Rwanda

Rwanda

Rwanda is a land of great diversity and beauty. Popularly known as 'the land of a thousand hills', Rwanda has five volcanoes, twenty-three lakes and numerous rivers, some forming the source of the great River Nile. The landscapes in this 'green country' are truly breathtaking.

 

Many a visitor to Rwanda has remarked that the physical beauty of the country is without equal on the African continent. Spectacular volcanoes and dense tropical forests dominate the north of the country, while gentle hills and valleys, calm lakes and turbulent rivers in both savannah and dense tropical vegetation dominate the rest of the country.

 

Rwanda boasts a wide variety of wildlife. The Virunga National Park in northern Rwanda is home to the worlds largest number of endangered mountain gorillas. Numbering in their hundreds, the gorillas live in a protected area, free from poachers. The gorillas can be viewed in their natural mountain habitats at a fairly close range.

 

Not long ago, Rwanda attracted adventurers through its natural treasures ranging from gorillas to rain forests to big game. Then in 1994, the infamous genocide brought Rwanda to the world's attention for tragic reasons. Despite the hard times, today the country is once again on the road to a bright future. Leading the way are those same attractions that continue to thrill the adventurer, ecotourist and/or nature-lover. In addition to nature, Rwanda offers a welcoming and culturally rich atmosphere.

 

Fact sheet

Type of government: President: Capital: Population: Area: Official languages: Time difference: Currency: Calling code:

Republic Paul Kagame Kigali 10,186,063 26,798 km² Kinyarwanda, French, English GMT+2 Rwandan franc +250