Rwanda
is a small central African Nation situated to the west of Tanzania
and to the north of Burundi. The Country’s history is closely
tied to that of neighboring Burundi as both Countries were inhabited
initially by the Twa, then later the Hutu and Tutsi tribes which
now account for a large percentage of the Rwandese Population.
Sadly Rwanda gained worldwide fame for the Genocide that occurred
in April 1994 when close to one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus
were killed by Hutu Militia. The Country has since returned to
moderate stability and peace. Presidential elections were held
in 2003 and were won by current President Paul Kagame, former
leader of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF).
Administration:
With Kigali as its capital and largest City, Rwanda is divided
into twelve administrative provinces; Butare, Byumba, Cyangugu,
Gikongoro, Gisenyi, Gitarama, Kibungo, Kibuye, Kigali Rurale,
Kigali-ville, Umutara, Ruhengeri.
People:
Rwanda is densely populated and is home to an estimated 8.65
million people. The Hutu account for about 84 % of the Country’s
population; other tribes are the Tutsi and the Twa (a Pygmy
People). Kinyarwanda, French and English are the official languages
here
though Swahili is widely spoken.
Tourism in Rwanda:
Prior to internal conflict, Rwanda had a healthy tourism industry
with visitors attracted to its rainforests which are home to
a population of mountain Gorillas. The Rwandan Government is
currently attempting to revive the local tourism industry by
improving facilities, infrastructure and promoting the country
as a tourist destination. Other
