	700/km^2 (1,800/sq mi)
Ethnic groups	Havu (Bany'Idjwi)

History

Historically a clan-based Bahavu society, Idjwi island became a kingdom in the late 18th century (roughly between 1780 and 1840).[2]

Demographics

In 2013, the island was estimated to have a population of 252,000. 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. Retrieved 4 June 2007. Ukerewe Island in neighbouring Lake Victoria is considerably bigger than Idjwi, at 530 km² (205 sq mi).
2. Newbury, David S. (1991). Kings and Clans: Ijwi Island and the Lake Kivu Rift, 1780-1840. Univ of Wisconsin Press. p. 239. ISBN 9780299128944.