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 in length and with an area of, it is the second-largest lake island in Africa and the tenth largest in the world. Idjwi is roughly equidistant between the Congo and Rwanda, with 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 from a promontory of the Rwandan coast. It is accessible via boat from Bukavu.

Culture

Historically a clan-based Bahavu society and Bashi tribe, Idjwi island became a kingdom in the late 18th century. Today, the island is split into two chiefdoms: Rubenga in the north, and Ntambuka in the south. Pygmies are found in both kingdoms, but moreso in Rubenga, where they do agricultural work for the chief.
Besides what is grown on the island, all goods must be ferried to Idjwi. Their primary crops are cassava, beans, coffee, and bananas. Its civic infrastructure is notably underdeveloped, and the population often suffers from infectious diseases such as malaria. However, its isolation has historically insulated it from the Kivu Conflict.

Demographics

95% of residents are Bahavu, with a notable minority of pygmies and Hutus. As a result, the most spoken language on the island is Kihavu, though Swahili is also widely spoken. Much of the population is involved in mining sand, great quantities of which were once used to build the cities of Bukavu and Goma. Some residents see sand mining as a valuable potential source of income for the island.
There are 311 schools on the island, of which 203 are primary and 108 are secondary. However, they are poorly attended due to poverty and high school fees.