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Translation and Localization for Africa: Rwanda

Rwanda, officially the Republic of Rwanda, is a small, land-locked country with green and mountainous landscape, it’s known for its spectacular scenery and wildlife. In this blog, I will cover brief, but important facts about this West African country.

gpi-translation for rwanda-map

Rwandan Demographics
  • Kigali is the capital and largest city.
  • Rwanda’s population is more than 12 million people (2016).
  • Life expectancy is 60 years.
  • Median age is 19 years old.
  • Unemployment is currently 3.4%.
Rwandan Languages
  • The official languages are Kinyarwanda, English and French.
  • The national language and the first language of almost the entire population is Kinyarwanda.
  • The immigrant languages are Rundi and Swahili.
  • In commerce, Swahili is often used.
  • The literacy rate is about 71%.
Rwandan Culture

gpi-translation for rwanda-flag

  • The largest religion in the country is Christianity.
  • 49% of Rwandans are Roman Catholic.
  • Ethnic groups include: Hutu (Bantu) 84%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 15% and Twa (Pygmy) 1%
  • Rwandan Literature is both oral and written in Kinyarwanda or French.
  • Rwandans greet someone of higher rank by extending their right hand while putting the left one on the right arm as a sign of respect.
  • Rwandan food is simple with beans, bananas, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and sorghum being the most common foods.
Rwandan Consumers
  • gpi-translation for rwanda-landRwanda has international trade with Uganda and Congo.
  • The most important sectors in Rwanda’s economy are agriculture and mining.
  • The huge attraction for visitors in Rwanda is the spectacular scenery and wildlife.
  • Most Rwandans are replacing landlines with mobile phones.
Rwanda’s Future
  • Coffee is the main export, followed by other agricultural products such as tea.
  • Natural resources include: gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), methane, hydropower and arable land.
  • Rwanda’s economy is growing at an average annual rate of 78% over the last eight years.
  • Recently, Rwanda ranked by world bank (2015) as one of the world’s fastest growing economies.
  • The country is working to be on track to meet the health-related Millennium Development Goals.
  • The Rwandan government has plans to make internet available country-wide and to get free wireless spots in the public areas.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rwanda

https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/rwanda-population/