Geography of Rwanda

Geography of Rwanda
ContinentAfrica
RegionEast Africa
Coordinates2°00′S 30°0′E / 2.000°S 30.000°E / -2.000; 30.000
AreaRanked 144th
 • Total26,338 km2 (10,169 sq mi)
 • Land93.7%
 • Water6.3%
Coastline0 km (0 mi)
Borders930 km (580 mi)
Highest pointMount Karisimbi
4,507 metres (14,787 ft)
Lowest pointRusizi River
950 metres (3,120 ft)
Longest riverNyabarongo
351 metres (1,152 ft)
Largest lakeLake Kivu

Rwanda is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is located in the eastern-central part of Africa, lying a few degrees south of the Equator in the Great Rift Valley of East Africa. It is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. The country’s terrain consists largely of rolling hills, high mountains, and numerous lakes, with Kigali, the capital and largest city, situated near its geographic centre.

Known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills", Rwanda’s high elevation gives it a temperate tropical highland climate. Its location within the Great Rift Valley contributes to a diverse landscape that includes volcanoes, savannas, and freshwater lakes.