Rwanda

__Rwanda__  Literacy rate= 70% (2003) Largest city= Kigali, 298,100 (2003) Monetary unit= Rwanda franc Birth rate= 40.2/1000 Infant mortality rate= 85.3/1000 Life expectancy= 49.0

Capital

The capital and largest city of Rwanda is Kigali. Kigali became Rwanda's capital city in the year 1962 and has a population of about 851,024. It is located in the center of the country and has been the main economic, cultural, and transport city since it was established as the capital. The government offices are located in Kigali along with the main home of the Rwanda president Paul Kagame.

Geography  Rwanda is in east-central Africa which is surrounded by Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi. Most of Rwanda is deep valleys or steep mountains. Rwanda has the highest lake in Africa, Lake Kivu, with an altitude of 4829 ft. It is located in the northwest of the country. The Virunga Mountains is in the north part of Rwanda which also includes Karisimbi, Rwanda's volcano, which is 14,187 ft, the highest point in Rwanda. Rwanda i s about the size of Maryland.  **Culture**  The richness of Rwandan culture is apparent in the wide range of fine crafts.

**Diseases** The total number of tuberculosis cases was 188 per 100,000 people. The mortality rate in 2009 was 46 per 100,000 people. 40% of all health center visits are due to malaria and is the principal cause of death in every province of Rwanda. The Rwandan government set up the National Malaria Control Programme.

**Major Attractions** 

On the Rwanda border there are five volcanic lakes. Lake Kivu is the largest and has some interesting lakeside towns. Kibuye and Gisenyi are great for swimming, canoeing, and water-skiing. Bulera and Ruhondo are popular twin lakes.

There are also many large animals to view. You can observe elephants and buffaloes drinking at the lakes, and many mammals including leopards, spotted hyenas, and lions are popular tourist attractions. Giraffes and zebras can be seen on the savannah along with a dozen types of antelope.

[|www.rwandatourism.com]
 * Source** : [|www.infoplease.com]


