Rwanda is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa, bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills' for its dramatic rolling terrain and is home to critically endangered mountain gorillas. Despite a painful history marked by the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has undergone remarkable political and economic transformation.
- Capital
- Kigali
- Continent
- Africa
- Region
- Eastern Africa
- Area
- 26,338 km²
- Coordinates
- 2° S, 30° E
- Languages
- English, French, Kinyarwanda
- Currency
- RWF Fr
- Domain
- .rw
- Calling code
- +250
On the world map
Bordering countries
Burundi
DR Congo
Tanzania
UgandaCountry facts
- Rwanda is one of the few places on Earth where visitors can trek to see wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Kinyarwanda, French, and English are all official languages of Rwanda.
- Rwanda was one of the first countries in the world to elect a majority-female parliament.
- The traditional woven basket, known as agaseke, is a national symbol and is featured on Rwandan currency.
- Rwanda banned plastic bags in 2008, making it one of the earliest countries to do so nationwide.
Capital facts
- Kigali became the capital of Rwanda upon independence from Belgium in 1962.
- The city sits on a ridge and surrounding hills at an elevation of about 1,500 metres above sea level.
- The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a major site of remembrance and education, honoring victims of the 1994 genocide.
- Kigali is widely regarded as one of the cleanest and safest capital cities in Africa.
- The city hosts a thriving arts scene, including the Inema Arts Center, which showcases contemporary Rwandan art.