Kigali - Culture

Agriculture is by far the dominant economic activity of Rwanda, with more than 81% of the working population in this sector. Agriculture in Rwanda is practiced on very small, family-run farms: 56% of them are less than one hectare.

The principle revenue crop is coffee and tea. An unusual crop, but one of which Rwanda is among the first producers in the world, is Pyrethrum - Quinine is another culture grown especially for export. Stock-farming is concentrated in the South and East of the country.

Within the last ten years in Rwanda fish farming has undergone rapid development. The potential of riches lying in Rwanda soil are in small quantity cassiterite, walframite, beryl and gold. The craftsmanship has extended to printing, carpentry, silversmith work, wood carving, wrought iron, basketwork, painting, and many others

Rwanda land of a thousand hills with capital kigali is a mountainous country at the center of the Great lakes region of central to eastern Africa, near the "Mountains of the Moon," already famous in ancient Greece.

Rwanda's elevation ranges from 1,000m (south and east) to 4,500m above sea level. The "thousand hills" terrain is dominated from north to south by a watershed (2.500m high) that separates the basin of the Zaire River from that of the Nile and by the Ibirunga volcano chain, famous for the last remaining mountain gorillas, who found refuge there.

With an area of 26,338 sqkm, and a population of approximately 7 million (1990 estimate), the country is completely surrounded by Zaire (west), Uganda (north), Tanzania (east) and Burundi (south), and as a landlocked nation has no direct access to the sea.

In spite of its proximity (2 degrees south) to the equator, the country enjoys a fine spring climate (due to its altitude), with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons.

Rwanda  is becoming a major tourist country. Rwanda is much more than national parks, volcanos and gorillas. There are many incontestably interesting things to see throughout the country, such as some wonderful views from the top of the hills and mountains, some historical sites, numerous lakes and cliffs, and the strikingly beautiful volcanos. Safari lovers will also enjoy the specimens of the abundant mammals, zebra, waterbuck, topi, hippopotamus, work hog, impala, buffalo, elephants, etc.

Major airline companies fly to Rwanda from Europe and Africa. Several hotels of International class are available in Kigali, and other towns have a good reputation due to their comfort and the quality of service they offer.

The Rwanda Office of Tourism and National Parks will be happy to assist you with full information with respect to travel and accommodations in Rwanda.