Rwanda Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Rwanda, State of East Central Africa; 26,000 km², 12.3 million residents (2019).Rwanda borders north to Congo (Kinshasa) and Uganda, east to Tanzania, south to Burundi and west to Congo (Kinshasa). The capital is Kigali (859,300 residents, 2013).

Country facts

Republika y’u Rwanda (Rwanda)
Republic of Rwandaise (French) /
Republic of Rwanda
Country abbreviation: RW
Area: 26 000 km²
Population (2019): 12.3 million residents
Capital: Kigali
Main languages: Rwanda, French
State: Republic
Head of State: Paul Kagame (President)
Head of Government: Edouard Ngirente
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 773
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 780
Currency: 1 franc = 100 centimes
Currency code: RWF
Country number (telephony): 250
Internet domain name: rw
Time difference compared to Sweden: +1
National Day: July 1 (in memory of Independence, 1962)

Nature

Land use: forest (10%), agricultural land (48%), other (42%)
Highest mountain: Karisimbi (4,550 m asl)
Largest lake: Lake Kivus (2,370 km² )

Population

Population density (2019): 485 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 2.7%; birth number 32 ‰, death number 5 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (40%), 15-64 (57%), 65- (3%)
Life expectancy (2019): men 66 years, women 70 years
Infant mortality (2019): 30 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 23 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.524 (place 158 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 19%
Most populous city (2013): Kigali (859,300 residents)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (31%), industry (18%), service (51%)
Exports (2017): USD 1,050 million
Main export products: coffee, tea
Main exporting countries: United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Switzerland
Imports (2017): US $ 1 922 million
Main import products: food, machinery, steel
Main importing countries: China, Uganda, India
Railway network: nothing works

Geography of Rwanda

Location and Size

Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a small, landlocked country located in East-Central Africa. It is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the west. Despite its relatively small size, covering about 26,338 square kilometers, Rwanda is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa. Its location on the equator gives it a central position in the heart of the African continent, though it is far from the coast.

The country’s terrain is marked by scenic hills, valleys, and lakes, with the majority of its landmass being at an elevation above 1,000 meters. Rwanda is part of the East African Rift System, which means it features mountainous and volcanic landscapes, particularly in the northwest, where it borders the DRC. These mountains are home to some of the most famous wildlife in the region, including the endangered mountain gorillas.

Physical Features and Natural Resources

Rwanda is often described as one of the most beautiful countries in Africa due to its lush rolling hills, lakes, and forests. The terrain is predominantly mountainous, especially in the western part of the country, where the Virunga Mountains form a natural border with the DRC. The highest point in Rwanda is Mount Karisimbi, which rises to 4,507 meters above sea level and is part of the Virunga Mountain range.

Rwanda is also home to several lakes, the most notable being Lake Kivu, which lies along the western border. Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and serves as an important source of fresh water for the region. Rwanda’s fertile soil, coupled with its abundant rainfall, supports a wide range of agriculture, making it an important factor in the country’s economy.

The country’s natural resources include tin, tungsten, and tantalum, as well as a range of minerals that have drawn international attention. Despite these resources, Rwanda has long faced challenges in fully capitalizing on their extraction due to infrastructure limitations and environmental concerns.

Climate of Rwanda

Temperate Climate

Rwanda has a temperate tropical highland climate, thanks to its elevation. Due to its proximity to the equator, the country experiences a relatively stable climate year-round, with temperatures typically ranging between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F). However, the temperature can fluctuate depending on altitude, with cooler conditions at higher elevations and warmer weather in the valleys.

The central plateau and the western region of Rwanda, including Kigali, the capital, experience a mild climate, while the eastern regions, which are closer to the Tanzanian border, tend to be slightly hotter. Rwanda’s climate supports its dense vegetation and extensive agriculture, which is a major part of the country’s economy.

Rainfall and Seasons

Rwanda experiences two main rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to December. These seasons provide essential water for agriculture and contribute to Rwanda’s status as a largely agricultural economy. The country also experiences a dry season from June to September and a shorter dry period in January and February. During the wet season, rainfall can be quite heavy, leading to occasional flooding, especially in lowland areas.

The highlands of Rwanda receive more precipitation than the lower regions, with some areas of the Virunga Mountains experiencing rain throughout much of the year. The favorable climate conditions make Rwanda an important producer of crops like tea, coffee, and maize.

People of Rwanda

Population and Demographics

Rwanda is a densely populated country, with a population of over 13 million people. The country’s population is predominantly rural, with most of the population living in small villages and working in agriculture. Kigali, the capital city, is the largest urban area, home to over a million people, and serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the country.

The population of Rwanda is ethnically divided into three main groups: Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. Historically, the Hutu have been the largest ethnic group, followed by the Tutsi and the Twa, who are the indigenous pygmy people of the region. Although ethnic distinctions have been a source of tension and conflict, the government today promotes a policy of unity and reconciliation, focusing on the idea of Rwandan identity over ethnic affiliations.

Languages and Religion

Rwanda’s official languages are Kinyarwanda, French, and English, with Kinyarwanda being the most widely spoken and used in everyday communication by the majority of the population. French was historically used during the colonial era, and after the 1994 genocide, English was adopted as one of the official languages in an effort to integrate Rwanda into the East African Community and international institutions.

Christianity is the dominant religion in Rwanda, with approximately 90% of the population identifying as Christian. The majority of Rwandans are Roman Catholic, followed by Protestants and a small number of Seventh-Day Adventists. There is also a small Muslim population, as well as followers of indigenous beliefs, although their numbers are minimal.

Health and Education

Rwanda has made significant strides in improving health care and education over the past few decades. The country’s health system has undergone a transformation, with significant investments in primary health care and a focus on increasing access to medical services. Rwanda has a relatively low HIV/AIDS prevalence rate compared to other African nations, and life expectancy has increased substantially since the 1990s.

Education in Rwanda is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 7 and 13. The government has made considerable progress in expanding literacy rates, with a significant portion of the population now able to read and write. Higher education is growing in importance, with the University of Rwanda serving as the primary institution of higher learning, alongside several private universities and technical colleges.

Economy of Rwanda

Agriculture

Agriculture plays a central role in Rwanda’s economy, with nearly 80% of the population involved in farming. The country’s fertile soil and favorable climate allow for the cultivation of a variety of crops. Coffee and tea are Rwanda’s most important agricultural exports, and the country is known for producing high-quality coffee, which is a major source of foreign exchange. Other key crops include maize, cassava, beans, and potatoes, as well as fruits like bananas and pineapples.

Rwanda has also been focusing on improving agricultural productivity and sustainability, with a number of programs aimed at modernizing farming practices, improving irrigation, and introducing new crops and technologies. Rwanda’s government has been investing in agricultural research and extension services to support the country’s smallholder farmers, ensuring food security and driving economic growth.

Industrial and Service Sectors

While agriculture remains the dominant sector, Rwanda has been working towards diversifying its economy. The industrial sector is growing, particularly in manufacturing and construction. Rwanda is investing in infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and telecommunications, which are necessary for supporting industrial development.

The services sector, including tourism, financial services, and retail, is also expanding rapidly. Rwanda is known for its tourism, particularly for trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The government has been promoting Rwanda as a travel destination, with an emphasis on eco-tourism and luxury safari experiences.

The country’s financial sector has been modernizing, with a growing number of banks, insurance companies, and microfinance institutions providing services to both urban and rural populations. Rwanda’s stock market, though small, has also seen growth in recent years.

Economic Challenges

Despite progress, Rwanda faces several economic challenges, including its landlocked status, which increases the cost of trade, and a dependence on agriculture, which makes the country vulnerable to weather-related disruptions. Rwanda’s economy is also highly dependent on foreign aid, although the government has made substantial efforts to increase self-sufficiency through economic diversification.

Unemployment, particularly among youth, remains a concern, as does income inequality between urban and rural areas. However, the government is actively addressing these issues through job creation programs, particularly in infrastructure and services.

Government of Rwanda

Political System

Rwanda is a republic with a presidential system of government. The President of Rwanda is both the head of state and head of government and holds significant executive powers. The current president, Paul Kagame, has been in power since 2000, having played a central role in ending the 1994 genocide and rebuilding the country. Rwanda’s political system is characterized by a multi-party framework, although in practice, the ruling party, the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), has dominated the political landscape.

The Rwandan government emphasizes stability, unity, and national development, focusing on reducing ethnic divisions and promoting reconciliation after the genocide. The government has been praised for its effective anti-corruption measures and for promoting gender equality, with women making up a substantial portion of the legislative body.

Legislative and Judicial Systems

Rwanda’s legislature is bicameral, consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. Members of the Chamber of Deputies are elected every five years, while the Senate includes both appointed and indirectly elected members. The legislature has been instrumental in passing key laws and policies related to economic development, gender equality, and national unity.

The judicial system in Rwanda is based on a combination of customary law, civil law, and elements of common law. The judiciary is independent, and the government has undertaken efforts to improve access to justice, including establishing the Gacaca courts after the 1994 genocide to try cases of genocide-related crimes. These courts were an innovative way to deal with the backlog of cases and promote reconciliation, although they have been the subject of controversy regarding fairness and the adequacy of legal protections.

Culture of Rwanda

Arts and Music

Rwanda’s culture is rich in tradition and expression, with arts, music, and dance playing a central role in daily life. Traditional Rwandan music is known for its rhythmic drumming, which has been used for centuries in ceremonial events and storytelling. The Umusizi, a type of traditional poetry, is another significant aspect of Rwandan culture, with poets often using their craft to address issues of social justice, history, and identity.

Rwandan visual art has also gained recognition in recent years, with a growing number of artists contributing to both local and international art scenes. Traditional crafts, such as basket weaving and pottery, are still practiced, particularly in rural areas, and are an important aspect of Rwanda’s heritage.

Festivals and Traditions

Rwanda celebrates a number of national and cultural festivals throughout the year. One of the most significant is the Kwita Izina, a gorilla naming ceremony that takes place annually in Volcanoes National Park. This event, which aims to raise awareness about conservation efforts, is a major tourist attraction and an expression of Rwanda’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage.

Other important cultural events include the Rwanda Film Festival, which showcases local and international films, and the annual Umuganura Festival, a harvest festival that celebrates the country’s agricultural success and unity.

Cuisine

Rwandan cuisine is a reflection of its agricultural abundance and diverse cultural influences. Staples include ugali (a maize-based dish), isombe (cassava leaves), and ibihaza (pumpkin), as well as various beans, rice, and vegetables. Meat, particularly goat and chicken, is also commonly consumed, and Rwandans enjoy a variety of stews and soups made from locally grown ingredients.

The traditional drink in Rwanda is Urwagwa, a fermented banana beer, which is often served during social gatherings and ceremonies. Rwanda’s food culture emphasizes simplicity, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that reflect the country’s agricultural roots.

History of Rwanda

Pre-Colonial Period

Rwanda’s history dates back centuries, with early kingdoms developing in the region around the 11th century. The Kingdom of Rwanda, which emerged in the 15th century, was one of the most powerful kingdoms in East Africa, with a centralized political structure. The kingdom was ruled by a monarch, the Mwami, who governed with the help of a council of chiefs.

Colonial Era

In the late 19th century, Rwanda became a part of German East Africa and later a Belgian colony after Germany’s defeat in World War I. The colonial powers exacerbated ethnic divisions between the Tutsi and Hutu populations by instituting policies that favored the Tutsi minority for administrative positions. These divisions were deepened under Belgian rule, which granted the Tutsi a higher social and political status while marginalizing the Hutu majority.

The 1994 Genocide

Rwanda’s history was tragically shaped by the 1994 genocide, in which an estimated 800,000 people, mostly Tutsi, were killed by the Hutu-led government and extremist militias. The genocide occurred over a period of 100 days, leaving deep scars on the country’s social fabric. The international community’s failure to intervene in time has been widely criticized.

After the genocide, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), led by current President Paul Kagame, took control of the country. Kagame’s government has focused on reconciliation, national unity, and rebuilding the country. Rwanda has made remarkable progress in the years following the genocide, transforming itself into a model of economic growth and stability in Africa.

Post-Genocide and Modern Development

Since the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has made significant strides in economic development, political stability, and social cohesion. The country’s post-genocide recovery has been driven by an emphasis on unity, gender equality, and sustainable development. Rwanda’s progress is often cited as an example of resilience, with efforts to rebuild the economy, reduce poverty, and promote social justice through education and healthcare.

Rwanda’s government has focused on fostering a knowledge-based economy, environmental conservation, and sustainable tourism, particularly around the country’s mountain gorillas. Despite challenges such as high population density and limited natural resources, Rwanda continues to be one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, with a commitment to modernizing infrastructure and improving the quality of life for its citizens.