Rwanda is a small landlocked country in East Africa. With a population of 12 million (2018), it is the most densely populated country in Africa. Rwanda's official languages are Kinyarwanda (a Bantu language), French and English. Rwanda contributes to a number of UN peacekeeping missions in Africa.
Rwanda suffered a devastating genocide in 1994, in which 800,000 people died. Since recovering from this period of deep instability, Rwanda has enjoyed consistent economic growth.
Despite this growth, poverty remains widespread. Ninety percent of the population is engaged in agriculture and some mineral and agro-processing, however, food production often fails to meet demand, necessitating food imports. Rwanda still receives significant amounts of foreign aid.
Australia's diplomatic representation to Rwanda is from the High Commission in Kenya. Rwanda's diplomatic representation to Australia is from its High Commission in Singapore. Rwanda also has an Honorary Consul based in Melbourne.
Economic and trade information
Country/economy fact sheet [PDF]
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