Rwanda: Flag and Facts

About Rwanda

The blue band is twice as tall as the others and stands for happiness and peace. Yellow is economic growth and mineral wealth, while green covers natural resources and the hope of getting richer. The sun in the corner represents unity and enlightenment. A traditional woven basket with a peaked lid serves as the national symbol.

Small yet centralized, Rwanda has held outsized sway over the Great Lakes region of Africa for centuries. A Rwandan kingdom grew stronger from the mid-18th century, with Tutsi kings stretching their reach by conquest. The Hutu majority and Tutsi minority shared one language and culture, and people often married across the two groups. Social lines hardened under King Rwabugiri, who reigned from 1860 to 1895. German rule began in the late 1890s, and Belgium took over in 1916. Independence arrived on 1 July 1962. Grassy uplands and hills spread across the country, dropping in height from west to east.

Did you know?

• Volcan Karisimbi, Rwanda's highest point, stands 4,519 meters tall.
• Even Rwanda's lowest point, on the Rusizi River, is 950 meters above sea level.
• Rwanda gets two rainy seasons, from February to April and from November to January.