General Information
Anyone visiting ‘the land of a thousand hills’ is in for a multitude of surprises.
First is the personal safety, peace, security and stability enjoyed by both citizens and visitors of the country.
Second there is the beauty of this nation.The landscapes in this green country are truly breathtaking. Many visitors to Rwanda have remarked that the physical beauty of the country is without an equal on the African continent. Rwanda has five volcanoes, twenty-three lakes and numerous rivers, some forming the source of River Nile. Spectacular volcanoes and dense tropical forests dominate the north of the country, while gentle hills and valleys, calm lakes and turbulent rivers in both savannah and dense tropical vegetation dominate the rest of the country.
Climate
Average temperatures range from 16-22 °C.The country has a temperate climate, with two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January).
The People
Nothing describes Rwanda’s culture better than the affectionate hospitality of its people, the thrill of its intore culture dancers and singers as well as the usual determined ethic for work and industry. Little wonder some have referred to Rwanda as a land of a million smiles. The country has a population of 9.1million people. Over 85 % of the Rwandans live in rural areas. Rwanda is one of the few countries in Africa, with a sole common language and culture. Many people who have had a chance to visit Rwanda have been amused if not intrigued by the actuality that Rwandans are harmoniously living together after the Genocide that threatened to ruin the social fabric and destroy the centuries of long interactions among them.
Official name: Republic of Rwanda
Capital: Kigali
Parliament: National Assembly ( 53 Seats)
National day: 1 July ( Independence Day , 1962 )
National Anthem: Rwanda Nziza ( Our Rwanda )
Motto: Ubumwe, Umurimo, Gukunda Igihugu ( Unity, Work, Patriotism )
Administrative areas: 12 Provinces
Language: Kinyarwanda ( Official Language ); French ( Official Language ); English and Kiswahili
Currency: 1 Rwanda Franc ( RWF ) = 100 Centimes
Denominations:
Notes; 100, 500, 1,000 and 5,000 RWF
Coins; 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Centimes.
Population: 8,500,000
Ethnic groups: 80 % Hutu; 19 % Tutsi; 1 % Twa ( Pigmy )
Religion: 51 % Roman Catholic; 29 % Protestants; 9 % Traditional; 8 % Muslims
Rivers:Nyabarongo, Kagitumba, Mukungwa, Mwogo and seasonal rivers.
Lakes:Kivu, Muhazi, Ihema, Rwanye, Mugesera, Ruhondo, Burera and Cyohoha.
Airports: 9 ( 4 paved runways )
Roads: 12,000 km ( 1,000 km paved roads )
The flag of the Republic of Rwanda was adopted October 25, 2001. The flag has four colors:: blue, green and two forms of yellow. The blue band represents happiness and peace, the yellow band symbolizes economic development, and the green band symbolizes the hope of prosperity. The sun represents enlightenment.
The Coat of Arms of the Republic of Rwanda was redesigned in 2001 to match the color scheme of the new national flag. The text reads “ The Republic of Rwanda – Unity, Work, Patriotism in Kinyarwanda. The central tribal devices are surmounted on a cog wheel and encircled by a square knot.
More Country Information from Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
