Fact 1: It's Known as ‘A Land of a Thousand Hills’
Rwanda is famously referred to as ‘Le pays des mille collines’ in French or ‘The Land of a Thousand Hills’. A lot of the country is wonderfully mountainous, with grassy uplands and beautiful, scenic views. This makes Rwanda a perfect location for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Fact 2: Home of the Mountain Gorillas
Rwanda is one of only three countries in the world where mountain gorillas can still be found. The others are Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a key tourist attraction mainly because of the gorilla trekking safaris and Gorilla conservation efforts.
Fact 3: The World's First Female-Majority Parliament
Rwanda boasts the world's first female-majority parliament. Women hold over 60% of the seats in the legislative assembly. This achievement is due, in large part, to a gender quota system introduced in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide.
Fact 4: Youngest Country in Africa
With a median age of under 20 years, Rwanda is one of the youngest countries, in terms of its population, in the world. This reflects a high birth rate and also the tragic loss of life during the 1994 genocide.
Fact 5: A Plastic Bag-Free Nation
Rwanda was the first country in the world to legislate and enforce a ban on plastic bags in 2008. Visitors are made aware of this at the airport, where there’s a sign that says ‘Non-Biodegradable Polythene Bags Prohibited’.
Fact 6: Home to the Largest Number of Intore Dancers
The Intore Dance is a famous traditional Rwandan style that incorporates ballet. The Iby’ Iwacu cultural village in Nyabihu district has the most significant number of these dancers, who captivate audiences with their energetic performances.
Fact 7: Kigali - One of the Cleanest Cities
Rwanda's capital, Kigali, is known to be one of the cleanest cities in the world. The city has a monthly event called 'umuganda' where citizens come together to clean up the city. This practice has made Rwanda a cleanliness benchmark in Africa.
Fact 8: Unbelievable Population Density
Despite being one of the smallest countries in Africa, Rwanda has one of the highest population densities on the continent. The high population density is a result of various factors, including a high birth rate and the aftermath of the 1994 genocide.
Fact 9: The Largest Single Producer of Arabica Coffee
Rwanda is the largest single exporter of Arabica Bourbon coffee, which is known for its excellent quality. The country's volcanic soil, coupled with its high altitude, creates a distinct flavor that cannot be found anywhere else.
Fact 10: The First Drone Airport in the World
Rwanda is home to the first-ever drone airport, known as 'Zipline'. It is used to transport medical supplies, like blood transfusions, to remote areas of the country, greatly improving the healthcare system.
Fact 11: The Akagera National Park is a Paradise for Bird Lovers
With more than 480 bird species, including the rare shoe-billed stork and the papyrus gonolek, the Akagera National Park is a paradise for bird watchers. Not to mention, the park is also home to the Big Five African animals.
Fact 12: The Country Has Rapidly Transformed Its Reputation
After the devastating genocide of 1994, Rwanda has rapidly transformed from a war-torn country to a beacon of stability and economic success in Africa. This journey, led by the determined spirit of its people and leadership, has been remarkable and inspiring.
Fact 13: It's One of the Top 10 Safest Countries in the World
According to the World Economic Forum, Rwanda is among the top 10 safest countries globally. The country has low crime rates and is considered very safe for travelers.
Fact 14: It's a Multilingual Country
The official languages spoken in Rwanda include Kinyarwanda, French, English, and Swahili. Most school subjects are taught in English, and street signs are usually in Kinyarwanda and English.
Fact 15: Rwandans Share a Single Cultural Identity
While it's home to three ethnic groups — the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa — all Rwandans share a single cultural identity. This unity is part of the nationwide reconciliation effort following the 1994 genocide.
Fact 16: Banana Wine is a Popular Drink
A popular traditional brew in Rwanda is a type of banana wine known as urwagwa. Made from fermented juice extracted from ripe bananas, urwagwa is a popular drink during traditional ceremonies and festivities.
Fact 17: It Has a National Cycling Team
Rwanda has a national cycling team, known as Team Rwanda, which was formed in 2007. They compete in international competitions and play a significant role in promoting Rwanda in the global sports arena.
Fact 18: The Rwandan Genocide Memorial in Kigali
The Kigali Genocide Memorial, built on a site where 250,000 victims of the genocide are buried, is one of the most significant places in Rwanda. The memorial pays tribute to the victims and educates visitors about the devastating events of 1994.
Fact 19: Traditional Basket Weaving is Highly Valued
Basket weaving in Rwanda is a traditional skill passed down through generations. These beautifully woven baskets, known as 'agaseke', often carry deep symbolic meanings and are used in ceremonies and given as gifts.
Fact 20: Inspirational Success in Conservation Efforts
Rwanda is a global leader in conservation, with successful programs to protect and increase wildlife populations, particularly of endangered mountain gorillas. This has led to tourism being one of Rwanda’s biggest foreign income-earners.