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Expodition: A visit to Rwanda at Expo 67

Broadcast Date: Aug. 10, 1967

Just five years after gaining independence from its colonial ruler, Belgium, the nation of Rwanda has a presence at Expo 67 in the African Nations pavilion. After host Bob MacGregor gives a snapshot of the country's history and conflict between its "Watusi" and "Bahutu" tribes, guide Ari Ishmael takes Expodition on a tour, discussing how Western influences have changed the culture within his country.

Expodition: A visit to Rwanda at Expo 67

• "Watusi" and "Bahutu" are former names of the Rwandan ethnic groups now known as the Tutsi (the longtime ruling minority group) and Hutu (the majority).
• In 1994 the Hutu launched a campaign of genocide against the Tutsi. In 100 days from April to July, some 800,000 people (Tutsis and moderate Hutus) were massacred.
• For more information on the 1994 Rwandan genocide, see the CBC Archives topic Witness to Evil: General Roméo Dallaire and Rwanda.
• Climatic conditions and elevation in Rwanda are ideal for growing coffee, but before the 1994 genocide it was mainly grown on small farms and was of unremarkable quality. Since then, the coffee industry has become the country's largest export, supporting about half a million families of growers.
• According to the CIA World Factbook, Rwanda is the most densely populated of all the African nations.

Expodition: A visit to Rwanda at Expo 67

Medium: Radio

Program: Expodition

Broadcast Date: Aug. 10, 1967

Guest(s): Ari Ishmael

Reporter: Jim Robertson

Duration: 5:25

Photo: Library and Archives Canada

Last updated:
April 3, 2008