Rwanda
2 00 S, 30 00 E
lowest point: Rusizi River 950 m
highest point: Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m
total: 893 km
border countries: Burundi 290 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 217 km, Tanzania 217 km, Uganda 169 km
periodic droughts; the volcanic Virunga mountains are in the northwest along the border with Democratic Republic of the Congo
gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), methane, hydropower, arable land
arable land: 45.56%
permanent crops: 10.25%
other: 44.19% (2005)
deforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel; overgrazing; soil exhaustion; soil erosion; widespread poaching
Despite its proximity to the Equator, the climate in Rwanda is cooled by the high altitude. It is warm throughout most of the country but cooler in the mountains. There are two rainy seasons: mid-January to April and mid-October to mid-December.
Required clothing
Lightweights are required for most of the year with warmer clothes for cooler upland evenings. Rainwear is advisable.
time difference: UTC+2
