Kikwit

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Kikwit
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pushpin_map_caption =Location in Democratic Republic of the Congo
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subdivision_name1 = Bandundu Province
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latd=5 |latm=02|lats= |latNS=S
longd=18|longm=49 |longs=|longEW=E
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Kikwit is the largest city of the Bandundu province, lying on the Kwilu River in the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The population is approximately 294,210 (2004). An important commercial and administrative centre, it is home to a stadium and is known for its traditional dances, in particular the Bapende dancers whose geographic origin centers around the village of Gungu in present-day Bandundu Province. Bapende dancers often wear traditional costumes comprising colorful masks and attire made from raffia. Kikwit is also home to an airport.

In 1995 the city saw one of the few outbreaks of the deadly Ebola virus.

ee also

*Dr. Matthew Lukwiya (1957-2000)
*GuluWalk
*Epidemiology

Thirty-six (36) months after the promulgation of the new Congolese Constitution, it will become the capital of the new Kwilu province.