Where is Rwanda located? Rwanda is a country located in East Africa, situated in the central part of the African continent. It is a landlocked country.
Rwanda is positioned to the east of the African continent, bordered by several neighboring countries. To the north, it shares a border with Uganda. To the east, it is bounded by Tanzania. To the south, it shares borders with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Where is Rwanda located: East Africa.
Location of Rwanda on the World Map
Rwanda World
Map of Rwanda.
Rwanda Profile – Where is Rwanda located
Here are 10 of the most important facts about Rwanda:
- Official Name: Republic of Rwanda
- Capital City: Kigali
- Population: Approximately 12.6 million (as of 2021)
- Official Language: Kinyarwanda, French, and English
- Currency: Rwandan Franc (RWF)
- Major Religion: Christianity (predominantly Catholic with a minority of Protestant Christians)
- Government: Unitary presidential republic
- Area: Approximately 26,338 square kilometers
- GDP (Gross Domestic Product): $10.5 billion (as of 2021)
- Main Exports: Coffee, tea, minerals, and tourism services.
Borders of Rwanda
Rwanda shares land borders with four neighboring countries.
| Bordering Country | Approximate Length of Border (in kilometers) |
|---|---|
| Uganda | 169 km |
| Tanzania | 169 km |
| Burundi | 169 km |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 217 km |
Rwanda Map
Navigate over this map with your mouse to discover Rwanda’s map location.
Rwanda
Most Extreme Points of Rwanda
Rwanda has several extreme points in different directions:
- Northernmost Point: Close to the border with Uganda, northeast of the town of Gisenyi.
- Southernmost Point: The tripoint border with Burundi and Tanzania, in the southern region near the town of Rusumo.
- Easternmost Point: The point on the border with Tanzania, east of the town of Ngara.
- Westernmost Point: The point on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, west of the town of Rubavu.
Highest Points of Rwanda
The highest point in Rwanda is Mount Karisimbi, reaching an elevation of approximately 4,507 meters above sea level. It is part of the Virunga mountain range.
| No. | Mountain | Elevation (meters) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Karisimbi | 4,507 |
| 2 | Mount Bisoke | 3,711 |
| 3 | Mount Muhabura | 4,127 |
| 4 | Mount Sabyinyo | 3,669 |
| 5 | Mount Gahinga | 3,474 |
How big is Rwanda?
Rwanda encompasses an area of about 26,338 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest countries in Africa.
Comparison with Neighboring Countries
Here is a comparison of Rwanda with its neighboring countries based on approximate size and population as of 2021:
| Country | Approximate Size (sq. km) | Approximate Population | Rwanda’s Size Compared to Neighboring Country | Rwanda’s Population Compared to Neighboring Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda | 241,038 | 47.4 million | 0.67 times smaller | 0.21 times smaller |
| Tanzania | 947,303 | 61.5 million | 0.18 times smaller | 0.14 times smaller |
| Burundi | 27,834 | 12.6 million | 28.06 times bigger | 0.47 times smaller |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | 2,344,858 | 92.4 million | 0.02 times smaller | 0.12 times smaller |
| Kenya | 580,367 | 54.8 million | 0.06 times smaller | 0.16 times smaller |
What to Visit in Rwanda?
Rwanda offers a rich blend of history, culture, and diverse landscapes. Here are the top 10 tourist attractions:
- Kigali: The capital and largest city of Rwanda, Kigali boasts a mix of modern development, historical sites, and vibrant markets like Kimironko Market.
- Volcanoes National Park: Home to the majestic Virunga Mountains, this park is famous for its mountain gorillas and offers incredible trekking experiences.
- Akagera National Park: A diverse wildlife sanctuary in eastern Rwanda, Akagera is home to the Big Five and offers thrilling safaris along with scenic boat tours on Lake Ihema.
- Nyungwe Forest National Park: A lush rainforest teeming with biodiversity, Nyungwe is a paradise for nature lovers, featuring canopy walks and primate tracking, including chimpanzees.
- Lake Kivu: One of Africa’s Great Lakes, Lake Kivu offers serene lakeside resorts, water activities, and a chance to explore the peaceful shores.
- Huye (Butare): This city in southern Rwanda is known for the National Museum of Rwanda and the Ethnographic Museum, offering insights into the country’s culture and history.
- Gisenyi (Rubavu): Located on the shores of Lake Kivu, Gisenyi is a picturesque town with beautiful beaches, hot springs, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Nyanza: Visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza to learn about Rwanda’s monarchy and history.
- Ruhengeri: Explore the town of Ruhengeri as a gateway to Volcanoes National Park and enjoy its laid-back vibe and cultural attractions.
- Nyamata and Ntarama Genocide Memorials: These solemn memorials pay tribute to the victims of the Rwandan genocide, offering a chance for reflection and remembrance.
You can discover a wide array of Rwanda experiences, ranging from delving into rich historical and cultural heritage to savoring vibrant urban life and immersing yourself in breathtaking natural landscapes. It’s important to be aware that certain locations, particularly places of religious importance, may have specific access requirements or restrictions. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the prerequisites before you finalize your travel plans.
