PEOPLE
Rwanda's population density, even after the 1994 genocide, is currently the highest in continental Sub-Saharan Africa. Still a very rural society, many families live in a self-contained compound on a hillside. The urban concentrations are grouped around administrative centers. The indigenous population consists of three ethnic groups. Accounts of their respective arrivals in the area of modern Rwanda were highly politicized during Rwanda's post-colonial era, particularly in the years leading up to the genocide. The Hutus, who comprise the majority of the population (85%), are traditionally farmers of Bantu origin. The Tutsis (14%) are traditionally a pastoral people who by some accounts arrived in the area in the 15th century. Until 1959, they formed the dominant caste under a feudal system based on cattle holding. The Twa (1%) are thought to be the remnants of the earliest settlers of the region. Over 70% of the adult population is literate, but not more than 5% have received secondary education. During 1994-95, most primary schools and more than half of prewar secondary schools reopened. The national university in Butare reopened in April 1995; enrollment is over 7,000. Rebuilding the educational system continues to be a high priority of the Rwandan Government.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Rwandan(s).
Population (July 2008 est.): approximately 10,180,000.
Annual growth rate (2008 est.): 2.8%.
Ethnic groups: Hutu 85%, Tutsi 14%, Twa 1%.
Religions: Christian 93.5%, traditional African 0.1%, Muslim 4.6%, 1.7% claim no religious beliefs.
Languages: Kinyarwanda, French, English.
Education: Years compulsory--6. Attendance--75% (prewar). Literacy--70.4%.
Health: Infant mortality rate (2008 est.)--83.4 deaths/1,000. Life expectancy (2008 est.)--49.8 years.
Work force: Agriculture--90%; industry and commerce, services, and government--10% (2000).
