Rwanda
National Atlases
The national atlas tradition of Rwanda is a modest but significant chapter in the cartographic history of Central Africa. The sole atlas in this collection, published in 1981 by the Université nationale du Rwanda, emerged during a period when many newly independent African nations sought to assert their identity through comprehensive national surveys. This French-language atlas reflects the country's post-colonial academic environment, where local scholars collaborated to document the physical and human geography of Rwanda. The work is characterized by a systematic approach, combining thematic maps on topography, climate, population, and land use, with explanatory texts that contextualize the data. Its editorial style prioritizes clarity and educational utility, aiming to serve both national planning and academic instruction. Although no contemporary reviews are recorded, the atlas holds lasting value as a foundational reference for later geographical studies and as a testament to Rwanda's early efforts to consolidate spatial knowledge. It remains a rare artifact, capturing the nation's landscape and society at a pivotal moment before the profound changes of the late 20th century.
Versions and Their Documents
This is the first volume of the national atlas tradition in our collection.
Contemporary and Later Comment
- Journal Article1982Le Rwanda et le Burundi: d'après deux récents atlas
Louis Papy
This article provides an in-depth geographical and human analysis of Rwanda and Burundi, two small Central African countries, based on two recently published high-quality atlases. Both atlases were funded by the French Ministry of Cooperation and produced by geography teams from the National University of Rwanda and the University of Burundi, respectively. The article begins by highlighting the striking similarities between the two countries in geography and history: both are landlocked nations situated on high plateaus nourished by tropical rains, sharing a past of kingdom-building, German and Belgian colonization, and gaining independence in 1962 and 1963, respectively. They are densely populated, practice intensive agriculture, and are home to the same three ethnic groups—Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa—with stable state structures and unified languages. The core of the article dissects the physical geography of both nations. By interpreting the atlases' content, it systematically describes the geomorphological units from west to east, including the East African Rift occupied by Lake Kivu and Lake Tanganyika, volcanic mountain ranges, the north-south oriented Congo-Nile Ridge, the typical 'land of a thousand hills,' and the eastern plains bordering Tanzania. Regarding climate, the article emphasizes altitude as the dominant factor near the equator, resulting in pleasant temperatures and abundant rainfall, and it delineates various bioclimatic regions. The text also addresses environmental issues under population pressure, particularly soil erosion and deforestation, as well as efforts to reclaim marshy valleys through drainage and irrigation. Finally, it focuses on urbanization, noting the still-low rates and analyzing the rapid growth and central roles of the capitals, Kigali and Bujumbura, while mentioning other, less developed towns and the limited tourism potential. The author concludes that these atlases, with their detailed information and excellent colored plates, make a significant contribution to understanding the regional diversity, environmental challenges, and development prospects of Rwanda and Burundi.
- Journal Article1984Compte-rendu: Atlas du Rwanda
Gérard Brasseur
This review discusses the Atlas du Rwanda, published in 1981 and prepared by the National University of Rwanda, which comprehensively presents the geography and history of this small Central African country through 32 maps and commentaries. Beyond its rich geographical coverage (physical, human, and economic), the atlas notably emphasizes the historical dimension: four maps are devoted to the formation of the Rwandan kingdom since approximately 1312, the administrative divisions of 1896, and the routes of early European explorers. Three further maps by B. Lugan cover pre-colonial trade flows, the German and Belgian colonial administrations, and the development of the Catholic Church from 1900 to 1976. Historical elements also appear in maps of population density, religious implantation, and urban growth, particularly of Kigali. The reviewer concludes that the atlas successfully integrates the essence of Rwandan history with high-quality cartography, making it a remarkable reference work in all respects.
From the Physical Collection
Photographs are being prepared for this hall.