Where is Rwanda Located?

Where is Rwanda located on the map? Rwanda is an independent nation located in Eastern Africa. Check out the following images to see location of Rwanda on maps.

Rwanda Location in World Map

Rwanda is in the east of Africa.

Location Information of Rwanda

Latitude and Longitude

Rwanda is a landlocked country located in East-Central Africa. It lies on the eastern side of the Albertine Rift and 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. The country is situated just south of the equator, making its geographical coordinates approximately Latitude 1° 03′ S to 2° 51′ S and Longitude 29° 28′ E to 30° 53′ E. Rwanda is often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” due to its mountainous terrain, particularly in the western region, where the Virunga Mountains dominate the landscape.

Rwanda’s size, roughly 26,338 square kilometers (10,169 square miles), makes it one of the smallest countries on the African continent. Despite its small size, the country’s dense population and beautiful landscapes make it a significant and unique part of the region.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Kigali

Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda, located near the geographical center of the country. With a population of approximately 1.1 million people, Kigali is both the political and economic center of Rwanda. The city is known for its cleanliness, orderliness, and well-organized layout, which includes hills, valleys, and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Kigali is often described as one of Africa’s most developed and well-maintained cities.

Kigali is home to key cultural and historical landmarks, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Inema Arts Center, and the Kimironko Market. The city also serves as the hub for the country’s business activities and is home to numerous international organizations and embassies. As Rwanda’s primary economic and trade center, Kigali is known for its growing industries, including technology, manufacturing, and services.

Major Cities

1. Butare
   Butare, also known as Huye, is located in the southern part of Rwanda and is the second-largest city in the country. It is an important educational and cultural hub, housing Université Nationale du Rwanda (National University of Rwanda). Butare is also home to the Ethnographic Museum and several colonial-era buildings. The city has a population of around 100,000 and plays a vital role in the education and cultural preservation of the country.
2. Gisenyi
   Gisenyi, situated in the western part of Rwanda near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, lies on the shores of Lake Kivu. It is one of Rwanda’s most scenic cities, known for its lakeside views and tourism potential. Gisenyi is also home to beautiful beaches, resorts, and outdoor activities such as boat rides and hiking. With a population of around 100,000, Gisenyi is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
3. Musanze
   Musanze, located in the northern part of Rwanda, is one of the country’s most important tourist cities. The city is the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, one of Rwanda’s most famous national parks, known for its mountain gorilla trekking. Musanze has a population of approximately 90,000 and plays an important role in the country’s tourism industry, with various hotels, lodges, and tour operators serving the park.
4. Rubavu
   Rubavu, also located near Lake Kivu, is an important town in Rwanda’s Western Province. It has a population of approximately 60,000 and is known for its lakeside location and tourism, particularly for people visiting Gisenyi. The town is also home to agricultural production, such as coffee, bananas, and cassava, which are important for the local economy.
5. Nyamata
   Nyamata, located in the southern part of Rwanda near Kigali, is a smaller town with great historical significance. The town is known for its proximity to the Nyamata Genocide Memorial, which serves as a poignant reminder of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. The town has grown in importance as a local trading and agricultural center, with a population of around 20,000.

Time Zone

Rwanda operates in the Central Africa Time Zone (CAT), which is UTC +2:00 hours year-round. The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains constant throughout the year. This time zone is shared with several other countries in the region, such as Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.

Climate

Rwanda enjoys a tropical climate, but due to its high elevation, it experiences moderate temperatures throughout the year. The country’s climate is influenced by its mountainous terrain and proximity to the equator.

Rainy and Dry Seasons

Rwanda has two rainy seasons: the long rainy season, which lasts from March to May, and the short rainy season from October to December. During these periods, the country experiences moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly in the western and northern regions. The dry seasons are from June to September and January to February, with the driest months occurring between June and August.

Temperatures

Rwanda’s average temperatures typically range between 15°C (59°F) and 25°C (77°F), with higher temperatures in the lowlands and cooler temperatures in the mountain areas. The average temperature in Kigali is around 20°C (68°F) year-round, but it can drop to as low as 10°C (50°F) at night, especially in the cooler months of June and July.

Regional Climate Variation

• Highlands (Western and Northern Rwanda): This region experiences cooler temperatures and more rainfall due to its higher altitude. The mountain regions, particularly near Volcanoes National Park, can be cool, with temperatures often ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F).
• Lowlands (Eastern and Southern Rwanda): These regions are warmer and experience slightly higher temperatures, especially in areas like Gisenyi and Kigali, with temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F).

Economic Status

Rwanda is one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, with steady growth driven by agriculture, services, and increasingly, technology. The country’s economic performance has been remarkable, especially considering its post-genocide recovery. Rwanda has invested in infrastructure, education, and technology, making it a regional leader in East Africa.

Key Economic Sectors

1. Agriculture
   Agriculture remains the backbone of Rwanda’s economy, employing over 70% of the population. The country is a major producer of coffee and tea, which are the country’s main export products. Rwanda is also known for producing bananas, cassava, beans, and maize. The sector is crucial for rural livelihoods and food security but remains vulnerable to climate change.
2. Tourism
   Tourism is a rapidly growing sector in Rwanda, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage. The country is home to Volcanoes National Park, which hosts the endangered mountain gorillas, making gorilla trekking one of the country’s most famous tourist activities. Other attractions include Nyungwe National Park, known for its primate species, and Lake Kivu, which offers water-based recreation.
3. Mining
   Rwanda has significant mineral resources, including tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold. The mining sector has attracted foreign investment, and the country has sought to improve mining technologies and regulation to increase its production and export revenues.
4. Services and ICT
   Rwanda has made impressive strides in developing its service sector, particularly in finance, education, and information and communication technology (ICT). The government has promoted the country as a tech hub in Africa, with Kigali becoming a regional center for innovation and start-ups. Rwanda’s Vision 2020 initiative aims to transform the country into a middle-income economy, focusing heavily on technology and services.
5. Manufacturing
   The manufacturing sector in Rwanda is relatively small but growing, particularly in sectors like construction materials, food processing, and textiles. The country has been working to increase local production and reduce dependency on imports.

Tourist Attractions

Rwanda is renowned for its stunning landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage, attracting tourists from all over the world.

1. Gorilla Trekking (Volcanoes National Park)
   Rwanda’s most famous tourist attraction is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern part of the country. The park is home to mountain gorillas, and visitors can go on guided treks to observe these endangered primates in their natural habitat. The experience is unique and draws thousands of tourists each year.
2. Nyungwe National Park
   Located in the southwestern part of Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. The park is a haven for biodiversity, offering hiking trails, birdwatching, and primate tracking. Visitors can see chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and a variety of other wildlife species. The Canopy Walk in Nyungwe is a popular attraction, offering stunning views of the forest from above.
3. Lake Kivu
   Lake Kivu, located in the western part of Rwanda, is one of Africa’s largest lakes and a popular tourist destination. The lake offers numerous activities, including boat tours, kayaking, and fishing. The surrounding area is home to beautiful beaches, resorts, and stunning vistas, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and recreation.
4. Kigali Genocide Memorial
   The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a significant historical site dedicated to the memory of the victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. It provides insight into the events that took place during this tragic period and serves as a place of reflection and education. The memorial is an essential part of Rwanda’s national healing and reconciliation process.
5. Akagera National Park
   Located in the eastern part of Rwanda, Akagera National Park is a savannah reserve known for its wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and various species of antelope. The park also has Lake Rwanyakazinga, which offers boat safaris. It is one of Rwanda’s most popular parks for traditional safari experiences.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens visiting Rwanda for tourism purposes do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Visitors can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at the airport or through the eVisa system, which can be processed online prior to arrival. Travelers must present a valid U.S. passport, with at least six months of validity beyond their intended stay. Visitors must also have proof of return or onward travel and sufficient financial means for the duration of their stay. For longer stays or purposes such as employment or business, a visa must be obtained from the Rwandan Embassy or consulate before travel.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

1. Distance from New York City to Kigali
   The distance between New York City and Kigali is approximately 7,400 miles (11,900 kilometers). Flights between the two cities typically take around 13 to 15 hours, depending on layovers and specific flight routes.
2. Distance from Los Angeles to Kigali
   The distance between Los Angeles and Kigali is about 8,000 miles (12,875 kilometers). Flights generally take around 15 to 17 hours, depending on the flight path and layovers.

Rwanda Facts

Size	26,338 km²
Residents	12.33 million
Languages	Kinyarwanda, French, English and Swahili
Capital	Kigali
Longest river	Nyabarongo (300 km)
Highest mountain	Karisimbi (4,507 m)
Currency	Rwanda Franc