Rwanda Independence Day

Rwanda Independence Day

Rwanda’s Independence Day is every 1 July to celebrate the day in 1962 when Rwanda was freed from Belgian colonial rule and became an independent nation.

Rwanda had a long, difficult road to independence, and there was much social and racial unrest along the way. In the late 1800’s, Germany took control over Rwanda as part of “German East Africa”. But their rule was short-lived, as Belgian forces invaded Rwanda during World War I and thereafter kept control of it, along with their nearby colony of Belgian Congo.

But after World War II, Rwanda became a UN trust territory of Belgium, and an independence revolt broke out in 1959. Finally, Rwandans voted for independence in 1961 and established a monarchy.

Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains.