Experience Rwanda
Rwanda is a country of stunning contrasts – from the plains of Akagera National Park, to the quiet richness of Nyungwe forest, to the beautiful waters of Lake Kivu and on to the spectacular Virunga volcanoes. All this is available in an area of just over 26,000 sq km.

For many travellers the main attraction continues to be the opportunity to observe the mountain gorillas, whilst for others the bird watching opportunities are an added bonus. But all those who visit will also be captivated by the welcome, the people, the colourful markets and the rich culture.

The Republic of Rwanda at a glance
Geography Land area 26,340km (less than half the land area of Scotland)
Location 120km south of the Equator in the Tropic of Capricorn
Capital Kigali
Rainfall Annual average 900-1,600mm; rainy seasons March-May and October-December
Average temperature 24.6-27.6 C; hottest August and September
Altitude From 1,000 to 4,500m above sea level; highest point is Mt Karisimbi (4,507m)
Terrain Mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with altitude declining from west to east
Vegetation Ranges from dense equatorial forest in the northwest to tropical savanna in the east
Land use 47% cropland, 22% forest, 18% pasture, 13% other
Natural resources Some tin, gold and natural gas
Main exports Coffee and tea
National parks Volcanoes Parc (northwest); Nyungwe Forest (southwest); Akagera Park (east)

Human statistics
Population Approximately 8.2 million; 53.8% female, 46.2% male
Life expectancy at birth Women 50.1 years, men 48.1 years
Religion Roman Catholic (majority), Protestant, Muslim, traditional
Official languages Kinyarwanda, French, English. Some Swahili is also spoken
Education Primary, secondary, technical/vocational, higher/university
GDP per capita US$260

Politics/administration
Government The broad-based Government of National Unity, with three branches: executive, legislative and judicial
President Paul Kagame
Prime Minister Bernard Makuza
National flag Blue, yellow and green, with a sun in the top right-hand corner
Administrative divisions 12 provinces, divided into 92 districts

Practical details
Time GMT +2 hours
Currency Rwandan franc
Main health risk Malaria
Electricity 230/240 volts at 50Hz
International telephone country code 250
Airport Kigali International Airport
Nearest seaports Mombasa (1,760km); Dar es Salaam (1,528km)

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