Rwanda
Rwanda, officially the Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley of East Africa, where the African Great Lakes region and Southeast Africa converge.
Rwanda is one of Africa's premier events and tourist destinations.
Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda's stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It boasts extraordinary biodiversity, incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains
Rwanda's capital, Kigali, one of Africa's cleanest and green cities is centrally positioned and serves as the main gateway to a range of exciting attractions and experiences
While in Rwanda, Responsible Tourism Company invites you to explore the beautiful outdoors, immerse yourself in the rich, vibrant culture and memorable adventures in this East African Country.
Our team in Rwanda welcomes you to experience the warm hospitality and encourage you to discover what Kigali City and the rest of the East African Country has to offer.
LOCATION OF RWANDA – COUNTRY IN EAST AFRICA
Located a few degrees South of the Equator, Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Rwanda is highly elevated, giving it the sobriquet "land of a thousand hills", with its geography dominated by mountains in the west and savanna to the southeast, with numerous lakes throughout the country. The climate is temperate to subtropical, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons each year. It is the most densely populated mainland African country; among countries larger than 10,000 km2, it is the fifth-most densely populated country in the world. Its capital and largest city is Kigali.
HISTORY OF RWANDA - COUNTRY IN EAST AFRICA
Rwanda, a small landlocked country in East-Central Africa, has a rich and complex history that spans centuries.
Rwanda during the Pre-Colonial Period
The earliest inhabitants of Rwanda were the Twa, a group of Pygmy forest hunters and gatherers. They were later joined by the Hutu, who were primarily agriculturalists, and the Tutsi, who were pastoralists. By the 11th century, these groups had organized into several kingdoms. The Kingdom of Rwanda, under the leadership of Mwami (king) Rwabugiri in the 19th century, expanded through military conquest and administrative consolidation, eventually controlling most of present-day Rwanda.
Rwanda during the colonial era
In the late 19th century, Rwanda became part of German East Africa. After World War I, the League of Nations mandated Rwanda to Belgium, which administered it as part of Ruanda-Urundi. The Belgian colonial administration introduced a system of indirect rule, favoring the Tutsi minority over the Hutu majority. This period saw the introduction of a cash crop economy and the implementation of ethnic identity cards, which further entrenched ethnic divisions.
Rwanda’s Path to Independence
The demand for independence grew in the mid-20th century, leading to the Rwandan Revolution of 1959-1961. This period was marked by ethnic violence, with the Hutu majority rising against the Tutsi-dominated monarchy. In 1962, Rwanda gained independence from Belgium, and a Hutu-led government was established under President Grégoire Kayibanda.
Post-Independence and Political Turmoil in Rwanda
The post-independence period was characterized by political instability and ethnic tensions. In 1973, Juvénal Habyarimana, a Hutu, seized power in a coup d'état. His regime institutionalized ethnic discrimination and maintained a one-party state. In 1990, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), composed mainly of Tutsi exiles, launched a civil war against Habyarimana's government.
The 1994 Genocide in Rwanda
The assassination of President Habyarimana in April 1994 triggered one of the most horrific genocides in modern history. Over the course of approximately 100 days, an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by Hutu extremists. The genocide ended when the RPF, led by Paul Kagame, captured Kigali and took control of the country.
Post-Genocide Era and Reconstruction
Following the genocide, Rwanda faced the immense task of rebuilding. The RPF established a transitional government, and Paul Kagame eventually became president. The country implemented significant political, economic, and social reforms aimed at promoting unity and reconciliation. The Gacaca courts were established to deal with the crimes of the genocide, and efforts were made to foster economic development and reduce poverty.
Modern Rwanda
Today, Rwanda is often cited as a model of post-conflict recovery. The country has made remarkable progress in areas such as healthcare, education, and economic growth. Kigali, the capital, is known for its cleanliness and safety. However, challenges remain, including political repression and limited freedom of expression.
Rwanda’s history is a testament to its resilience and ability to overcome adversity. The journey from pre-colonial kingdoms to a modern nation-state has been marked by significant challenges and profound transformations.
| Languages spoken | Ikinyarwanda, French, English, Others |
|---|---|
| Currency used | Rwandan Franc (RWF) |
| Area (km2) | 26,338 square kilometers |
| Country name | Republic of Rwanda |
