Located on the African continent, Rwanda has a mountainous landlocked territory, making borders with Burundi (to the south), Democratic Republic of Congo (to the west), Uganda (to the north) and Tanzania (to the East).
The process of German domination in the region that currently corresponds to Rwanda began in the second half of the 19th century. With Germany's defeat in World War I (1914-1918), Belgium took control of Rwanda. However, with the end of World War II (1945), the United Nations (UN) was responsible for the administration of the African country. National independence was only won on July 1, 1962.
Rwanda is a country marked by conflicts between two ethnic groups: Hutus (90% of the population) and Tutsis (9%). During the colonization process carried out by Belgium, the Tutsis, even though they were a minority, were chosen by the colonial power to govern the country. Most Hutu were excluded from the socioeconomic process. However, in 1959, the Hutus revolted with the condition they were in and took power in 1961. This fact provided the beginning of the persecution of Tutsis, which was aggravated in 1994 with the death of the presidents of Rwanda and Burundi. According to UN data, the genocide in the country caused the death of approximately 1 million Rwandans, 90% of whom were of Tutsi origin.
In addition to constant ethnic conflicts, the inhabitants suffer from various socioeconomic problems. More than 57% of Rwandans live below the poverty line, that is, on less than $1.25 a day; malnutrition affects 40% of the population; the infant mortality rate is 97 deaths per thousand live births; the illiteracy rate is 35% and environmental sanitation services are provided to only 22% of households.
The national economy is underdeveloped, and agriculture is responsible for employing the majority of inhabitants – 90% of the workforce. The main crops are: banana, cassava, beans, sorghum and, mainly, tea and coffee, which are the export products. The industry is based on the following segments: textile, food, beverages, tobacco and petrochemicals.
Rwanda Coat of Arms
Rwanda Data:
Territorial extension: 26,338 km².
Location: Africa.
Capital: Kigali.
Climate: Tropical altitude.
Government: Republic with mixed form of government.
Administrative division: 5 provinces and 30 districts.
Languages: French, English, Quiniaruada (official), Kiswahili.
Religions: Christianity 77.7% (Catholic 46.5%, Protestant 20.4%, other 10.8%), traditional beliefs 8.7%, Islam 12.8%, other 0.8%.
Population: 9,997,614 inhabitants. (Men: 4,842,097; Women: 5,155,517).
Composition: Hutus 90%, Tutsis 9%, TV 1%.
Demographic density: 380 inhabitants/km².
Average annual population growth rate: 2.6%.
Population residing in urban areas: 18.56%.
Population residing in rural areas: 81.44%.
Undernourished population: 40%.
Life expectancy at birth: 45.8 years.
Households with access to drinking water: 65%.
Households with access to the health network: 22%.
Human Development Index (HDI): 0.385 (low).
Currency: Rwandan Franc.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): 4.5 billion dollars.
GDP per capita: $345.
External relations: World Bank, IMF, WTO, UN, AU.
By Wagner de Cerqueira and Francisco
Graduated in Geography
Brazil School Team
countries - geography - Brazil School
