Rwanda is located just south of the Equator and experiences both wet and dry seasons. The dry season is often preferred by visitors because roads and paths are easier to use compared to the muddy conditions during the rainy season. Rwanda has a population of about 12.9 million people living on around 26,338 square kilometers of land. This makes it one of the most densely populated countries in Africa. Population growth and past conflicts, including the Hutu Tutsi war, have played a role in this situation. Today, Rwanda is known for its highlands, green vegetation, rivers, and people who strongly value their culture and national unity.
The tribes of Rwanda are mainly three. These are the Hutu, the Tutsi, and the Twa. The Hutu make up about 85 percent of the population. The Tutsi account for about 14 percent, while the Twa make up about 1 percent. Although these groups exist in history, ethnic identity is no longer emphasized in modern Rwanda. People are encouraged to identify themselves simply as Rwandans.
The Hutu, also known as the Bahutu, are believed to have followed the Bantu migration from the Cameroon highlands, which is said to be their original home. They settled in Rwanda after pushing out the Twa, who were the first inhabitants of the land. The Hutu were mainly farmers and lived in organized communities ruled by kings known as bahinza. They spoke a language similar to that of the Tutsi.
The Tutsi, also called the Batutsi, are believed to be Nilotic in origin. They mainly depended on cattle keeping and were pastoralists who often moved in search of pasture. They are said to have entered Rwanda around the 14th century, after the Hutu had already settled. Over time, their settlement led to the displacement of some Hutu communities. The Tutsi became economically strong, which created tension and jealousy. These tensions later contributed to the genocide, which greatly reduced their population and left many survivors living with deep pain and loss.
The Twa are the original inhabitants of Rwanda and form the smallest group. They make up only about 1 percent of the population. The Twa depended on hunting, food gathering, and a simple way of life. Today, they are often referred to as pygmies and are mainly found in forested areas. Their numbers reduced greatly after being displaced by both the Hutu and the Tutsi.
One major event that shaped the tribes of Rwanda is the genocide that took place in 1994 during the Rwandan Civil War. Between April and July of that year, about one million people lost their lives within 100 days. Most of the victims were Tutsi. The killings were carried out mainly by Hutu militia groups known as Interahamwe and Impuzamugambi.
The history of the tribes of Rwanda shows how division caused great suffering, and it also explains why unity is now strongly promoted in the country.
