Rwanda: flag, capital, currency and history
Rwanda, officially the Republic of Rwanda, is a country in Eastern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Kigali. The currency is the Rwandan franc. Languages spoken include English, French and Kinyarwanda.
Quick facts about Rwanda
- Official name
- Republic of Rwanda
- Capital
- Kigali
- Region
- Africa, Eastern Africa
- Currency
- Rwandan franc (RWF, Fr)
- Languages
- English, French, Kinyarwanda
- Calling code
- +250
- Internet domain
- .rw
- Area
- 26,338 km² (10,169 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Rwandan
- National day
- Independence Day, July 1
Flag of Rwanda
Download the flag of Rwanda as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇷🇼.
History of Rwanda
Settled by Twa, Hutu and Tutsi communities, the area developed into the Kingdom of Rwanda, ruled by a mwami. Germany claimed it in the 1880s as part of German East Africa. Belgian forces took control during the First World War, and Belgium administered it under a League of Nations mandate and later a United Nations trusteeship. A Hutu-led revolution began in 1959, the monarchy was abolished, and Rwanda became independent in 1962. In 1994 the genocide against the Tutsi killed a very large number of people, and the Rwandan Patriotic Front took control of the country. Kigali is the capital.
Key dates
- 1884Germany includes the area in its sphere of influence in East Africa.
- 1916Belgian forces occupy Rwanda during the First World War.
- 1959A Hutu-led uprising begins, leading to the end of the monarchy.
- 1962Rwanda becomes independent from Belgium on 1 July.
- 1994The genocide against the Tutsi takes place between April and July.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Rwanda
Rwanda uses the Rwandan franc (RWF, Fr). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Rwanda?
The capital of Rwanda is Kigali.
What currency does Rwanda use?
Rwanda uses the Rwandan franc (RWF, symbol Fr).
What languages are spoken in Rwanda?
Languages used in Rwanda include English, French and Kinyarwanda.
What is the calling code of Rwanda?
The international calling code of Rwanda is +250. Its internet domain is .rw.
Which countries border Rwanda?
Rwanda shares land borders with Burundi, DR Congo, Tanzania and Uganda.
On which continent is Rwanda?
Rwanda is in Africa, in the region of Eastern Africa.
What is the national day of Rwanda?
Rwanda marks Independence Day on July 1.
Neighbours of Rwanda
More countries in Eastern Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).