Rwanda
Subregion: Eastern Africa
Rwanda is a country located in Eastern Africa. The Capital City is Kigali. The government is a Unitary presidential republic under an authoritarian government. The official languages of the country are Kinyarwanda, French, English and Swahili. The predominant religion is Christianity. The healthcare system in Rwanda has both public and private sectors. The public sector has access to free healthcare at public hospitals. However, there is also a community based insurance that residents pay $2/year into a local health fund and they draw from it as needed. This is not considered private health care. The private sector has its own hospitals, clinics and pharmacies.
Safety:
Rwanda has made significant strides in improving safety and security in recent years. However, like any country, there are still some safety concerns that residents should be aware of. One of the most significant safety concerns in Rwanda is the risk of crime, particularly in urban areas such as Kigali. There have been reports of street crime such as theft and pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas. Travelers should take precautions such as keeping valuables secure, avoiding carrying large sums of cash, and being aware of their surroundings. You should also be aware of the risk of political protests or civil unrest, which can occur at any time. It is recommended to stay up-to-date with local news and avoid large gatherings or demonstrations. In recent years, Rwanda has made significant progress in improving its road safety and infrastructure. The government has invested heavily in improving road conditions, including expanding and rehabilitating the country's road network, installing traffic lights and road signs, and increasing law enforcement efforts to enforce traffic rules. Despite these improvements, road safety remains a concern in Rwanda. The country still has a high rate of road accidents, which are often attributed to factors such as reckless driving, overloading of vehicles, and poor vehicle maintenance. Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable on the roads, and accidents involving these road users are common. To address these challenges, the Rwandan government has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at improving road safety. These include public awareness campaigns to educate road users about safe driving practices, the introduction of a new traffic code with stricter penalties for traffic violations, and the establishment of a national road safety agency to coordinate efforts to improve road safety. Travelers should be cautious when traveling on the roads and consider hiring a reputable driver or using a reputable transportation company.
Cultural Customs:
Rwanda is known for its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its customs and traditions. Rwandans are known for their warm and friendly greetings. It is customary to greet people with a handshake, and sometimes a hug, depending on the level of familiarity. In rural areas, it is also common to kneel and offer a greeting. Umuganda is a traditional practice in Rwanda that involves community work. It is held on the last Saturday of every month, and it involves cleaning up the community, planting trees, and carrying out other development projects. Rwandans are proud of their traditional clothing, which is often brightly colored and made from African fabric. Women wear a wrap-around skirt called a “kitenge,” while men wear a long robe called a “kanzu.” Inyambo dance is a traditional dance performed by the royal drummers of Rwanda. It involves intricate footwork and movements, and it is often performed during important ceremonies. Igitaramo is a traditional music and dance performance that is often held during weddings and other celebrations. It involves singing, drumming, and dancing, and it is a lively and colorful event. The cow ceremony is a traditional Rwandan ritual that is held to mark important milestones such as weddings and funerals. It involves the slaughtering of a cow and the sharing of its meat among the community. Inzu is a traditional Rwandan house that is made of mud and grass. It is a symbol of Rwandan culture and is often used to showcase the country's traditional architecture.
Geography & Weather:
Rwanda sits right below the equator and the climate is temperate.
In the city of Kigali, in the center of the country, the average temperature ranges from 71 degrees Fahrenheit year round. The rainy season in this area is from October - April. The rainiest month is April. The sky is often cloudy, sunshine hours are 4-6 hours daily.
Economy:
Rwanda's economy has undergone significant transformation in recent years, transitioning from an agrarian-based economy to a knowledge-based one. One of the major drivers of Rwanda's economy is the service sector, which accounts for around 50% of the country's GDP. The tourism industry has also grown significantly in recent years, with Rwanda becoming a popular destination for tourists interested in seeing the country's unique wildlife, including mountain gorillas. The agriculture sector remains an important part of Rwanda's economy, employing around 70% of the population and accounting for around 30% of the country's GDP. Coffee and tea are among Rwanda's main agricultural exports. Rwanda has made significant progress in improving its business environment, with the country ranked as one of the top reformers in the World Bank's Doing Business report. The government has also implemented policies to promote foreign investment, including the creation of special economic zones and the establishment of a one-stop center for business registration. Despite these positive developments, Rwanda still faces significant challenges in its economy, including high levels of poverty and youth unemployment. However, the government's emphasis on economic development, along with continued foreign investment, could help to address these challenges in the future.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Rwandan Franc (RWF)
RWF 1.00 = USD .00091
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
12,952,218
Median Age:
20
Life Expectancy:
70
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes
Cost: Tourist Visa, single entry, 30 day (available on arrival) $50
Multiple entry, 30 day (available on arrival) $70
90 day and 10 year Tourist Visas are available for US Citizens prior to arrival thru the Rwandan Embassy
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination required if you traveled thru: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’lvoire, DRC, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Niger, Togo.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Yes
Naturalization - Rwandan citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Rwanda for at least five consecutive years, is of good morality, economically self-sufficient, have no criminal convictions, and understand the culture and traditions of the country.
Residency Requirements:
A temporary residence permit is available for people looking to relocate into Rwanda as expats. You must have your tourist visa and apply in English within 15 days of arriving in the country. Apply at the DGIE (Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration)
Resources:
Expats in Rwanda Facebook Group
U.S. Embassy Kigali
30 KG 7 Avenue
Kigali, Rwanda
Telephone: +250-252-596-400-7000 (Monday through Thursday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +250-252-596-400, and dial 1
Fax: +250-252-596-591
Emails:
American Citizen Services: ACSKigali@state.gov
Immigrant Visas: IVKigali@state.gov
Non-Immigrant Visas: NIVKigali@state.gov