The military establishment of Rwanda is comprised of an army and a paramilitary gendarmerie. Defense spending continues to represent a disproportionate share of the national budget, largely due to continuing security problems along the frontiers with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi in the aftermath of the war. The government has launched an ambitious plan to demobilize thousands of soldiers.

Military branches: Army, Gendarmerie, Navy, Air Force

Military manpower - availability:
males age 15-49: 1,774,459 (2000 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:
males age 15-49: 902,970 (2000 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure: $92 million (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 3.8% (FY99)

References and Links

• Rwanda