What is the terrain and geography like in Rwanda?
The low mountains and steep hills of the remainder of the country diminish in height as one travels towards the east and southeast. On the Tanzania border, low hills, papyrus swamps, and shallow lakes are interspersed with semiarid savanna. Hardy thickets, 8 to 15 feet tall, cactus-like candelabrum trees, and grassy glades are found here.
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.
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.
Geographic Location | Africa |
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 |
Irrigated Land |
37 Square Miles 96 Square Kilometers |
Border Countries | Burundi 290 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 217 km, Tanzania 217 km, Uganda 169 km |
Geographic Coordinates | 2 00 S, 30 00 E |
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 |
Time Zone | UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) |