Officially the Republic of Rwanda, Rwanda is a landlocked country bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kigali is the capital and largest city. It's the 9th smallest African country, but it is also a standout.
Most people know Rwanda because of its 1994 genocide, in which nearly one million Rwandans were killed in ethnic clashes. But this sad history helped to forge the modern rebirth and united society that we see today. Discussions about ethnicity and tribalism are banned. And every last Saturday of the month, the entire country joins together to participate in Umuganda, mandatory community projects and neighborhood cleanups. This has led to Rwanda being called Africa's cleanest country.
Traditional arts and crafts feature prominently in Rwandan culture. Woven baskets and bowls are common, especially the agaseke basket. The Intore, Rwanda’s most famous traditional dance, is performed in 3 components: a ballet performed by women, the heroes' dance performed by men, and the drums. There is also a strong oral tradition from poetry to folk stories.
Known as the land of 1000 Hills, Rwanda's stunning scenery, unique wildlife, friendly people, and rich culture offer unique experiences. Popular attractions include the Genocide Memorial, the King’s Palace Museum, Inema Arts Center, Hotel de Mill Collines, Lake Kivu, coffee and tea plantations, and gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park.
