What Continent Is Rwanda In?

Rwanda is one of the countries of Africa, situated in between Eastern and Central Africa, just a few degrees below the equator. The country borders most of the Central African countries, but is more affiliated with Eastern Africa countries. Rwanda is one of the fastest growing countries in Africa, having recovered from one of the worst genocides in history. The capital city of Rwanda is Kigali. The majority of the Rwandese population is young, with most of population living in rural areas of the country.

Demographics of Rwanda

Rwanda is among the most densely populated countries in Africa. In 2015, National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda stated that Rwanda had an approximate population of 11.2 million people. Approximately 44% of the total population was below the age of 15 years. Less than 20% of the population is above the age of 65 years. The life expectancy of the Rwandese is around 60 years old.

Geography of Rwanda

Rwanda is a landlocked country and one of the smallest countries in the Africa mainland. It is the fourth smallest country in the continent's mainland after Gambia, Swaziland, and Djibouti. The country is bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, to the north by Uganda, Tanzania to the east, and Burundi to the south. Rwanda is among the countries associated with the African Great Lakes. The country is dominated by numerous lakes and is also mountainous, especially in the western region. The most recognized peak in the country is located on the Virunga Mountains. Generally, the country is located in a higher altitude. The eastern regions of Rwanda are dominated by Savanna Grasslands. The climate of Rwanda is temperate to subtropical. Being within the tropics, Rwanda experiences two wet and two dry seasons every year.

The Politics of Rwanda

Rwanda was colonized by Germany in 1884 and made part of Germany East Africa. However, the Belgium invaded the territory and took over Rwanda in 1916. The country was under the rule of Belgium until independence in 1961. Rwanda is a sovereign state with the president as the head of state. The incumbent president, Paul Kagame, has been in office since 2000. The president is elected after every seven years. After his election, the president appoints a prime minister and members of the cabinet. Kagame is a member of the dominating party in the country, The Rwanda Patriotic Front. Rwanda is one of the few countries whose parliaments are dominated by women.

Rwanda Is in Africa

Rwanda is a landlocked country bordering other countries within Africa. It is also a member of African organizations such as the African Union, the East African Community (EAC), and other African regional trade blocks. EAC is composed of Eastern African Countries such as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Rwanda, just like other members of the East African Community, elects its representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly. Furthermore, just like most African countries, agriculture is the backbone of the Rwandese economy. Rwanda also participates in African games and tournaments such as the African Cup of Nation and All African Games.