17 Key Facts about Rwanda
- Rwanda, located in central Africa, is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” with a land area of 26,338km^2.
- This landlocked nation is situated 75 miles from the Equator, 880 miles from the Indian Ocean, and 1,250 miles from the Atlantic Ocean.
- It shares borders with Tanzania to the east, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Uganda to the north, and Burundi to the south.
- Rwanda boasts the highest representation of women in parliament worldwide, with women making up over 60% of its members.
- Every last Saturday of the month, Rwandans, including the President, partake in “Umuganda,” a national service activity.
- It ranks among the top five most developed African countries since 2000.
- In 2016, the World Bank rated Rwanda as the second-best African country for business.
- Rwanda is pioneering Africa’s digital revolution, with most public services, including tax payments and business registrations, available online.
- The nation birthed the Smart Africa Alliance initiative.
- Innovative technology is used in Rwanda to extract methane gas from Lake Kivu and convert it to electricity.
- Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, is hailed as Africa’s cleanest city due to a ban on plastic bags.
- Rwanda is home to five volcanoes, 23 lakes, and numerous rivers. Karisimbi is the tallest volcano, standing at 4,507 m.
- The country enjoys a temperate climate year-round, averaging 25-30°C in the day and 15°C at night.
- Rwanda has three national parks: Akagera, Nyungwe, and Volcanoes, each known for distinct wildlife and attractions.
- Recognized as a peaceful and secure African nation, Rwanda ensures safety for its residents.
- The Rwanda Defense Force is highly respected in peacekeeping missions, notably in the UNAMID in Darfur/Sudan.
- Drones are used in Rwanda for medical services, such as delivering emergency blood supplies.
Additionally, Rwanda offers a variety of tourism experiences, including cultural, business, and medical tourism, making it a vibrant destination for travelers.