Butare is said to be the
third largest town in Rwanda. Before the independence of Rwanda country the Butare town was also known as Astrida. Previously
Butare was the capital city of Rwanda which was located in
Butare province. But in the year 2006,
Butare was dismissed and became the capital city of Huye district.
The city of
Butare is surrounded by Burundi and the landscape of this city is partially hilly unlike the other parts of North Rwanda. Matyazo and Ngoma are the areas to be first settled during the colonial period and are largely known oldest housing areas of
Butare. As per the census of January 2006 the total population of Butare was estimated as 77.449.
Butare is largely famous as the centre for educational located in the southern part of the Republic of Rwanda.
Butare town holds the National University of Rwanda. All the educational institutions located in Rwanda use English and French as the medium of education.
Butare also housed Rwandan National Institute of Scientific Research, Nyakibanda Seminary, a cathedral and the Ruhande Arboretum.
Butare, the city of Rwanda is also famous as being the birth place of some famous residents of Rwanda country like:
- Prime Minister Jean Kambanda
- Sindikubwabo, the president of Rwanda
- Pauline Nyiramasuhuko, the minister of family and women affairs and
- General Augustin Ndindiliyimana
