Politics

Rwanda is a republic, having gained its independence in 1962. The highest office in the land is that of the president. He is assisted by the legislature, and an independent judiciary in the process of governance.

In 2003, Rwanda held its first democratic multiparty election, which returned President Paul Kagame to power, in a landslide victory. Also held the same year, was a referendum on the new constitution and parliamentary election, which too, gave mandate to the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF).

On the whole, the government has successfully managed the aftermath of the genocide. Peace and security have become real. In a referendum held on 26th May 2003, a new constitution was voted into law by a massive majority of 93% of registered voters.

Entrenched in this new fundamental law of the land are principles of Democracy and Good Governance, individual's freedoms, including freedom of speech, unity of the state, property rights and a firm rejection of the politics of divisionism.   

People and Culture

Nothing defines Rwandese culture better than the warm hospitality of its people, the thrill of the Intore (traditional dance) dancers and singers as well as the ordinary people's strong ethic for work and industry. No wonder some have described Rwanda as the land of a million smiles.

The country has a population of 8.1 million people, and is one of the few countries in Africa with a single common language and culture.

Rwanda's population is predominantly Christian, with 56.5% Roman Catholics, 26% Protestants, 11.1% Adventist, 4.6% Muslim, 0.1% Indigenous beliefs and 1.7% belonging to no religious denomination (2001 est.).

The country has three official languages, namely Kinyarwanda (vernacular), French and English. Most Rwandese are multilingual or at least bilingual. Swahili and other dialects from the region are also spoken, especially in major commercial centres.

Throughout history, capable local artists have captured and continue to capture many features of Rwandese culture in physical form through carvings and drawings. Many of these artefacts, to be found along the streets of Kigali or the homestead on the rolling hills and in valleys across the country, are increasingly becoming the basis of a growing industry in cultural products. Many of these are already being sold in Europe and USA.