52 Interesting & Fun Facts about Rwanda | What is Known for?
When you think of Rwanda, you think of the 1994 mass genocide that took place here. Apart from causing unfulfilled damage to Rwanda, it also affected other countries. However, the good news is that the incident embarked on a turning point for the nation. It opened the path of ecological, social, and economic development.
Once you know about some surprising and interesting facts about Rwanda, this small African country will tackle your mind, and you will be like arching your own eyebrows. Want to know? Then, just read on!
Quick Information for Rwanda
Official Name: Republic of Rwanda
Capital City: Kigali
Population: 12,712,431
Area: 26,338 sq km
Languages: Kinyarwanda, French, English, Swahili
Time Zone: UTC+2 (Central Africa Time)
– Source: CIA World Fact Book
Funny & Interesting Facts about Rwanda Nobody Knows
What is Rwanda Known for?
No#1: No plastic bags
Till 2008, the Rwandan government has banned all types of plastic; it makes the country super clean with no trash.
No#2: Women position in Parliament
Around 64% of women occupy the parliament member position, making them the highest percentage of women in the parliament globally.
No#3: Smallest country in East Africa
With 26,338 square kilometers area, Rwanda is the smallest country in East Africa — a similar size to Maryland.
No#4: Africa’s most densely populated country
More than 1000 people live per square mile of Rwanda, making the country Africa’s most densely populated country.
No#5: Umuganda
Umuganda is a community project where the community member will work together for the development of the country every last Saturday of every month.
No#6: A safe country
If you are a traveler who likes to visit different countries, you can visit this small African country. It is one of the safest countries globally, which ranks in the top position for safety.
No#7: A home for endangered mountain gorillas
Different types of rarest mountain gorillas live in the Virunga Massif, and Rwanda takes care of them very seriously to protect them.
No#8: Virunga Mountains
Virunga Mountains is one of the top tourist attractions in Africa, which has an active chain of volcanoes and rich diversity—it has eight evenly distributed volcanic mountains.
No#9: Hill and Hill!
Rwanda is full of hills and mountainous terrain that never go below sea level; in fact, it stands 1000 m above sea level on average.
No#10: A part of Germany
Before World War One, Rwanda is a part of Germany.
Fun Facts about Rwanda
No#11: National language
Kinyarwanda is the national language of Rwanda; around 93% of people use this language. However, 6% of Rwandans use the French language, and some of the speech in English too.
No#12: A car-free day
Every year, Rwandans celebrate a car-free day to encourage healthy life and sustainability.
No#13: 73.22% literacy rate
The literacy rate of Rwanda is around 73.22%.
No#14: Digital Revolutions
Rwanda has established online-based platforms for different services, including business registration, traffic penalties, Tax payment, eCommerce, and much more.
No#15: High and stable internet speed
The average internet speed in Rwanda is around 2.53MB/second, and more importantly, its government is doing all the essential construction to improve internet connectivity.
No#16: Business opportunity
According to World Bank, Rwanda ranked 2nd position in 2016 for being the best country to do business in Africa.
No#17: The cleanest city in Africa
Kigali, the city of Rwanda, has earned the title of the cleanest city in Africa.
No#18: 67.8 years life expectancy
According to World Bank data, the average life expectancy of a Rwandese is around 67.8 years.
No#19: Brochettes
“Brochettes” is the national food of the Rwandan people, which is made from meat, vegetables, and some local spices.
Rwanda History Facts
No#20: Top popular places
- Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Inema Art Center ·
- Nyamata Church
- Kimironko Market
- Volcanoes National Park
No#21: Top Festivals in Rwanda
- International Peace Marathon
- Kwita Izina: The Gorilla Naming Ceremony
- Assumption Day (August 15)
- Umuganda (Public Cleaning) Day
No#22: “Umushanana”
When there is any traditional occasion in Rwanda, women wear “Umushanana,” a long piece of cloth and a skirt.
No#23: An Eco-conscious country
Rwanda has become one of the fast-growing nations globally; it is implementing several eco-conscious projects to protect the environment and build a green economy.
No#24: Best quality coffee
Did we mention coffee? Every year Rwanda earns several international awards for producing the best quality coffee.
Hotel Rwanda Facts
No#25: Kigali Convention Center
Kigali Convention Center is the most luxurious building in Africa; around 300 million USD is spent to build this masterpiece of architecture.
No#26: Post popular dishes
- Isombe
- Agatogo
- Ibirayi
- Urwagwa
No#27: Intore dance
“Intore” is a traditional Rwandan dance with a highly choreographed routine— women and the Intore Dance Troupes mainly perform this youth dance.
No#28: Amasunzu
Many men and women of Rwanda used to follow a traditional hairstyle named “Amazons.” People who worn this hairstyle are considered as influential, noble, respected, and courageous.
No#29: Artisanal Crafts
Peace pots are a reflection of Rwanda tradition and culture, which can still be seen among Rwanda people.
No#30: Imigongo
Imigongo is a unique painting crafted by the residents of Nyakarambi. It is also called cow dung paintings.
No#31: Massive earning from coffee
Rwanda earns around 50%-80% from coffee by exporting it worldwide.
Good Things of Rwanda
No#32: 23 Lakes
There are 23 lakes in Rwanda, and Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest lake.
No#33: 703 bird species
Around 703 bird species are discovered until 2018, and some of them pretty rare to found in other countries.
No#34: Delicious honey
The process of collecting honey in Rwanda is pretty safe; honey is mainly collected from healthy wild bees, especially from the Akagera National Park area.
No#35: Local Art
It is common to see local arts and paintings in different galleries, hotels, restaurants, etc.
Genocide in Rwanda Facts
No#36: A horrific genocide
In 1994, a horrific genocide took place in Rwanda, which has caused approximately 800,000 people death within just 100 days.
No#37: Gender equality
Rwanda ranks 9th in the world and 1st position in Africa for being the most gender-equal country in different fields.
No#38: Low CO2 emissions
According to World Development Indicators, in 2020, Rwanda was the sixth lowest for CO2 emissions globally.
No#39: Special use of drone
In some rural areas of Rwanda, The government uses drones to supply medical equipment and blood.
No#40: The highest point in Rwanda
Rwanda’s highest point is located at the Karisimbi Volcano, which is 4,519 m tall from sea level.
No#41: No Flip-Flop Sandals!
The residents of Rwanda are not allowed to wear any flip-flop sandals in public areas to ensure hygiene.
No#42: Christian religion
Most of the Rwandese is Christian; fewer percentages are Muslims and other religion.
No#43: 3 ethnic groups
There are only three primary ethnic groups that live in Rwanda: the Tutsis, Hutus, and Twa.
No#44: No walk-in Kigali
In Kigali, it is prohibited to walk across lawns to sustain its ecosystem and natural beauty.
No#45: Average monthly income
The average monthly income of a Rwandese is around $700, although the amount vastly varies in rural areas.
No#46: 83% lives in rural areas
Around 83% of Rwandese live in rural areas, and most of them directly or indirectly engage in agriculture work.
No#47: No display of emotion
Many Rwandese believe that it is not a good idea to express happiness, fondness, or sadness in public places.
No#48: 3 National Park
There are three national parks in Rwanda; all these parks are the greatest attraction for tourists. Every year thousands of tourists visit these parks to see their natural beauty and different type’s animals and birds.
Weird Facts about Rwanda
No#49: No visa
If you don’t have a visa, you can still visit Rwanda with the free visa provided by Rwanda’s government.
No#50: No whistle at night
It is not permitted to whistle at night because many Rwandese believe that it may summon snakes.
No#51: A visit for sick pick
It is a common practice among Rwandese to visit sick people.
No#52: No sewing at night
Women are discouraged from sewing anything at night as many Rwandese believe it will bring bad luck for their parents.
Conclusion
Which interesting facts about Rwanda seemed more surprising to you? Isn’t it fun and exciting to learn about this small African country? If you are already visited the country, share your experience in the comment box.
