Facts About Rwanda: Facts on Rwanda Africa

All the interesting facts about Rwanda that travelers coming for a vacation should know have been discussed in this blog! Rwanda is a small landlocked country in East Africa called the Land of a Thousand Hills and this is due to its hilly nature.

This country Rwanda is not only known for being the best destination for gorilla trekking safaris in Africa but, its scenery is also incredibly beautiful. Western Rwanda part is dominated by the mountains and savannahs in the southeast plus various lakes throughout the country.

Kigali is the capital city and the Republic of Rwanda has been led by His Excellence Paul Kagame since 2000, April, 22nd.

Let’s continue below to explore the fun facts about Rwanda Africa

Location of Rwanda

Rwanda is a beautiful landlocked country situated in East Central Africa. Rwanda covers about 26,338km² land area and it’s situated in an area where the African Great Rift Valley lakes & southeast Africa converge.

This country is just a few degrees in the south of the Equator and it’s bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo- Kinshasa and Lake Kivu in the west, Uganda in the north, Tanzania in the east, and Burundi in the South. Most regions in Rwanda are at a high altitude. The lowest point of this country is the Rusizi River at 950m above sea level.

Relief of Rwanda Facts

Relief in this country seems like a scene out of a tropical Switzerland. Its most notable feature is a ruggedly beautiful mountain range that forms part of the Congo-Nile divide and extends along a north-south axis.

The northwest of the Republic of Rwanda holds the Virunga Mountains and Mount Karisimbi is the highest rising over 4,507m above sea level. Rwanda’s interior highlands are made up of undulating hills and valleys that give way to a low-lying depression along the beaches of Lake Kivu, west of the Congo-Nile split.

Drainage of the Republic of Rwanda Africa

The majority of the nation’s rivers are located on the eastern side of the Congo-Nile divide, with the Akagera, the principal eastern river, defining much of the border between Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania. The Ruzizi, via which the waters of Lake Kivu pour into Lake Tanganyika, is the exception.

Tourists on Rwanda safari tours normally explore Lake Kivu and Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park. Kivu Lake is often visited after Rwanda gorilla tours in Volcanoes National Park. Although there are numerous rivers in Rwanda, the Akagera River is the most popular.

The Climate of Rwanda Africa

This country holds a tropical climate due to its being situated close to the Equator line. Regardless of its location, this country experiences lower temperatures due to its high altitude, especially in the west and northern Rwanda region within the Virunga Mountains.

Rwanda’s Kigali city and other eastern parts are a bit warmer since they are relatively on a lower elevation.

In general, the daily temperature range in Kigali is around 15-280C with little variations throughout the year.

The Land of a Thousand Hills in Rwanda holds two rainy seasons and dry seasons. The first dry season in Rwanda runs from June-September and the other from January-February. October-December and March-May are the wet seasons.

The number of rainy days in a year has decreased due to climate change, but the frequency of heavy rains has increased, according to a report by the Strategic Foresight Group. This has greatly affected farmers and reduced their crop productivity.

Rwanda Soils

The best soils in this country are found along the lower sections of the bigger river valleys and in the northwest, respectively, where they are created by alluvium and volcanic lavas.

Soils with generally low quality have been developed elsewhere due to the predominantly metamorphic bedrock. Steep slopes, copious amounts of rainfall, intensive farming, and deforestation have all contributed to a process of extreme soil erosion that is difficult to stop without a significant time and energy commitment.

Game Animals in Rwanda Africa

About 189 mammal species dwell in Rwanda. The best way for tourists on Rwanda wildlife safari holidays to see these game animals is by exploring Rwanda’s national parks such as Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Volcanoes National Park- home of the endangered Mountain gorillas and Golden monkeys.

During the Akagera park safari, travelers will spot thousands of game animals of Rwanda such as; Lions. African bush Elephants, Buffalos, Topis, Zebras, Giraffes, Baboons, Hippos, Crocs, Impalas, waterbucks, Zebras, Rhinos, Leopards, Hyenas, Warthogs, and Cheetahs.

Nyungwe Forest Park is known for chimpanzees in Rwanda and numerous primate species like; Red-tailed monkeys, Blue monkeys, Olive Baboons, Vervet monkeys, and Black and white colobus monkeys, among others.

Luck visitors on Rwanda tours in national parks can see endangered species, for instance, the Giant pangolin and Aardvark in Akagera park.

People and Cultural Facts About Rwanda Culture

Let’s break it as below;

Ethnic Groups in Rwanda Africa

Similar to Burundi, the main two ethnic groups in Rwanda are Hutu and Tutsi, making up over four-fifths and around a seventh of the country’s population, respectively. Less than 1% of the people are hunter-gatherers Twa ethnic group.

A little number of Europeans (mainly missionaries, workers in relief and development projects, and businesses) and Africans from Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other places are among the other minorities.

There were big differences in social class between the Hutu and the Tutsi in the past. One example is the system of patron-client ties (buhake, or “cattle contract”) that gave the Tutsi, who were mainly pastoralists, more power in society, the economy, and politics than the Hutu, who were mostly farmers. The once-clearly separate pastoral and agricultural systems are now well integrated, and almost all farm families now raise both crops and animals at the same time.

Around 150,000 to 300,000 Tutsis were forced to leave the country during the Hutu revolution that started in late 1959. This made the old ruling class an even smaller minority. Many Tutsi refugees have gone back to Rwanda to claim their roots since the end of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, a deadly civil war!

Compared to its neighboring countries, for instance, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda holds few ethnic groups. The Hutu & Tutsi are the main two ethnic groups.

Facts About Rwanda Languages

English, French, Swahili, and Kinyarwanda are the four official languages in Rwanda Africa.

Nearly all Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda, a Bantu language that is a member of the Niger-Congo language family’s Benue-Congo branch. It shares many similarities with Rundi, the language spoken in Burundi- a neighboring country in the south.

Although English was declared as the language of instruction in schools in 2008, only a small portion of the population has traditionally spoken French or English. In the towns, Swahili is still the primary language used to communicate with Africans living in the neighboring countries.

If you book your Rwanda holiday trip with us, we shall sign you a tour guide who can speak the language of your interest including the above-mentioned official languages.

Facts About Rwanda Religion

Rwanda is the only country in Africa where Christianity has had such a significant influence. Hutu leaders were recruited in Roman Catholic seminaries, and the egalitarian beliefs of European clergy were a major source of inspiration for the Hutu revolution.

Roman Catholics make up over two-fifths of Rwanda’s population, Protestants make up over one-third, and Adventists make up about one-tenth. Less than a tenth of the people are Muslims, nonreligious people, or members of Christian schismatic religious groupings.

Facts About Rwanda Demographic Trends

Despite the high population density, the primary settlement pattern of Rwanda is one of severe dispersal.

Almost three-quarters of Rwanda’s population is found in rural areas, living in nuclear family structures dispersed across hillsides. Kigali, the capital city, was merely a hamlet when Rwanda gained independence, but it has since expanded to become the country’s largest city, and Rwanda today ranks among the most beautiful cities in Africa.

About 72.1% of the people in Rwanda live in rural areas and 27.9% in urban centers.

Facts About Rwanda Population in Africa

Rwanda’s population growth rate is higher than the global average, although it is comparable to that of its neighbouring countries.

Its birth rate is among the highest in the world and comparable to other countries in the East African region. The death rate is significantly higher than the global average and slightly higher than rates in surrounding nations.

Life expectancy in this country is approximately 50 years, which is lower than the global average but comparable to the African norm. Rwanda’s population is young, with almost two-fifths of the population under the age of 15, and another one-third aged 15 to 29.

Refugees from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo have sought asylum in Rwanda on multiple occasions due to regional insecurity; conversely, Rwandans have fled to those two countries during periods of conflict, such as the 1990 civil war and the 1994 genocide.

These conflicts have resulted in a fresh wave of demographic changes, including the flight and repatriation of over two million refugees, several hundred thousand orphans, and a large number of single parents.

Note, according to the last population census of Rwanda in 2022, the population of Rwanda Africa was estimated to be over 13.25 million people.

The Economy of Rwanda Africa

Rwanda’s economy mainly depends on the agricultural sector however, there are other sectors within this country for example, tourism, industrial sector, mining, and fishing.

Most of the people in Rwanda are farmers and this activity is practiced all over the country. Some of the main crops grown include cassava, sweet potatoes, bananas, sorghum, Irish potatoes, and beans. Several people in this country depend on weather conditions for crop production.

The main reason bananas are planted is to make banana wine, a popular regional beverage that is enjoyed throughout the nation. Smaller quantities of some banana types are planted for cooking or direct consumption.

In addition to being a staple food in Rwanda, bananas are a broad-leafed perennial crop that is also crucial in preventing soil erosion on the country’s steep hillsides. The main economic crops are Arabica coffee (introduced by European missionaries), tea, tobacco, and pyrethrum- a flower used to make the non-synthetic pesticide pyrethrin. Coffee is the main export of Rwanda.

Farming is mainly labor intensive in this country; most people use hoes & machetes.

Note that;

• Tourism in Rwanda Africa is one of the fastest-growing sectors and this country is mostly known for gorilla trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park. Fishing is not so much but, it’s done on Lake Kivu.
• The industrial sector of Rwanda features textile industries, paint, soap, cement, pharmaceuticals, matches, furniture, beverages, coffee processing, and food products. Most of the big industries are found in the Kigali capital city.

Rwanda Facts About Resources and Power

The two main mineral resources of Rwanda in East Central Africa are tungsten and tin; additional resources include gold, tantalite, columbite, and beryl. Methane gas from Lake Kivu is compressed into vehicle fuel and utilized as a nitrogen fertilizer as well.

Rwanda’s primary source of electricity in the nation, the Mukungwa hydroelectric power facility, only supplies a small percentage of the energy required in the nation; the majority is imported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Facts About Rwanda History

According to traditions, Rwanda was ruled under a monarch by legendary Tutsi kings around the 15th or 16th century.

Germany claimed Rwanda as a colony in the 1890s. Then, during World War I, in 1916, Belgium took control of the region. Ruanda-Urundi is the new name given by Belgium to the region that included Rwanda and Burundi, its neighbor when the war finished in 1918.

In the early 20th century, relations between Hutus and Tutsis were tense. Way back in 1959, a civil war broke out between the two ethnic groups, forcing thousands of Tutsis to leave the nation. In 1962, Rwanda proclaimed its independence under the leadership of new Hutu leaders.

It was the Hutus who held power until 1990. Then, a second civil war broke out as Tutsi rebels attacked the nation. Up until 1993, when peace talks started, the two factions (Tutsi rebels and Hutus) engaged in combat. However, the Rwandan president’s plane was shot down by a Tutsi rocket in 1994. The head of state was a Hutu.

This was followed by Hutus declaring war killing over 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutus, for the following 100 days in retaliation. Amidst the enormous massacres known as the genocide, millions of Rwandans had to flee. United Nations (European nations) and the other world community just looked on.

Note;

1. When the Republic of Rwanda gained independence in 1962, the Hutu dominated government was left in power and this resulted in widespread of discrimination against Tutsi supremacy. It resulted in the 1994 genocide.
2. Rwanda’s government approved a strategy of fighting ethnic strife. For instance, it’s an offense for a person to identify openly themselves as Hutu or Tutsi.
3. The United Nations established a court (with supreme court judges) to conduct trials in order to identify and punish those responsible for the genocide. The court was in operation until 2015.

Security Facts About Rwanda Africa

A sizable army contingent and a small air force comprise the Rwandan Defense Force. A small paramilitary unit is also present. Serving in the military is optional. Rwandan soldiers have served as United Nations Peacekeeping Forces and taken part in missions with the African Union.

Quick Interesting Facts About Rwanda

These are the quick Rwanda Africa facts worth knowing for tourists intending to come for a vacation in Rwanda- the Land of a Thousand Hills.

  Amazing Wildlife Facts of Rwanda Africa

1. Rwanda offers one of the best gorilla trekking safaris in Africa in its Volcanoes National Park! The permit for tracking Mountain gorillas in Rwanda costs $1500 for each person.
2. In Akagera park Rwanda, you can spot all the Big Five animals in Africa; Lions, Cape Buffalos, Elephants, Leopards & Rhinos.
3. The natural forest- Nyungwe Forest National Park is the best destination for birding safaris in Rwanda with over 30 Albertine endemic birds
4. For Rwanda chimpanzee tours, travelers must visit Nyungwe National Park
5. Each year (on 1st September), Rwanda holds the baby Mountain gorilla naming ceremony called Kwita Izina.
6. Africa Rwanda has 4 national parks and among these, Volcanoes National Park- natural habitat for Mountain  gorillas is the most famous
7. Akagera park is the main destination to spot Rwanda savannah game animals in their natural habitat

 Rwanda Cultural Facts

1. Traditionally, it’s odd and rude to point at a person in this country
2. Every last day of the month is Umuganda Day. It’s a community schedule for cleaning the environment and visitors can take part if they like!
3. The beliefs of Rwandans are amazing! For instance, if you consume the fish’s eyeballs, the demon will come to haunt you at night.
4. All people in local communities are hospitable to visitors.
5. While talking with elders, children don’t look directly into their eyes. This is a sign of respect!

 Economic Facts on Rwanda Africa

1. The official currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan Francs. The Rwandan Francs are widely accepted however, foreign currencies like US dollars are accepted in most lodges. We advise you to exchange some foreign currency for local currency for better transactions.
2. Rwandan government has embraced fiscal policy to fight poverty in the country.
3. Most people in this country are employed in the agricultural sector.  Several people use elementary tools and crops like beans, cassava, and Irish potatoes are crown. Tea, coffee, and pyrethrum are some of the cash crops. Farmers depend mainly on natural weather!
4. It’s among the most densely populated countries in Africa. The country’s population density is 578 per km2.
5. Among the major cash crops in Rwanda is coffee. It was introduced in the colonial era. This cash crop is grown along Lake Kivu as well as areas in the north of Gisenyi and central Gisenyi.

Geographic Rwanda Africa Facts

1. Rwanda’s geographical coordinates are; 9408°S, 29.8739°E
2. The country covers about 26,338km2. Its land area is 24668km2 and 1670km2 is water
3. The altitude of this country ranges from 1000m (in the south & east) to 4507m above sea level on Mount Karisimbi Volcano.
4. This country has two wet seasons and two dry seasons. June- September and December-February are dry months while March-May and October-November are the wet months.
5. The time zone for Rwanda is UTC +2 hours.
6. This country holds 5 of the eight Virunga volcanoes. All these are found in Volcanoes park and they include; Mount Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabinyo, Muhavura, and Gahinga Mountain.
7. It’s a landlocked country in East Central Africa but, still, visitors can enjoy beach holidays on Kivu Lake showers.
8. The country’s natural resources are gold, tin, wolframite, and methane
9. Akagera River is among the numerous rivers in Rwanda Africa. This river can be explored during Rwanda wildlife safaris in Akagera park.

  Political Facts of Rwanda

1. Paul Kagame has been the President of this country since 22nd April 2000.
2. Rwanda got her independence from Belgium on 1st July 1962
3. The parliament members of Rwanda holds more females than males
4. In East Africa, Rwanda is one of the politically safe countries to visit for a holiday
5. Crime levels are very low in this country compared to rival neighbors.  Therefore, expect a successful trip on your vacation in this country
6. The country of Rwanda (under Paul Kagame rule) has tried its best to fight corruption! According to the World Bank, this country ranks among the least corrupt countries in the sub-Saharan region
7. Public holidays in Rwanda include; Heroes Day on 1st Feb, Genocide Memorial Day on 7th April, Independence Day on 1st July, and 4th July is the liberation day
8. Rwanda defense force is among the best-organized armies in East Africa
9. English, French, Kiswahili & Kinyarwanda are the official languages in Rwanda Africa
10. From 1894 to 1918, this country along with Burundi was part of German East Africa.
11. Rwanda holds political pluralism. Within this country, about 9 political parties including the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front of President Kagame,  the Rwandese Alliance for National Unity among other political organizations in Rwanda
12. Édouard Ngirente is the prime minister in this country elected in 2017

Best Tourist Destinations in Rwanda Africa

Rwanda holds various tourist destinations and each place is unique in its own way. The following are the best places to visit in Rwanda during your trip.

I. Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes Rwanda Park is a stunning misty park covering 5 of the 8 Virunga massifs. Famously, this park is known for Mountain gorillas and Golden monkeys. Within this park in the far northwest of Rwanda, about 200 bird species dwell, and among these include; 17 Albertine endemics such as Rwenzori Turaco, Dusky crimsonwing, Strange weaver, etc.

The major tourist activity in Volcanoes park is tracking Mountain gorillas. Volcano climbing, golden monkey trekking, bird watching, and nature walks are also amazing.

II. Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe National Park is among the national parks that have boosted Rwanda’s tourism. It’s a scenic tropical rainforest holding a small population of Chimpanzees, and other 12 primate species. Around 300 birds including 29 Albertine rift endemic birds are recorded in Nyungwe and this park offers the best birding tours in Rwanda.

The other prominent attraction in Nyungwe Forest is the Nyungwe Forest canopy walkway- a beautiful suspension bridge in the air offering great views of this misty tropical rainforest.

Amazing tourist activities in Nyungwe National Park Rwanda

• Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Going for Nyungwe forest canopy walk
• Bird watching
• Enjoy nature walks

III. Akagera National Park

Akagera is the only park to spot savannah game animals of Rwanda including all the Big Five, as well other big games for example, Zebras, Hippos, and Giraffes, to mention but a few. Tourists on Akagera Rwanda safaris can do safari game drives, Lake Ihema boat cruise, birding, game walking safaris, and camping.

Rwanda’s Akagera can be visited year-round but, the dry months offer the best game viewing experience in the stunning savannahs. It’s easy for most visitors on Rwanda tours to add the Akagera safari to Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes park.

IV. Kigali City

Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda. Rwanda’s Kigali is This city is among the safest, cleanest, quietest, and most organized cities in Africa. Normally, travelers on Rwanda safari tours explore Kigali on the first day or the last day of their trip.

Some of the prominent attractions to be explored by tourists on Kigali city tour include; art galleries, open local markets, plus the Kigali Genocide Museum.

V. King’s Palace Museum

This palace in Nyanza was opened to the public in 2008. It provides a window into Rwanda’s 15th-century monarchy and the years leading up to 1961. On your tour, be expectant to enjoy cultural performances and enjoy the views of its beautiful architecture. Don’t miss exploring the Royal court!

Important to Know

• In Rwanda, driving is on the right
• You should keep off the grass while in Kigali city. It’s illegal to walk on the manicured leas of Kigali.
• The calling code in this country is +250
• It’s possible to visit Rwanda all year round

FAQs on Facts About Rwanda Africa

1. What Is Rwanda Best Known for? : Why Is Rwanda So Famous?

The Republic of Rwanda is best known for Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes Notational Park. In this beautiful country led by President Paul Kagame, you can also chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe natural forest, have game viewing and enjoy Kigali city tours. It’s possible also to visit the Genocide memorial sites to discover the history of Rwanda’s genocide- where about 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were slaughtered.

2. What Is Unique in Rwanda Africa?

Rwanda offers one of the best gorilla tracking experiences in Africa. This remarkable adventure can also be done in Uganda and even the Democratic Republic of Congo. The hilly nature of the landscape of this country is incredibly beautiful and it’s the reason why it’s called the Land of a Thousand Hills.

3. What Is Rwanda Rich in?

Rwanda was a leading exporter of tungsten in 2022, accounting for 31% of the world’s supply, according to the UNCOMTRADE statistics. Rwanda accounted for 14% of global tin exports in the same year. Additionally, Rwanda exports a lot of tantalum, vanadium, and niobium, with five percent of global production in 2022.

4. Is Rwanda Safe to Visit for a Vacation? : Is Rwanda a Safe Place to Visit?

Compared to its neighbouring countries for example Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Land of a Thousand Hills Rwanda Africa is a safe place to visit for a holiday trip. In a bid to develop tourism, the Rwandan government ensures that visitors are safe.

The Rwandan government holds a strong army base (Rwanda defense force) which ensures that there is peace in the country. 

For more information on facts about Rwanda for example, Rwanda National Parks; Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Akagera National Park, or Rwanda gorillas tours, contact our team.

Let Rwanda be your next African safari destination!