11 Facts About Rwanda

Rwanda, officially the Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked country in Central Africa's Great Rift Valley, where the African Great Lakes region and Southeast Africa meet. Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is located a few degrees south of the Equator.

Since 2008, Rwanda has prohibited the use of plastic bags. When you enter the country, officials will inspect your luggage and ask you to remove any plastic bags you may have.

Rwanda has the highest percentage of female parliament members in the world, with over 60% of its members being female.

Every last Saturday of the month, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., people across the country participate in community projects. It's called Umuganda, and it's required. People from all over the country help to clean the streets, build schools, cut grass, and so on. The goal of this practise is to not only keep everything clean and tidy, but also to help bring people together after the Genocide.

The Virunga Massif, which includes Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, is home to approximately 60% of the population of this endangered species.

"The Land of a Thousand Hills" is its nickname. Rwanda is distinguished by its hilly and mountainous terrain. The country averages 1,000 metres above sea level and never drops below it.

Rwanda was part of Germany before joining the Belgian Empire after WWI, along with Tanzania.

Rwanda's population is primarily composed of Hutus and Tutsis. Although Rwandans are working hard to put their differences aside, these two ethnic groups have frequently clashed in the past. The conflict reached a climax in 1994, when the Hutus slaughtered nearly one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus in less than 100 days. It is the fastest and one of the most brutal genocides in history, with both military and civilians using weapons such as machetes and clubs.

The 2014 drama "Hotel Rwanda" was based on the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, the manager of Hôtel des Mille Collines who saved hundreds of lives during the 1994 genocide. This hotel is now open and one of the most popular choices for visitors to Kigali. The 1998 film "Gorillas in the Mist" is another critically acclaimed drama based on true events. It tells the story of naturalist Dian Fossey, who studied mountain gorillas extensively and worked tirelessly to protect them. In fact, one of the most popular hiking trails, which leads to her tomb and research camp, is named after her.

The average population density is estimated to be 274.6 people per square kilometre, making it one of Africa's most densely populated countries.

Rwanda has a car-free day once a month to promote healthy living and sustainability. On these days, the streets of Rwanda are filled with people running, biking, roller skating, or participating in any other type of outdoor activity.