Rwanda

People

Rwanda's population density is the highest in Africa. It has three main ethnic groups - Hutus, who make up 84 per cent of the population, Tutsis at 15 per cent; and Twa, so-called Pygmy people, accounting for the rest. Catholicism is the major religion and is adhered to by 90 per cent of people. Islam and indigenous beliefs also feature.

History

Belgium assumed the rule of Rwanda from Germany after World War I. During the period of colonial government, differences between the ethnic groups were highlighted and identity cards issued on this basis. In 1963, the Republic of Rwanda was established amid a bloody struggle for power, which the Hutus won. Discrimination increased against Tutsis, who were blocked from government, army and university positions. Massacres took place and many Tutsis and moderate Hutus fled to neighbouring countries. In Uganda, some formed the Rwandan Patriotic Front with the aim of gaining entry to Rwanda by force. In April 1994, the Hutu president was killed when his plane was shot down as he was returning from United Nations-brokered peace talks. This sparked a long-planned and quickly executed genocide, resulting in the death of well over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus in just three months. Two million people fled Rwanda. International reaction was almost non-existent and the genocide proceeded unabated until the Rwandan Patriotic Front successfully ended it and took control of the country. The Government of National Unity, led by the Rwandan Patriotic Front, was formed to deal with the aftermath of the genocide. Methods of enacting justice include the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Tanzania, traditional gacaca courts, and promotion of healing and reconciliation throughout the nation. The reconciliation process continues today. The first presidential elections since 1994, held in 2003, were overwhelmingly won by the Rwandan Patriotic Front.

Geography

Rwanda is a land locked country in east Africa. It has five volcanoes, 23 lakes and a number of rivers. Due to its altitude (mostly over 1,500 metres above sea level) temperatures are cooler and the climate wetter than in much of Africa. There are two rainy seasons, October to November and March to May.

Economy

Subsistence agriculture is practiced by 90 per cent of the population. As most export earnings come from agricultural products, the economy rises and falls according to commodity prices. The genocide destroyed Rwanda's economy, severely depleted the workforce and forced the population deeper into poverty. Rwanda relies heavily on international aid.

Agriculture

Rwanda's fertile soils and plentiful rainfall are ideal for agriculture, although heavy rain and deforestation have a detrimental effect on soil fertility. Tea and coffee for export are grown on steep mountain slopes. Most families own less than one hectare of land on which they grow sorghum, maize, cassava, sweet potatoes, beans and bananas. Family lands are divided between sons, so the average plot is getting smaller.

Education

The Government of Rwanda has committed itself to rebuilding and improving the education system and making it accessible to all children. School is officially compulsory for children aged 7 to 15. While more than 75 per cent of children attend primary school, only 14 per cent go on to secondary education.

Health

There is a shortage of trained medical staff and facilities in Rwanda. Major health problems include HIV and AIDS, malnutrition, malaria, tuberculosis, cholera, typhoid and schistosomiasis. Nearly 30 per cent of people don't have access to a safe water source.

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