Independence Day in Rwanda is observed on July 1 every year to commemorate the country's independence from Belgium in 1962. Rwanda, a small nation in Central and East Africa, experienced a complex history marked by ethnic tensions among the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa peoples. Following the Rwandan Revolution of 1959, which resulted in the Hutu becoming the ruling class, the country transitioned to a republic and ultimately gained full independence. The day serves as a reminder of Rwanda's challenging path to sovereignty, characterized by social unrest and the struggle for self-governance. Celebrations typically include various national events and activities that honor the nation's history and promote national unity.