Landlocked Rwanda lies just south of the equator in east central Africa. Since independence in 1962, ethnic tensions have dominated politics. In 1994, the violent death of the president led to appalling political and ethnic violence. Over half of the surviving population were displaced. The perpetrators of the genocide held sway in desperately overcrowded refugee camps in adjacent countries, greatly complicating the process of eventual repatriation and reintegration.

The Hutu and Tutsi are the main groups; few of the Twa pygmies, the original inhabitants, remain. For over 500 years, the cattle-owning Tutsi were politically dominant, oppressing the land-owning Hutu majority. In 1959, violent revolt led to a reversal of the roles. The two groups have since been waging a spasmodic war. It is estimated that 800,000 people were killed in the violence of the mid-1990s, the majority of them Tutsi victims massacred by Hutus.

Strengths

Currently none. Assuming stability, Rwanda could produce coffee and tea. Possible oil and gas reserves. Tourism potential.

Weaknesses

Economic activity completely disrupted by 1994 violence. Lengthy journey to Kenyan and Tanzanian ports means high transportation costs. Few resources.

In 1993 a peace accord to end the rebellion launched in 1990 by the Tutsi-dominated Rwandan Patriotic Front (FPR) was signed. However, the fragile peace process was halted in 1994 by the death of the president in a plane crash. Genocidal violence was unleashed between the mainly Hutu supporters of the old regime and its mainly, but not exclusively, Tutsi opponents. An estimated 800,000 died and millions fled the conflict, in which the FPR eventually gained control. Hutu were allocated key government posts, including the presidency, but when, in March 2000, the balance was shifted to increased Tutsi representation, President Pasteur Bizimungu resigned. Vice President Paul Kagame, the regime's dominant figure and the FPR leader, was formally elected president in April. Presidential and parliamentary elections are planned for end-2003, following the approval of a constitution.

Accused of abandoning Rwanda during 1994, the UN in 1995 set up a war crimes tribunal on the genocide. Relations with neighboring Uganda are particularly tense, especially while Rwandan troops remain in the DRC.

The Rwandan army is sufficiently powerful to make it a strong influence in the war-torn region. A national police force was established in 1999.

Gas deposits in Lake Kivu are likely to be explored with the DRC. Only 20% of urban homes are on the national power grid.

Apart from the effects of war, soil erosion and forest loss are the major environmental problems. The tourist industry underpinned the preservation of the mountain gorilla.

The road network is well developed. The international airport near Kigali was completed in 1986.

Rwanda has a network of 34 hospitals and 188 health centers. 11% of the population are estimated to be HIV-positive.

Schools are run by the state and by Christian missions. Primary education is officially compulsory, but only 78% of children attended in 1997; just 8% go on to secondary schooling.

In 2001, 125,000 people were awaiting trial on genocide-related charges. A traditional system of participatory justice to alleviate the backlog of cases became operational in 2002.

Wealth is limited to the country's political elite. Most Rwandans are poor farmers; Twa pygmies and refugees are poorer still.

Tourism has effectively ceased as a result of the civil war. When peace is secured, Rwanda may be able to regain its status as a destination for wealthy wildlife enthusiasts. Top attractions are the mountain gorillas and Lake Kivu.

The Hutu majority began to arrive in the 14th century, the warrior Tutsi in the 15th. From 1890, German and then Belgian colonizers acted to reinforce Tutsi dominance.

• 1962 Independence. Hutu-led government.
• 1960s Tutsi revolt; massacres by Hutu; thousands of Tutsi in exile.
• 1973 Coup by Gen. Habyarimana.
• 1994 Habyarimana dies in plane crash. Genocidal violence unleashed by Hutu extremist regime, ousted by Tutsi-led FPR. Hutu refugee exodus.
• 1995 Start of war crimes tribunal.
• 1997 Refugees forcibly repatriated.
• 2000 Prominent Hutus leave office.
• 2001 Limited troop withdrawal from DRC.