Facts About Rwanda

  1. Location: Rwanda is a landlocked country located in East Africa, bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.

  2. Capital City: The capital and largest city of Rwanda is Kigali. It is a bustling city known for its cleanliness and beautiful landscapes.

  3. Mountain Gorillas: Rwanda is famous for its mountain gorillas. The Volcanoes National Park is home to several habituated gorilla families, and visitors can go on guided tours to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

  4. Land of a Thousand Hills: Rwanda is often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” due to its hilly and mountainous terrain. The landscape offers breathtaking views and is known for its scenic beauty.

  5. Gorilla Naming Ceremony: Every year, Rwanda holds a gorilla naming ceremony known as Kwita Izina. During this event, baby gorillas born in the past year are given names as a way to celebrate and raise awareness for gorilla conservation.

  6. Lake Kivu: Lake Kivu is a large freshwater lake located in the western part of Rwanda. It is one of the African Great Lakes and offers opportunities for water sports, such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

  7. Genocide and Reconciliation: Rwanda experienced a tragic genocide in 1994, where an estimated 800,000 people were killed in a period of 100 days. Since then, Rwanda has made significant efforts towards reconciliation and healing, becoming a symbol of resilience and hope.

  8. Traditional Dance: Traditional Rwandan dance is an important part of the country’s culture. It includes vibrant and rhythmic movements accompanied by traditional music and drumming. The Intore dancers, with their impressive leaps and energetic performances, are particularly renowned.

  9. Akagera National Park: Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s largest national park, known for its diverse wildlife. Visitors can spot animals such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and numerous bird species on game drives and boat safaris.

  10. Ubwiza: Ubwiza is a traditional Rwandan art form that involves the creation of beautiful and colorful baskets. These baskets are intricately woven from natural materials such as sisal, sweetgrass, and banana fibers.