Kigali, with population of almost 1 million (2009), is the capital
and largest city of Rwanda. It is situated near the geographic centre of the
nation. The city has been the economic, cultural, and transport hub of Rwanda
since it became capital at independence in 1962. The main residence and offices
of the President of Rwanda are located in the city, as are the government
ministries. The city is coterminous with the province of Kigali City, which was
enlarged in January 2006, as part of local government reorganisation in the
country. The city's urban area covers about 70% of the municipal boundaries
