description Rwanda Overview
Rwanda is a small, landlocked, densely populated country in East-Central Africa whose terrain has earned it the description 'land of a thousand hills'; Kigali is its capital. A former Belgian colonial territory, it gained independence in 1962. In 1994 it experienced a genocide in which an estimated 800,000 people, mostly Tutsi, were killed, commemorated at sites such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains is a centre for mountain gorilla conservation and research.
help Rwanda FAQ
Why is Rwanda called the land of a thousand hills?
Rwanda has a hilly landscape across much of the country, which inspired the phrase land of a thousand hills. Kigali is the capital and lies in the country's central highlands.
When did Rwanda gain independence?
Rwanda gained independence from Belgium in 1962. Its colonial history and the later division between Hutu and Tutsi communities shaped the country's modern history.
What happened in Rwanda in 1994?
Rwanda experienced a genocide in 1994 in which around 800,000 people were killed over roughly 100 days. The killings ended when the Rwandan Patriotic Front took control of the country.
Is Rwanda landlocked?
Yes, Rwanda is landlocked in East-Central Africa. It borders Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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