Interesting facts about Rwanda : The 1994 genocide is frequently the first thing that springs to mind when most people think about Rwanda. Since then, Rwandans have made significant progress towards national unification. These are amazing facts about this little but powerful nation may surprise you.
“The Land of a Thousand Hills”.
Described by its hilly and mountainous terrain, Rwanda got this nickname for good reason. Rwanda’s elevation ranges from 950 metres above sea level at the Rusizi River to 4,507 metres at the summit of Mount Karisimbi. In Rwanda, there are 374 mountains with names.
Home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Eight large volcanoes make up the Virunga Mountains, which border Rwanda to the north. These highlands are home to more than half of the mountain gorilla population that remains. The number of mountain gorillas has increased recently due to conservation measures. The gorillas are found in Volcanoes National Park that where various go there for gorilla trekking safari.
Rwanda is the most densely populated country on the continent of Africa.
Rwanda is home to more than 13.4 million people in addition to mountain gorillas. That is comparable to the population of Pennsylvania. Approximately one-fourth the size of the state of Pennsylvania, Rwanda is among the smallest nations on the African continent. Rwanda’s 10,169 square miles are home to about 1,360 people apiece.
No plastic bags here.
Rwanda is the cleanest nation in Africa despite having a large population. This is partially due to the nation’s 2008 prohibition on the use of plastic bags. Stores will not give out baggage that visitors are not permitted to bring into the nation. Paper bags, reusable bags, and biodegradable bags made from banana or cassava leaves are common substitutes for plastic bags.
Community work day.
The nation celebrates Umuganda, a national holiday observed on the final Saturday of each month, as another reason why Rwanda is so clean. People all around the country participate in community service from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in order to further the growth of the country as a whole. Businesses close during Umuganda, and there may be fewer public transport options available as people take time out to give back to their communities in whichever manner they can.
Kigali car-free days.
Rwandans are trying to purify their air in addition to maintaining clean streets. Every month on the first and third Sundays, major streets are off-limits to motorized traffic. Apart from reducing the amount of air pollution caused by gas-powered cars, individuals are urged to walk, run, ride, or partake in other healthful activities.
Rwanda has four official languages.
Rwandan, or Kinyarwanda, is the official language of that country. Prior to 1994, children were taught French in schools. The government changed the language of instruction in schools from French to English after the genocide in Rwanda. Less than 1% of Rwandans speak Kiswahili, also referred to as Swahili, although it is taught as a subject in schools.
Rwanda has Central Africa’s largest protected wetland.
Near Rwanda’s eastern border, in Akagera National Park, reside more than 12,000 animals. Apart from its ecological consequences, the park also serves the 300,000 residents residing in the vicinity by providing job opportunities. In addition to operating within the park, Rwanda’s primary honey supply comes from the surrounding area. In order to give people who had previously engaged in poaching an alternate source of income, bee farms were constructed. The park houses the big five mammals including the lions, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos and leopards, that offers perfect game viewing safari experiences.
Women make up more than half of Parliament.
Women made up 18% of the Rwandan Parliament on average in the 1990s. This amount has increased. A 30% quota for women was established for the Parliament in 2003. With 56% of the parliament’s members being women, Rwanda became the first nation in the world to have this status in 2008. That percentage is currently 61%.
