The Republic of Rwanda is a landlocked country situated in the Great Lakes region of east-central Africa. It is bordered by Uganda to the north, Burundi to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Tanzania to the east.
Area: Rwanda covers a total area of 26,338 square kilometers, of which 24,948 square kilometers is land and 1,390 square kilometers is water.
Climate: Rwanda enjoys a temperate climate with two rainy seasons, from February to April and November to January. The mountainous regions can experience mild temperatures with occasional frost and snow.
Terrain: The country is predominantly mountainous, with its lowest point at 950 meters above sea level. A hilly plateau averaging 1,700 meters in elevation dominates the central region. Towards the Tanzanian border, the land slopes down to a series of marshy lakes along the upper Kagera River. Most of Rwanda is covered by savannah grassland.
Natural Resources: Rwanda is endowed with various natural resources, including arable land, gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), methane, and hydropower.
Population: As of 2023, Rwanda has an estimated population of approximately 13.8 million people.
Ethnic Groups: The population is primarily composed of three ethnic groups: the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. The Hutu make up the majority, followed by the Tutsi and a small number of Twa.
Languages: Rwanda has four official languages: Kinyarwanda, French, English, and Swahili. Kinyarwanda is the most widely spoken language and is used in everyday communication. French and English are used in government, business, and education, while Swahili is increasingly used in trade and commerce.
Natural Hazards: Rwanda faces several natural hazards, including periodic droughts and the threat of volcanic activity from the Virunga Mountains in the northwest, along the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country is also vulnerable to landslides and floods, particularly during the rainy seasons.
Environmental Issues: Rwanda’s environmental challenges include deforestation due to uncontrolled tree cutting for fuel, overgrazing, soil exhaustion, soil erosion, and widespread poaching. The government has implemented various measures to address these issues, including reforestation projects and conservation programs.
Additional Information on Natural Hazards
Rwanda’s location in the Great Rift Valley makes it susceptible to seismic activity. The Virunga Mountains, which include active volcanoes such as Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira, pose a significant risk of volcanic eruptions. These volcanoes have the potential to cause widespread damage and displacement of communities.
The country also experiences landslides, particularly in the northern and western regions, where steep slopes and heavy rainfall contribute to soil instability. Flooding is another concern, especially in low-lying areas and along riverbanks during the rainy seasons.