Overview of Rwanda

Profile

Rwanda is located in a highland region dotted with volcanoes and lakes, with an average elevation of around 1,600m. After recovering from the 1994 genocide, the country has achieved sustained economic growth of around 7% through ICT and tourism. Considered one of Africa's safest nations, Rwanda attracts attention for progressive policies such as high female parliamentary representation and a ban on plastic bags. The country plays an active role in multilateral frameworks including the Commonwealth, East African Community, and African Union, while actively promoting international conferences and sporting events.

Official name: Republic of Rwanda
Common name: Rwanda
Numeric code: 646
Alpha-3 code: RWA
Alpha-2 code: RW
Population: 14 million (2023)
Population density: 540/km2
Primary languages: Kinyarwanda, English, French, Swahili
Major religions: Christianity (Catholic, Protestant), Islam
National anthem: Rwanda Nziza (Beautiful Rwanda)
Calling code: +250
Internet TLD: .rw

History

After the kingdom era and German-Belgian colonial rule, Rwanda gained independence in 1962. Following the 1994 genocide, the country rebuilt and transformed into a high-growth nation.

The Kingdom of Rwanda, formed around the 15th century, saw Tutsi royalty rule over the Hutu, with Belgium exercising indirect colonial rule. After independence as a republic in 1962, ethnic tensions continued, culminating in the April 1994 genocide under a Hutu government that claimed over 800,000 lives in approximately 100 days. The rebel RPF seized control and established a new government under President Paul Kagame, promoting reconciliation, modernization, and governance. Infrastructure and the economy, devastated by civil war, recovered dramatically in the 2000s under the 'Vision 2020' ICT nation initiative, earning recognition as the 'African Miracle.'

Geography & climate

Continuous hills averaging 1600m elevation, with volcanic chains in the northwest and facing Lake Kivu in the Great Rift Valley to the west. Central to eastern areas feature gently rolling highlands and wetlands.

Highland tropical savannah climate (two rainy seasons: long and short)

Area: Africa / 26338 km²
Capital: Kigali
Largest city: Kigali
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Lake Kivu, Lake Ruhero, Lake Burera, Lake Ihema
Bordering countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi

Natural resources

Tin, Tungsten, Tantalum, Niobium, Gold, Methane gas (Lake Kivu), Hydropower, Fertile volcanic soil, Tea, Coffee, Tourism resources (Gorillas), Bamboo forests, Clay, Honey, Freshwater resources

Politics

Government: Presidential republic with bicameral parliament

Economy

Currency: Rwandan franc (RWF)

GDP (nominal): 13.3 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 43.4 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Kinyarwanda, English, French, Swahili

Time zone: Central Africa Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Hutu, Tutsi, Twa

Life expectancy

68.7 years

Literacy rate

73%

National sports

Soccer, Cycling, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics