Happy TravellerWelcome to Muhanga, a vibrant city located in the Southern Province of Rwanda. Formerly known as Gitarama, the city was renamed in 2006 and has since become a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore the rich history and culture of Rwanda. Situated at an altitude of 5,945 feet (1,812 m) above sea level, Muhanga is the fourth largest city in Rwanda and serves as the gateway to the west and south of the country.
== Overview ==
Muhanga is the capital and largest metropolitan area in the district of Muhanga. Despite being officially part of the Southern Province, the city is geographically located in central Rwanda, approximately 45 kilometres (28 mi) by road southwest of Kigali, the capital and largest city of Rwanda. During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, Muhanga was the seat of the provisional government.
== Amenities ==
The city boasts a wide range of amenities, including educational institutions, public services, and religious sites. Some of the notable amenities include:
– Administration & Public safety: The offices of Muhanga District Administration, Muhanga District Council, Gitarama City Council, Gitarama Police Station, Gitarama City Jail, Muhanga District Prison, and 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, and College Adventiste de Gitwe.
– Public Service: Kabgayi Hospital, Gitarama Regional Stadium, Gitarama Bus Station, and Muhanga Cultural Center.
– Economy: Muhanga Farmers Market, a branch of Inkingi Microfinance Limited, three branches of Bank of Kigali, a branch of Ecobank Rwanda, a branch of Fina Bank Rwanda, a branch of Banque Populaire du Rwanda SA, and Zipline, which delivers supplies from Muhanga to medical centres around the area using drones. Hotel Splendid, a private hospitality establishment, is also located in the city.
– Religion: Kabgayi Minor Basilica, St. Andrews Pastoral Center, Muhanga Zion Temple, and St. Andrews Church.
== Population ==
According to the 2022 national census, the population of Muhanga is approximately 85,000.
== See also ==
Districts of Rwanda
Provinces of Rwanda
== References ==