RWANDA - The Land Of A Thousand Hills

And today we want to take you on a little journey to one of the 54 countries that make up Africa! Its none other than
Rwanda. Looking at its geography, population, tribes, marriage and family, religion, dance and music and it goes on and on; oh! Wait I almost forgot their sumptuous delicacies (Mmm!).

Geography:

Rwanda is a mountainous country located on the East-central part of Africa, its borders on Burundi to the south, Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Uganda to the north and Tanzania to the east. The land drops to the shores of lake Kivu which forms most of Rwanda’s border with Congo. High volcanoes form Rwanda’s Northwest borders. The mountainous topography continues in the North Kivu region of Congo. This why most people call Rwanda the land of a thousand hills. You might want to check them out yourself someday!

Population:

You would agree with me that this country is quite big cause it houses over 7.7million people with 90% of the population in the Hutu ethnic group, 9% Tutsi and 1% Twa as far back as after the 1991 national census so with a reasonable birth and mortality rate estimate their present population now! Rwanda is among the most rural countries in Africa, most people live in individual compounds surrounded by banana groves and fields.

Its Tribes:

The Rwandan culture can also be called Banyarwanda, Banyamulenge or Bafumbira culture; try hard to pronounce that! The largest ethnic divisions as talked about earlier (Hutu, Tutsi and Twa), in Rwandan culture are based on perceptions of historical group origins rather than on cultural differences. Once a colony of Germany and later on Belgium surprisingly speak one native language which is Kinyarwanda.

Marriage and family:

This is one of the most crucial things that is looked into in every African tribe however, the Rwandas consider marriage the most basic social institution and the pressure to marry and bear children is quite heavy. Marriage across ethnic lines between Hutu and Tutsi is relatively common. Polygamy once extensively practiced, has become uncommon except in some rural areas mostly in path of Northeast Rwanda. Women bearing children out of wedlock were once punished by banishment or death. Can you imagine? Gross!!

Religion:

Christianity has become a central part of Rwanda culture, more than 60% of the population are Catholics and another 30% are protestants with the largest protestants with the largest protestants churches.

Music and dance:

Music and dance are an integral part of Rwanda ceremonies, festivals, social gatherings and storytelling. The most popular traditional dance is intore, a highly choreographed routine consisting of three components-the ballet, performed by women, the dance of heroes, performed by men and the drums. It has a growing popular Music Industry, influenced by East Africa, Congolese and American music.

Greetings:

Mwaramutse is greeted in the morning while Mwiriwe is greeted in the afternoon.

Arts and Craft:

Arts and Crafts are produced throughout the country such as woven baskets, bowls, imigongo (a unique cow dung art)

Delicacies:

Rwanda has different varieties of food ranging from beans, bananas, sweet potatoes, potatoes and sorghums being the most common foods. Plantain is known as ibitoke. Ugali is a paste made from cassava or maize and water to form a porridge – like consistency that is eaten throughout Eastern Africa known as Rwanda cuisine. Hmm yummy!