Sage-Tips

Why is French used as an official language in Rwanda?

Kinyarwanda is the national language of Rwanda, and the first language of almost the entire population of the country. French had been the language of administration from the country’s time under Belgian administration, between the First World War and independence in 1962.

When did Rwanda adopt English language?

2008
In 2008, Rwanda announced that it was switching the language of scholastic instruction from French to English.

Is English widely spoken in Rwanda?

Expect everyone to speak English Rwanda is an incredible multicultural and multilingual country, with Kinyarwanda, French, and English spoken widely.

What is the official language for Rwanda?

Kinyarwanda
FrenchEnglish
Rwanda/Official languages
Rwanda language, Rwanda also spelled Ruanda, also called Kinyarwanda, a Bantu language spoken by some 12 million people primarily in Rwanda and to a lesser extent in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Tanzania.

When did Rwanda start speaking French?

President Paul Kagame, himself educated in Uganda, designated English an official language in Rwanda’s 2003 constitution, along with Kinyarwanda and French. Then in 2008, French was replaced by English as the compulsory language of instruction in schools.

Does Rwanda speak French or English?

The majority of Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda primarily or exclusively, but in 2015, the OIF estimated that 700,000 Rwandans (6\% of the population) were French speaking, making it more widely used than English. French news and satellite television channels are popular.

Is Rwanda a rich country?

Rwanda – Poverty and wealth Rwanda is, by all measures, a poor country. The 1994 war obliterated the country’s economy, social fabric, human resource base, and institutions. Almost 90 percent of the population lives on less than US$2 per day and half of its population lives on less than US$1 per day.

How does a language become official?

An official language is a language given a special status in a particular country, state, or other jurisdiction. In countries that do not formally designate an official language, a de facto national language usually evolves. English is the most common official language, with recognized status in 51 countries.

Is Rwanda a safe country?

Rwanda is regarded as one of the safest countries to visit in Africa. Thousands of tourists visit Rwanda each year, mainly for gorilla trekking safaris and they’re generally warmly welcomed and made to feel safe and secure in the country.