Moving to Rwanda: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

12,712,431

Population - note

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS

this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected

Population Growth Rate

2.7%

Urban Population

19.100000

Population in Major Urban Areas

KIGALI (capital) 1.004 million

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Age Structure

41.530000

Median Age

18.700000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

35

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

9.41

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

4.71

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

51.6%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

51.6%

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.030000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

.95

Ethnic Groups

Hutu 84%, Tutsi 15%, Twa (Pygmoid) 1%

Nationality Noun

Rwandan(s)

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Literacy - total population

70.4%

Literacy - male

76.3%

Literacy - female

64.7%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

5.1%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

10.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

58.850000

Infant Mortality Rate

61.030000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

61.030000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

340

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.06

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1.6

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

10.8%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

very high

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

4.3%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

80.700000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

61.000000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

11.5%

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Economic Overview

Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with agriculture accounting for about 63% of export earnings, and with some mineral and agro-processing.

Population density is high but, with the exception of the capital Kigali, is not concentrated in large cities – its 12 million people are spread out on a small amount of land (smaller than the state of Maryland).

Tourism, minerals, coffee, and tea are Rwanda's main sources of foreign exchange.

Despite Rwanda's fertile ecosystem, food production often does not keep pace with demand, requiring food imports.

Energy shortages, instability in neighboring states, and lack of adequate transportation linkages to other countries continue to handicap private sector growth.

The 1994 genocide decimated Rwanda's fragile economic base, severely impoverished the population, particularly women, and temporarily stalled the country's ability to attract private and external investment.

However, Rwanda has made substantial progress in stabilizing and rehabilitating its economy well beyond pre-1994 levels.

GDP has rebounded with an average annual growth of 6%-8% since 2003 and inflation has been reduced to single digits.

In 2015, 39% of the population lived below the poverty line, according to government statistics, compared to 57% in 2006.

The government has embraced an expansionary fiscal policy to reduce poverty by improving education, infrastructure, and foreign and domestic investment.

Rwanda consistently ranks well for ease of doing business and transparency.

The Rwandan Government is seeking to become a regional leader in information and communication technologies and aims to reach middle-income status by 2020 by leveraging the service industry.

In 2012, Rwanda completed the first modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kigali.

The SEZ seeks to attract investment in all sectors, but specifically in agribusiness, information and communications, trade and logistics, mining, and construction.

In 2016, the government launched an online system to give investors information about public land and its suitability for agricultural development.

Industries

cement, agricultural products, small-scale beverages, soap, furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$1,800.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

6.5%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$27,180,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$1,800.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

6.5%

GDP - official exchange rate

$8,468,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 73.7% government
• consumption: 14.7% investment in fixed
• capital: 25.6% investment in
• inventories: 0.8% exports of goods and
• services: 13.6% imports of goods and
• services: -28.4%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

32.6%

GDP by Sector- Industry

14.1%

GDP by Sector- services

53.3%

Industrial Growth Rate

7.5%

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Inflation Rate

3.9%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

Rwandan franc (RWF)

Currency Name and Code

Rwanda Franc (RWF)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

16.3%

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Labor Force

4,446,000

Major Industries

cement, agricultural products, small-scale beverages, soap, furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes

Agriculture Products

coffee, tea, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums), bananas, beans, sorghum, potatoes; livestock

Population Below Poverty Line

44.9%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

783,113

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

35%

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Labor Force By Occupation - industry and services

10%

Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

90%

Annual Budget

$1,436,000,000 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-4.3%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

23.6%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Rwanda

Country Name

Rwanda

Local - Long

Republika y'u Rwanda

Local - Short

Rwanda

Former Name

Kingdom of Rwanda, Ruanda, German East Africa

Etymology- history of name

the name translates as "domain" in the native Kinyarwanda language

Independence

1 July 1962 (from Belgium-administered UN trusteeship)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

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Government Type

presidential republic

Constitution

• history: several previous; latest adopted by referendum 26 May 2003, effective 4 June 2003
• amendments: proposed by the president of the republic (with Council of Ministers approval) or by two-thirds majority vote of both houses of Parliament; passage requires at least three-quarters majority vote in both houses; changes to constitutional articles on national sovereignty, the presidential term, the form and system of government, and political pluralism also require approval in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2015

Legal System:

mixed legal system of civil law, based on German and Belgian models, and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Paul KAGAME (since 22 April 2000)
• head of government: Prime Minister Justin NSENGIYUMVA (since 23 July 2025)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president election/appointment
• process: president directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president most recent election
• date: 4 August 2017
• election results: 2024: Paul KAGAME reelected president; Paul KAGAME (RPF) 99.2%, Frank HABINEZA (DGPR) 0.5%, Philippe MPAYIMANA (independent) 0.3% 2017: Paul KAGAME reelected president; Paul KAGAME (RPF) 98.8%, Philippe MPAYIMANA (independent), other 1.2% expected date of next
• election: 15 July 2029
• note: a constitutional amendment in 2016 reduced the presidential term from 7 to 5 years but included an exception that allowed President KAGAME to serve another 7-year term in 2017, potentially followed by two additional 5-year terms

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral Parliament consists of: Senate or Senat (26 seats; 12 members indirectly elected by local councils, 8 appointed by the president, 4 appointed by the Political Organizations Forum - a body of registered political parties, and 2 selected by institutions of higher learning; members serve 8-year terms) Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (80 seats; 53 members directly elected by proportional representation vote, 24 women selected by special interest groups, and 3 selected by youth and disability organizations; members serve 5-year terms)
• elections:
• Senate - last held on 16-18 September 2019 (next to be held in 2027)
• Chamber of Deputies - last held on 3 September 2018 (next to be held 15 July 2024)
• Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA;
• composition - men 17, women 9, percentage women 34.6%
• Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Rwandan Patriotic Front Coalition 40, PSD 5, PL 4, other 4, indirectly elected 27;
• Composition: men 31, women 49, percentage women 61.3%; total Parliament percentage women 54.7%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the president after consultation with the Cabinet and the Superior Council of the Judiciary (SCJ), a 27-member body of judges, other judicial officials, and legal professionals) and approved by the Senate; chief and deputy chief justices appointed for 8-year nonrenewable terms; tenure of judges NA; High Court president and vice president appointed by the president of the republic upon approval by the Senate; judges appointed by the Supreme Court chief justice upon approval of the SCJ; judge tenure NA
• subordinate courts: High Court of the Republic; commercial courts including the High Commercial Court; intermediate courts; primary courts; and military specialized courts

Regions or States:

• Summary: 4 provinces (in French - provinces
• singular - province
• in Kinyarwanda - intara for singular and plural) and 1 city* (in French - ville; in Kinyarwanda - umujyi); Est (Eastern)
• Kigali*
• Nord (Northern)
• Ouest (Western)
• Sud (Southern)

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Democratic Green Party of Rwanda or DGPR [Frank HABINEZA]
• Liberal Party or PL [Donatille MUKABALISA]
• Party for Progress and Concord or PPC [Dr. Alivera MUKABARAMBA]
• Rwandan Patriotic Front or RPF [Paul KAGAME]
• Rwandan Patriotic Front Coalition (includes RPF, PPC, PSP, UDPR, PDI, PSR, PDC) [Paul KAGAME]
• Social Democratic Party or PSD [Vincent BIRUTA]
• Social Party Imberakuri or PS-Imberakuri [Christine MUKABUNANI]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: the father must be a citizen of Rwanda; if the father is stateless or unknown, the mother must be a citizen dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 10 years

Capital Name

Kigali

Capital - geographic coordinate

1 57 S, 30 03 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• AfDB
• AU
• CEPGL
• COMESA
• EAC
• EADB
• FAO
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• ILO
• IMF
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• MINUSMA
• NAM
• OIF
• OPCW
• PCA
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHCR
• UNIDO
• UNISFA
• UNMISS
• UNOOSA
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Eric KNEEDLER (since 3 October 2023)
• Embassy: 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie (Kaciyiru), P. O. Box 28 Kigali
• Mailing Address: 2210 Kigali Place, Washington DC 20521-2210
• Telephone: [250] 252 596-400
• FAX: [250] 252 580-325
• Email: consularkigali@state.gov
• Website: https://rw.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Mathilde MUKANTABANA (since 18 July 2013)
• Chancery: 1714 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
• Telephone: [1] (202) 232-2882
• FAX: [1] (202) 232-4544
• Email: info@rwandaembassy.org
• Website: https://rwandaembassy.org/

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Geographic Location

Africa

Geographic Coordinates

2 00 S, 30 00 E

Total Area

10,169 Square Miles 26,338 Square Kilometers

Land Area

9,524 Square Miles 24,668 Square Kilometers

Water Area

645 Square Miles 1,670 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

555 Miles 893 Kilometers

Border Countries

Burundi 290 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 217 km, Tanzania 217 km, Uganda 169 km

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Terrain

mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with altitude declining from west to east

Highest Point

4,519 Meters

Highest Point Location

Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m

Lowest Point

950 Meters

Lowest Point Location

Rusizi River 950 m

Natural Resources

gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), methane, hydropower, arable land

Irrigated Land

37 Square Miles 96 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

Despite Rwanda’s location of only two degrees below the equator, the altitude provides a mild, temperate climate for most parts of the country.

The average 24-hour temperature in Kigali is 73° F.

The higher reaches above 14,700 feet might even experience frost and snow.

Two rainy seasons generally occur from February through May, and from September through December; but variations do occur.

The rains can be torrential, although brief, and sometimes are accompanied by strong winds and lightning.

Annual rainfall averages 31 inches and is generally heavier in the western and northwestern mountains than in the eastern savanna.

The long dry summer season from May to September turns the hills around Kigali a reddish ochre, fine dust is everywhere, and the grass dries up.

Terrain

mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with altitude declining from west to east

Location

Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Total Area

10,169 Square Miles 26,338 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Burundi 290 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 217 km, Tanzania 217 km, Uganda 169 km

Environment - Current Issues

• deforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel
• overgrazing
• soil exhaustion
• soil erosion
• widespread poaching

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

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Exports

$226,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$1,047,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

coffee, tea, hides, tin ore

Major Imports

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, steel, petroleum products, cement and construction material

Top Export Partners

Indonesia 37.5%, Hong Kong 6.9%, China 3.5%

Top Import Partners

Kenya 23.2%, Belgium 8.3%, Germany 6.6%

Export Partners

Indonesia 37.5%, Hong Kong 6.9%, China 3.5%

Import Partners

Kenya 23.2%, Belgium 8.3%, Germany 6.6%

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Country Description

Rwanda is a densely-populated, landlocked, developing country in central Africa, and is still recovering from the 1994 civil war and genocide.

Economic activity and tourism are on the rise in Rwanda.

Hotels and guesthouses are numerous in Kigali, the capital, and in major towns, but are limited in rural areas.

Safety & Security

There are currently no daytime travel restrictions in place for official U.S. citizens within Rwanda, but please review U.S.

Embassy Kigali’s security messages for U.S. citizens in Rwanda.

In April 2012, conflict broke out in the eastern DRC between the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and the M23, an armed group comprised of formerly integrated soldiers who defected from the FARDC.

Ongoing fighting between those forces and among other armed groups has caused thousands of Congolese to enter northwest Rwanda as refugees.

The U.S.

Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens exercise caution when traveling near the Rwanda-DRC border given the possibility of renewed fighting.

In mid November 2012, cross-border fire landed within the borders of Rwanda in the vicinity of Gisenyi.

One week later, there was an incursion by armed militants in the vicinity of Mudende.

In early December 2012, a small element of armed individuals crossed the border from Eastern DRC and attacked a ranger camp northwest of Kinigi.

The attack, which occurred just south of Volcanoes National Park, left one ranger dead.

The Government of Rwanda has accused the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) of responsibility for these incursions.

The FDLR is an armed group that includes former soldiers and supporters of the regime that orchestrated the 1994 genocide and that continues to operate in eastern DRC, near the border of Rwanda.

Grenade attacks aimed at the local populace have occurred on a recurring basis over the last five years in Rwanda.

The most recent attack took place on March 26, 2013 at Kimironko vehicle park; one bystander was killed and several were injured.

The Embassy urges you to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and avoid crowds, demonstrations, or any other form of public gathering.

An area of potential concern is the Mount Nyiragongo volcano, just outside the eastern DRC town of Goma and near the Rwandan border.

The volcano is active and last erupted on January 17, 2002 killing 47 people, destroying 15% of Goma and leaving 120,000 people homeless.

Rwanda is also located in a seismically active region.

In January 2008, an earthquake centered in eastern Congo killed 39 people and injured about 700, including residents of the Rwandan border town of Cyangugu.

In November 2012 an earthquake centered in southern Uganda was felt as far south as Kigali.

On occasion, travel by U.S.

Embassy personnel may be restricted based on changing security conditions.

For safety reasons, U.S.

Embassy personnel are prohibited from driving outside Kigali city limits after dark (6:00 p.m.), and are not permitted to use motorcycle-taxis or mini-bus taxis.

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Crime

Pick-pocketing in crowded public places is common, as is petty theft from cars, hotel rooms, and other public places, including churches.

Smart phones and other portable/mobile electronics are particularly targeted by thieves.

Although violent crimes such as carjacking, robbery, rape, and home invasion occur in Rwanda, they are rarely committed against foreigners.

The Embassy has also noted an increase in reported residential burglary attempts throughout Kigali.

Burglars may break and enter or attempt to trick domestic staff into allowing them unimpeded entrance.

You are advised to remain alert, exercise caution, and follow appropriate personal security measures.

U.S. citizens who reside in Rwanda should also ensure that their domestic staff understands these measures.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are counterfeit and pirated goods illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Rwanda, you are subject to its laws.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own and criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States.

You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country are crimes prosecutable in the United States.

Rwanda has strictly enforced laws on appropriate speech regarding the genocide.

If you break local laws in Rwanda, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you are.

Persons violating Rwandan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Rwanda are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Please see our information on U.S.

Criminal Penalties.

Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Rwanda you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest, and to have communications from you forwarded to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

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Medical Facilities

There are very few emergency municipal response services.

Ambulances are available in Kigali through SAMU by calling 912 from any mobile phone, or through King Faisal Hospital at 078 830 9003.

Ambulance service is basic and works solely as transportation, usually with no medical treatment involved.

The ambulance companies expect payment either up front or upon delivery.

They charge an initial 5,000 Rwandan Francs (RWF),then an addition charge per kilometer traveled.

Outside of Kigali, ambulances are extremely scarce.

Medical and dental facilities are limited, and some medicines are in short supply or unavailable; you should carry your own supply of properly-labeled medications to cover your entire stay.

In Kigali, King Faisal Hospital is a private facility that offers 24-hour assistance with physicians and nurses on duty in the emergency room.

There are several dental clinics and a few private dentists.

Charitable hospitals run by U.S. organizations with some surgical facilities can be found in Kibagora, in southwestern Rwanda, in Ruhengeri, near the gorilla trekking area, and in Rwinkwavu, near the entrance to Akagera National Park.

Medical care in Rwanda is not practiced on the same standard one would expect in the US.

There are some western trained physicians but many are locally trained where the standard of medical education is not on par with the United States.

The U.S.

Embassy maintains a current list of healthcare providers and facilities in Rwanda on its website.

There are periodic outbreaks of meningitis in Rwanda, and the meningitis vaccine is recommended if you are traveling during the dry season, May-October.

Yellow fever can cause serious medical problems, but the vaccine is very effective in preventing the disease.

The yellow fever vaccine is required for all travelers over 9 months of age, and travelers who cannot show proof of vaccination will not be permitted to enter Rwanda.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an increasingly serious health concern in Rwanda.

For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.

Malaria is endemic to Rwanda.

We strongly encourage U.S. citizens visiting Rwanda to take prophylactic medications to prevent malaria.

These should be initiated prior to entry into the endemic area.

Many malaria prophylactic medicines are not available in Rwanda and, because of possible counterfeit of anti-malarial medications, these should be obtained from a reliable pharmaceutical source before arrival.

Multiple outbreaks of Ebola have been reported in neighboring DRCin 2007 and Uganda in 2008, but none within Rwanda.

Rabies is present throughout the country.

All bites, scratches, and licks should be taken seriously and post-exposure rabies treatment sought.

Pre-exposure rabies immunization is recommended for long-term travelers, and those adventure travelers who will be more than 24 hours away from reliable post-exposure treatment.

Post exposure treatment for rabies is not always reliably available.

Schistosomiasis, transmitted by waterborne larvae that penetrate intact skin, presents significant risk throughout the country.

All fresh water lakes in the area should be considered contaminated.

You should avoid swimming or wading in Lake Kivu and all freshwater exposure.

Traffic Safety

While in Rwanda, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Rwanda is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

In Rwanda, as in the United States, traffic moves on the right-hand side of the road.

U.S.

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Airports - total

7

Airports with Paved Runways

4

Roadways- total

2,920 Miles 4,700 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

750 Miles 1,207 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Cyangugu, Gisenyi, Kibuye

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Telephones

33,500

Cell Phones

635,100

Internet Users

100,000

Internet Country Code

.rw

Internet Hosts

815

Broadcast Media

• government owns and operates the only TV station
• government-owned and operated Radio Rwanda has a national reach
• 9 private radio stations
• transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available

Telephone System

• assessment: small, inadequate telephone system primarily serves business, education, and government
• domestic: the capital, Kigali, is connected to the centers of the provinces by microwave radio relay and, recently, by cellular telephone service; much of the network depends on wire and HF radiotelephone; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone density has increased and now exceeds 40 telephones per 100 persons
• international: country code - 250; international connections employ microwave radio relay to neighboring countries and satellite communications to more distant countries; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) in Kigali (includes telex and telefax service)

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

231,600,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

10,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

130,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

120,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

566,300,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

5,245

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Anthem Lyrics

RWANDA NZIZA Rwanda nziza Gihugu cyacu Wuje imisozi, ibiyaga n'ibirunga Ngobyi iduhetse gahorane ishya.

Reka tukurate tukuvuge ibigwi Wowe utubumbiye hamwe twese Abanyarwanda uko watubyaye Berwa, sugira, singizwa iteka.

Horana Imana, murage mwiza Ibyo tugukesha ntibishyikirwa; Umuco dusangiye uraturanga Ururimi rwacu rukaduhuza Ubwenge, umutima,amaboko yacu Nibigukungahaze bikwiye Nuko utere imbere ubutitsa.

Abakurambere b'intwari Bitanze batizigama Baraguhanga uvamo ubukombe Utsinda ubukoroni na mpatisbihugu Byayogoje Afurika yose None uraganje mu bwigenge Tubukomeyeho uko turi twese.

Komeza imihigo Rwanda dukunda Duhagurukiye kukwitangira Ngo amahoro asabe mu bagutuye Wishyire wizane muri byose Urangwe n'ishyaka, utere imbere Uhamye umubano n'amahanga yose Maze ijabo ryawe riguhe ijambo.

Anthem Lyrics English

Rwanda, our beautiful and dear country Adorned of hills, lakes and volcanoes Motherland, would be always filled of happiness Us all your children: Abanyarwanda Let us sing your glare and proclaim your high facts You, maternal bosom of us all Would be admired forever, prosperous and cover of praises.

Invaluable heritage, that God protects to you You filled us priceless goods Our common culture identifies us Our single language unifies us That our intelligence, our conscience and our forces Fill you with varied riches For an unceasingly renewed development.

Our valorous ancestors Gave themselves bodies and souls As far as making you a big nation You overcame the colonial-imperialistic yoke That has devastated Africa entirely And has your joy of your sovereign independence Acquired that constantly we will defend.

Maintain this cape, beloved Rwanda, Standing, we commit for you So that peace reigns countrywide That you are free of all hindrance That your determination hires progress That you have excellent relations with all countries And that finally your pride is worth your esteem.