Muhanga (former Gitarama, renamed in 2006[2]) is a city in Rwanda, in the Muhanga District, in Southern Province. The city is situated 5,945 feet (1,812 m) above sea level.[3]

Muhanga City
Gitarama
City
Central Muhanga
Central Muhanga
Muhanga City is located in Rwanda
Muhanga City
Muhanga City
Location in Rwanda
Coordinates: 2°05′04″S 29°45′10″E / 2.0845197°S 29.7526948°E / -2.0845197; 29.7526948
Country Rwanda
ProvinceSouthern Province
DistrictMuhanga District
SectorsNyamabuye and Shyogwe
CityGitarama City Council
Elevation
5,945 ft (1,812 m)
Population
 (2022 census)[1]
 • Total82,797
ClimateAw
Busy people in Muhanga District
Photo1 Omega Express in South Rwanda

Though officially part of the Southern Province, Muhanga is geographically located in central Rwanda, approximately 45 kilometres (28 mi) by road southwest of Kigali, Rwanda's capital and largest city.[4] This location lies approximately 85 kilometres (53 mi), north of Kibeho, in Nyaruguru District, the southernmost district in Southern Province.[5] The provincial headquarters at Nyanza in Nyanza District lie about 40 kilometres (25 mi), by road, directly south of Muhanga.[6]

Overview

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Muhanga is the fourth largest city in Rwanda and the capital and largest metropolitan area in the district of Muhanga. Due to its geographical location, the city serves as the gateway to the west and south of the country. During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, Muhanga was the seat of the provisional government.

Amenities

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The city has many amenities, including the ones listed below:[7]

Administration & Public safety
  • The offices of Muhanga District Administration
  • The offices of Muhanga District Council
  • The offices of Gitarama City Council
  • Gitarama Police Station
  • Gitarama City Jail
  • Muhanga District Prison
  • Muhanga High Court Building
Educational institutions
  • St. Leon Minor Seminary, Kabgayi
  • Kabgayi Major Seminary
  • St. Joseph Primary School
  • St. Joseph Secondary School
  • St. Elizabeth Nurses & Midwives College
  • Kabgayi Technical College
  • Kabgayi Catholic Institute
  • Catholic University of Rwanda
  • Gitarama Adventist Secondary School
  • St. Marie-Reine Secondary School
  • Groupe Scolaire de Nyabikenke
  • College de Karambi
  • College Adventiste de Gitwe
Public Service
  • Kabgayi Hospital
  • Gitarama Regional Stadium
  • Gitarama Bus Station
  • Muhanga Cultural Center
Economy
Religion
  • Kabgayi Minor Basilica
  • St. Andrew's Pastoral Center
  • Muhanga Zion Temple
  • St. Andrew's Church

Population

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The 2022 national census put the city's population at 85,000.[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Citypopulation.de Population of the major cities in Rwanda
  2. ^ Briggs, Philip; Booth, Janice (2006). Rwanda. Bradt Travel Guides. pp. 38–. ISBN 978-1-84162-180-7.
  3. ^ Elevation of Gitarama, Rwanda. Wolframalpha.com. Retrieved on 2017-06-10.
  4. ^ Road Distance Between Kigali And Gitarama With Map. Distancecalculator.globefeed.com. Retrieved on 2017-06-10.
  5. ^ Map Showing Muhanga And Kibeho With Distance Marker. Distancecalculator.globefeed.com. Retrieved on 2017-06-10.
  6. ^ Road Distance Between Muhanga And Nyanza With Map. Distancecalculator.globefeed.com. Retrieved on 2017-06-10.
  7. ^ Major Points of Interest In Gitarama. Maps.google.com. Retrieved on 2017-06-10.
  8. ^ Schlumpf, Heidi. (2011-08-08) Hotel Splendid Best Taxpayer In Muhanga District. Ncronline.org. Retrieved on 2017-06-10.