World Happiness Report for Rwanda 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Rwanda: na
- Happiness Score Rwanda:na
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Rwanda. RW.
Rwanda is a landlocked country located in East Africa. Its political structure is a presidential republic with a multi-party system. Rwanda is known for its traditional dance, music, and handicrafts, as well as its vibrant cultural festivals and ceremonies. Economically, the country has made significant strides in recent years, particularly in industries such as agriculture, tourism, and technology.
- Rwanda is one of the few countries in the world with a majority female parliament.
- The country is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, making it a popular destination for ecotourism.
- Rwanda has experienced rapid economic growth and poverty reduction since the Rwandan genocide in 1994.
Rwanda – Country Overview
Early History
The earliest inhabitants of what is now Rwanda were Pygmy hunter-gatherers, who were gradually displaced by Hutu and Tutsi communities migrating from the west and east, respectively. The region was ruled by a succession of powerful Tutsi kings, known as mwamis, from the 15th century onwards.
Kingdoms and Empires
The Kingdom of Rwanda, ruled by the Tutsi monarchy, emerged in the late 18th century and expanded its territory through a series of conquests. The kingdom played a significant role in the region until the arrival of European colonizers in the late 19th century.
Colonial Period
In 1899, Rwanda became part of German East Africa. Following World War I, it was ceded to Belgian control as a League of Nations mandate territory. The Belgians perpetuated and deepened the existing divisions between the Hutu and Tutsi groups, favoring the Tutsi minority and creating a system of ethnic-based privileges.
Independence and Modern Era
Rwanda gained independence from Belgium in 1962, with the Hutu majority taking control of the government. This led to a violent revolution and a mass exodus of Tutsi refugees. The country experienced cycles of ethnic violence and civil war throughout the following decades, culminating in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, in which an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by Hutu extremists.
Current Political Situation
Rwanda is a unitary semi-presidential republic, led by President Paul Kagame and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) party. The country has made remarkable progress in rebuilding and reconciliation efforts since the genocide, but concerns remain over political freedoms and human rights.
International Relations
Rwanda maintains close ties with neighboring countries and is an active member of the African Union and the East African Community. It has also played a significant role in peacekeeping missions in various African nations.
Human Development and Economy
Rwanda has made significant strides in economic development and reducing poverty, with a strong focus on agriculture, tourism, and information technology. However, challenges remain in areas such as healthcare, education, and income inequality.
Cultural Highlights
Rwanda is a culturally diverse nation, with three official languages: Kinyarwanda, French, and English. The country is known for its rich traditions in music, dance, and crafts, as well as its commitment to environmental conservation and ecotourism, particularly in the Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas.
Challenges and Opportunities
Rwanda faces ongoing challenges related to reconciliation, political freedoms, and economic development. However, the country’s commitment to unity, progress, and sustainable growth presents opportunities for continued advancement and stability in the region.
Travel Tips for Rwanda
Best Time to Visit: The dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer the most favorable weather for outdoor activities and gorilla trekking.
Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs, dress modestly, and ask for permission before taking photographs of people. Greet elders with a respectful handshake and avoid public displays of affection.
Safety Precautions: Exercise caution in crowded areas and avoid traveling alone at night. Obtain proper travel insurance and follow the advice of local authorities.
Must-See Landmarks: Explore the Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the country’s history, and explore the vibrant markets and museums in Kigali.
Culinary Experiences: Try traditional Rwandan dishes like isombe (a savory dish made with mashed greens and peanut sauce), brochettes (grilled meat skewers), and fresh produce from local markets.
Main facts
1. Location
Rwanda is a landlocked country located in the Great Lakes region of East-Central Africa. It is situated a few degrees south of the equator, bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.
2. Map References
Rwanda is part of the African continent and is located within the East African region.
3. Area – Comparative
With a total area of 26,338 square kilometers (10,169 square miles), Rwanda is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Maryland.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Rwanda has a total land boundary of 1,051 kilometers (653 miles), bordering the following countries:
- Uganda: 172 kilometers (107 miles)
- Tanzania: 475 kilometers (295 miles)
- Burundi: 290 kilometers (180 miles)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo: 233 kilometers (145 miles)
5. Coastline
As a landlocked country, Rwanda has no coastline.
6. Maritime Claims
Rwanda has no maritime claims or zones.
7. Climate
Rwanda has a temperate tropical highland climate, with a mild variation in temperature throughout the year due to its high elevation. The country experiences two rainy seasons: a long rainy season from March to May, and a shorter one from October to November.
8. Terrain
Rwanda’s landscape is dominated by mountains in the west and savanna in the east. The country’s terrain consists of rolling hills and grassy uplands, with a series of higher ridges extending southeast from the northwestern border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Rwanda is Mount Karisimbi, a volcanic peak located near the northwestern border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reaching an elevation of 4,507 meters (14,787 feet). The lowest point is the Rusizi River at the border with Burundi, with an elevation of 950 meters (3,117 feet).
10. Natural Resources
Rwanda’s major natural resources include gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), methane, hydropower, arable land, and peat.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The most significant water bodies in Rwanda include:
- Lake Kivu (shared with the Democratic Republic of the Congo)
- Nyabarongo River
- Akagera River
- Akanyaru River (shared with Burundi)
12. Natural Hazards
The primary natural hazards affecting Rwanda are periodic droughts and occasional volcanic activity near the Virunga Mountains in the northwest.
13. Geography – Notes
Rwanda is known for its breathtaking scenery and abundant biodiversity, including the iconic Volcanoes National Park, home to the critically endangered mountain gorilla. The country has made significant efforts in environmental conservation and sustainable development, despite the challenges posed by its rugged terrain and dense population.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 19.70%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 1,115. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 73.40%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: -1.94027829.873888.
- Capital: The capital of Rwanda is Kigali
- Major Cities:
City Population Kigali 1,132,686 Butare 77,859 Ruhengeri 49,361 Gisenyi 106,249 Musanze 59,672 - Population: 12,626,950
- Area(Km2): 26338
- Population Density( P/Km²):525. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:250
- Official Language(s):Rwanda is Kinyarwanda (official) 93.2%, French (official) 0.1%, English (official) 0.1%, Swahili (official) 4.9%, other 1.8%.
- Currency: RWF
Main Economic Indicators
Rwanda’s economy is small but rapidly growing, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of around $9.5 billion in 2020. The economy is driven primarily by the services sector, particularly tourism and finance. Key economic challenges include high population growth, low agricultural productivity, and a narrow economic base. Notable economic policies have focused on promoting investment, privatization, and regional economic integration.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2019: 3.4%
2020: 7.7%
Source: National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda
Credit Ratings
Fitch: B+
Moody’s: B2
Standard & Poor’s: B+
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 24.5%
Industry: 17.1%
Services: 58.4%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Coffee, tea, pyrethrum, bananas, beans, sorghum, potatoes
Industrial Products: Cement, agricultural products, small-scale beverages, soap, furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 6.68 million (2020 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 69th in the world
Current Account Balance
2019: -$1.09 billion
2020: -$0.93 billion
Comparative Ranking: 137th in the world (2020 est.)
Exports and Imports
Exports: $1.08 billion (2020 est.)
Key Partners: United Arab Emirates, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Switzerland
Main Commodities: Coffee, tea, hides, tin ore
Imports: $2.64 billion (2020 est.)
Key Partners: China, United Arab Emirates, India, Kenya, Tanzania
Main Commodities: Foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, steel, petroleum products, cement and construction material
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $1.44 billion (2020 est.)
Gold Reserves: 0.61 million ounces (as of December 2020)
- GDP (Current US$):$10,122,472,590. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 14.30%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 33.20%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $1.17. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 1.03%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
National Identity
Nationality (noun): Rwandan(s)
Nationality (adjective): Rwandan
Ethnic Groups
Major ethnic groups:
- Hutu: 84.1%
- Tutsi: 15%
- Twa: 0.9%
Religions
Religious affiliations:
- Protestant: 49.5%
- Roman Catholic: 43.7%
- Muslim: 2%
- Other/None: 4.8%
Age Structure
Population distribution by age group:
- 0-14 years: 41.1%
- 15-64 years: 56.3%
- 65 years and over: 2.6%
Dependency Ratios
Dependency ratios:
- Total dependency ratio: 76.9%
- Youth dependency ratio: 71.7%
- Elderly dependency ratio: 5.2%
Median Age
Median age:
- Total: 19.7 years
- Male: 19.2 years
- Female: 20.3 years
Lifestyle Indicators
Key lifestyle statistics:
- Obesity rate: 5.3%
- Alcohol consumption per capita: 6.8 liters of pure alcohol per year
- Tobacco use among adults: 12.2%
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 68.7. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 71.1%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:31.7. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:6. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 3.8. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 19.7%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 2,186,104. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):26.00%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Rwanda’s military and security forces consist of the following main branches:
- Rwanda Defence Force (RDF): Responsible for national defense and security, including the:
- Rwanda Land Force (RLF)
- Rwanda Air Force (RAfr)
- Rwanda Reserve Force
- Rwanda National Police (RNP): Responsible for maintaining law and order, with a General Reserve Force for riot control and other operations.
Military Expenditures
Rwanda’s military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 1.4%
- 2021: 1.2%
- 2020: 1.3%
- 2019: 1.2%
- 2018: 1.1%
Rwanda ranked 91st globally in terms of military expenditure in 2022.
Personnel Strengths
Rwanda’s total active-duty military personnel strength is approximately 33,000, with the breakdown as follows:
- Rwanda Land Force: 28,000
- Rwanda Air Force: 1,500
- Rwanda Reserve Force: 3,500
The Rwanda National Police has an estimated strength of 12,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Rwanda’s military equipment includes a mix of domestically produced and imported hardware, such as:
- Infantry weapons and small arms
- Armored personnel carriers
- Towed and self-propelled artillery
- Transport and utility helicopters
- Light aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
Recent and notable acquisitions include:
- Mamba Mk3 armored personnel carriers from South Africa
- Unmanned aerial vehicles from China
Rwanda has plans to modernize its military equipment and develop domestic defense industries.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service in Rwanda is voluntary for both men and women. The age range for enlistment is:
- Rwanda Defence Force: 18-25 years
- Rwanda National Police: 18-35 years
There are no mandatory military service obligations, but the government encourages voluntary enlistment through various recruitment programs.
Military Deployements
Rwanda has the following overseas military deployments:
- United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA): Approx. 1,100 personnel
- United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS): Approx. 800 personnel
Rwanda is a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping missions in Africa.
Strategic Military Notes
Rwanda’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining national security, territorial integrity, and stability in the region. Key points include:
- Ensuring readiness to address internal and external threats, including terrorism and cross-border conflicts.
- Promoting regional peace and security through participation in peacekeeping missions and partnerships with neighboring countries.
- Modernizing and strengthening the capabilities of the military and security forces.
Rwanda is a member of the East African Community (EAC) and has close security partnerships with countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and France.
- Armed Forces Size: 33000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.13
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 83.70%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.