Rwanda Statistics

Geography-Population

Capital:  Kigali

Area:  26,338 sq km

Climate:  temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible

Population:  11,370,425

Languages:  Kinyarwanda (official and national, universal Bantu vernacular), English and French (official), Kisw

Government-Economy

Government type: republic; presidential, multiparty system

Independence Day: 1 July 1962 (from Belgium-administered UN trusteeship)

Currency: Rwandan francs (RWF)

GDP: $11.84 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP): $1,100 (2010 est.)

Information for Foreign Students in Rwanda

Obtaining a Visa

Canadians, US and UK nationals, Australians, and South Africans do not need a visa, except if their stays exceed three months. Irish nationals and New Zealanders need a visa.

Since visa requirements are different according to the departure country, we highly advise travelers to contact the embassy or to go on its website.
Housing

Link for hotels: http://www.kariburwanda.com/

http://www.rwandatourism.com/test/page.php?uri=Hotel&PHPSESSID=56293cc75da310e2233bf16d3c8aaf24

Health

Medical insurance, including cover for emergency repatriation, is essential. Visitors are advised to bring their own personal medication. Medical facilities are severely limited and extremely overburdened. In you need a treatment, you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative. To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts. Almost all medical facilities in Kigali were destroyed during the civil war, but the situation is now improving and most hospitals function to an acceptable level.

Money

Cash machines: International Visa cards are accepted at Ecobank head office in Kigali and at Kigali airport. They can also be used at Access Bank head office in Kigali. However, these ATMs are affected by power cuts. It is best to travel with US dollars, some banks won't accept sterling.

Transportation

Minibuses serve most of the main towns but road conditions are poor, and very pot-holed. Travellers can rent a car: driving is on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is required. There are no international car hire firms in Rwanda but local establishments can be found in Kigali.