About Rwanda

Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a small, beautiful country in Central Africa. It’s a place of growth, strength, and unity. At OnRwanda, based in Kigali, we’re proud to share Rwanda’s story—its land, people, past, and bright future.

Overview

Rwanda sits in the heart of Central Africa, surrounded by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the west. It covers 26,338 km² and has a population of about 13.2 million (NISR, 2022), with 445 people living per km².

  • Name: Republic of Rwanda
  • Capital City: Kigali
  • Currency: Rwandan Franc (FRW)
  • Time Zone: UTC +2 (Central Africa Time)
  • Size: 26,338 km²
  • Population: 13.2 million
  • Temperature: 21°-27°C
  • Life Expectancy: 69.9 years
  • GDP per Capita: $1,040
  • GDP Growth: +8% per year

The National Flag

Rwanda’s flag has three colors: green at the bottom, yellow in the middle (each taking half the flag), and blue at the top. On the right side of the blue part is a golden sun with rays, separated by a blue ring. The law explains how to use and respect the flag.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms has a green ring tied with a knot at the bottom. At the top, it says “REPUBLIC OF RWANDA” in black on yellow. Below the knot is the motto “UNITY, WORK, PATRIOTISM.” It also shows a sun, sorghum, coffee, a basket, a blue gear wheel, and two shields—one on each side.

National Anthem

The anthem, “Rwanda Nziza” (Beautiful Rwanda), has four verses. It celebrates Rwanda’s beauty, unity, and values like hard work and patriotism. It’s a song about the country as a home for all Rwandans and a base for growth.

Genocide

In 1994, Rwanda faced a tragedy: the Genocide Against the Tutsi. Over 100 days, more than one million people were killed by a government that trained militia, called Interahamwe, and extremist Hutus. They used machetes, clubs, and spears to murder Tutsi and Hutus who opposed them, with help from security forces. The United Nations peacekeeping forces left some victims behind, even though the world promised “Never Again” after 1945.

Every year on April 7, Rwanda remembers this genocide. The United Nations calls it the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide Against the Tutsi. In Rwanda, it’s called Kwibuka (Remembrance). Activities last until July 4, when the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) stopped the killing and freed the country. Genocide isn’t random—it’s planned to destroy a group. The Kigali Memorial Centre shows this history and teaches its lessons, though it can’t cover every example due to space.

History

Long ago, Rwanda was a kingdom ruled by kings from one family. They worked with chiefs for cattle, land, and war. Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa lived together peacefully. In 1899, Germany took over, and in 1919, Belgium ruled under a League of Nations mandate. From 1959, Tutsi faced attacks, causing deaths and exile. Leaders like Grégoire Kayibanda and Juvénal Habyarimana made life harder for Tutsi.

In 1979, Rwandan refugees formed the Rwandese Alliance for National Unity (RANU) to fight division and violence. In 1987, it became the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi). On October 1, 1990, the RPF started a war to free Rwanda. They won in 1994, ending the genocide. On July 4, 1994, the RPA took Kigali, and the RPF set up a unity government with President Pasteur Bizimungu. In 2000, Paul Kagame became president. He won elections in 2003, 2010, and 2017, leading Rwanda to peace, growth, and unity.

Geography

Rwanda is landlocked in Central Africa, 75 miles south of the equator. It’s called the “Land of a Thousand Hills” with five volcanoes, 23 lakes, and many rivers—some start the River Nile. It’s 880 miles west of the Indian Ocean and 1,250 miles east of the Atlantic. The land rises from 950 meters to 4,507 meters at Mount Karisimbi.

  • Weather: Two rainy seasons (March-May, October-November) bring 110-200 mm of rain monthly. Temperatures stay between 24.6°C and 27.6°C, warmest in August and September.
  • Water: Big lakes include Kivu, Muhazi, Ihema, Bulera, Ruhondo, and Mugesera.
  • Plants and Animals: Thick forests in the northwest turn to open savannah in the east. Parks like Volcanoes (gorillas), Akagera (lions), and Gishwati-Mukura protect wildlife. Lake Kivu has beaches and islands.

Rwanda’s land is perfect for farming, tourism, and energy from Lake Kivu’s gas.

People & Culture

Rwanda has 12.3 million people, with half under 20 years old (median age 22.7). Everyone speaks Kinyarwanda, plus English, French, and Kiswahili. Values like unity, patriotism, and hard work bring people together after 1994.

  • Solutions: Ideas like Umuganda (group work), Imihigo (goals), Gacaca (courts), and Abunzi (mediators) fix problems.
  • Celebrations: Umuganura (harvest day) is the biggest party to cheer successes and plan more.
  • Dance and Music: Umushayayo and Intore dances are loved by all.
  • Crafts: Agaseke baskets, Imigongo art, and fashion show Rwanda’s skills.

Culture helps Rwanda heal and grow strong.

Development: Moving Forward

Since 1994, Rwanda has worked hard to improve:

  • Money: The economy grows 8% yearly, with better roads, tech, and tourism.
  • Big Goals: Vision 2050 aims to make Rwanda rich by 2050, with farming, energy, and computers.
  • Health: Life expectancy is now 69.9 years, and healthcare reaches almost everyone.
  • Kigali: The capital is clean and green, a top city in Africa.

Rwanda shows how to turn tough times into success.

Good Governance: Fair and Strong

Rwanda’s leaders keep things running well:

  • Honesty: President Paul Kagame stops corruption—Rwanda is one of Africa’s cleanest countries.
  • Local Help: Towns and villages make their own choices.
  • Justice: Courts are fast and fair, using computers.
  • Women: Over 61% of lawmakers are women, a world record.

Good rules make Rwanda safe and trusted.

Business: A Place to Work

Rwanda is great for jobs and companies:

  • Easy Start: It’s simple to open a business or get loans.
  • Tech: Kigali is Africa’s tech star with projects like Kigali Innovation City.
  • Help: Low taxes and special zones bring in businesses from everywhere.
  • Trade: Rwanda connects to East and Central Africa.

From coffee to power, Rwanda is busy and growing.

Why Rwanda Matters

Rwanda is a story of starting over and doing better. Its hills, people, and ideas show Africa’s power. At OnRwanda, we want you to see this amazing place. Email us at [email protected] to learn more!