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Kikwit | |
|---|---|
| Ville de Kikwit | |
 The city hall of Kikwit | |
  Kikwit Location in Democratic Republic of the Congo | |
| Coordinates:5°02′19″S18°49′05″E / 5.03861°S 18.81806°E /-5.03861; 18.81806 | |
| Country |  DR Congo |
| Province | Kwilu Province |
| City status | 1970 |
| Communes | Kazamba,Lukemi,Lukolela,Nzinda |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Abe Ngiama[1] |
| Area | |
| • Urban | 92 km2 (36 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 452 m (1,483 ft) |
| Population (2017)[2] | |
• City | 186,991 |
| • Urban | 458,000 |
| • Urban density | 5,000/km2 (13,000/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (West Africa Time) |
| Climate | Aw |
| National language | Kikongo ya leta |
Kikwit is the largestcity ofKwilu Province, lying on theKwilu River in the southwestern part of theDemocratic Republic of the Congo. Kikwit is also known in the region under the nickname "The Mother". The population is approximately 458,000 (2017). An importantcommercial centre, it is home to astadium and is known for itstraditional dances, in particular theBapende dancers whose geographic origin centers on the village ofGungu. Bapende dancers often wear traditional costumes comprising colorful masks and attire made fromraffia.
In 1995 the city saw a serious outbreak of the deadlyEbola virus.[3]
SingerKing Kester Emeneya was born in Kikwit in 1956. In April 2014, a tribute concert held in Kikwit to honor King Kester Emeneya ended in disaster, and at least thirteen people in the stadium died in a stampede following a power failure.[4]
Kikwit is home toKikwit Airport, operating domestic flights toKinshasa. Kikwit is also connected to Kinshasa by road and river transport.
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