Rwanda is a country of stunning landscapes, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” because of its rolling terrain. Nestled in east-central Africa, it’s a patchwork of lush green hills, lakes, and hundreds of rivers.
Map of Rwanda
Key geography facts
1. Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” with most of the country covered in rolling hills and deep valleys. The landscape is dominated by mountains, including the Virunga Mountains in the northwest. The eastern region consists of savannahs, plains and swamps.
2. The highest point in Rwanda is Mount Karisimbi, which rises 4,507 meters (14,787 feet) and is part of the Virunga Mountains.
3. Lake Kivu, on the western border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is Rwanda’s largest lake and one of the deepest in the world. The country also has several other notable lakes, such as Lake Muhazi and Lake Burera.
4. Most of Rwanda’s rivers flow into Lake Victoria and eventually drain into the Nile River, while some rivers flow into the Congo River system through the Ruzizi River.
5. Despite its proximity to the Equator, Rwanda enjoys cooler temperatures than the other equatorial countries due to its high elevation, with a pleasantly warm mean annual temperature of 19.1℃ (66.38 °F).
Recommended reading: Fun Facts About Rwanda
Rwanda regions
Rwanda has five provinces that are further divided into districts.
Eastern Province
- Bugesera
- Gatsibo
- Kayonza
- Kirehe
- Ngoma
- Nyagatare
- Rwamagana
Kigali
- Gasabo
- Kicukiro
- Nyarugenge
Northern Province
- Burera
- Gakenke
- Gicumbi
- Musanze
- Rulindo
Southern Province
- Gisagara
- Huye
- Kamonyi
- Muhanga
- Nyamagabe
- Nyanza
- Nyaruguru
- Ruhango
Western Province
- Karongi
- Ngororero
- Nyabihu
- Nyamasheke,
- Rubavu
- Rusizi
- Rutsiro
Map of Rwanda in Europe
Rwanda is bordered by Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Rwanda major cities
Kigali – The capital and largest city, known for its cleanliness and safety and as the economic and cultural hub of Rwanda.
Butare (Huye) – A city in southern Rwanda, known for its historical significance, the National University of Rwanda, and cultural institutions like the Ethnographic Museum.
Gisenyi (Rubavu) – A city on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, known for its beautiful lakeside resorts and proximity to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Musanze (Ruhengeri) – Located near the Volcanoes National Park, it is the gateway for gorilla trekking and other wildlife adventures in the Virunga Mountains.
Muhanga – A growing satellite city in the southern province, known for its strategic location along major transportation routes.
Rwamagana – A city in the Eastern Province, known for its agriculture and proximity to Akagera National Park.
Other cities in Rwanda: Byumba, Cyangugu, Ruhengeri.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. A teacher for seven years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.