Though Rwanda was
once racked by violence and sorrow, today it is a land rich in geographical
anomalies, stunning wildlife, and remarkably resilient people. Here are 10
facts about Rwanda, from the historically tragic, to the touristic, to the just
plain fun!
1. A Brief History
Before it was colonized in the 19th century, Rwanda was a centralized Tutsi
monarchy. The Tutsi were generally the wealthier ethnic group, ruling over the
Hutu and the Twa. Colonial rule from first the German Empire, then the Belgians
in the early 20th century led to a eugenics-themed promotion of ethnic
superiority of the Tutsis over the Hutus. This suppression led to revolts by
the Hutus, and in 1962 Rwanda achieved its independence.
2. The Rwandan Genocide
The rise of the Hutus and their counter-repression of the Tutsis throughout
the 60s, 70s, and 80s led to a horrible breaking point. In 1994, a countrywide
cleansing of the Tutsi ethnic group took place, resulting in the massacre of
approximately one million people.
3. Visiting and Remembering
Though the country was wrecked by violence and sorrow, its resilience is made
proof through the Kigali Genocide Memorial in the country’s capital city. A
cemetery holding the remains of over 258,000 slain, an educational center, and
a memorial garden should be a mandatory and meditative stop on the way into the
country.
4. Kigali is fun!
Known as a remarkably safe city, Kigali holds over one million vibrant
souls, and is quickly becoming an East African mecca for finance, tourism, and
expats. The cafe scene is climbing in popularity, and nightlife is one for the
books. There’s even a birds-eye natural view of the city if you climb up Mount
Kigali.
5. What’s the language? Rwandan?
Nope! The mother tongue is Kinyarwanda, and pretty much everyone has this
language in common. Because of colonization, most speak French as the
functioning language. A movement to make English the official language started
in the latter half of this decade, and many schools and businesses have been
revolutionizing their language structures.
6. Meat and Carbs, Yum!
If you’re a vegan or concerned about your starch intake, then save your
“cheat” days for a trip to Rwanda. Basically, you’re either getting heaping
loads of boiled Matoke (East African savory green banana) slathered in isosi
ubunyadbwa (boiled peanut sauce), millet porridge, sweet potatoes, beans, fufu
(dough made from cassava flour to be pinched and dipped in sauce). Most
restaurants in the city serve a wide array of international cuisines, like
Indian or Chinese. But it’s the meat dishes, like brochettes which will make
your life better…just look at the photo above!
7. Gorillas
If you fancy yourself as David Attenborough, or better yet Diane Fossey,
then here’s a brief rundown on the gorilla experience. Guided tours can be
expensive, although private visitations can be arranged with the proper
permits. Once in lush, cloud-covered Volcanoes National Park, one can spot up
to 380 gorillas, or 19 different families. These include the famous, enormous
Silverback.
8. Rainforests
Nyungwe National Park in the southwestern part of the country features a
forest several thousand years old. Well-preserved and protected, it’s wide
variety of biomes allow for 13 primate species, over one thousand plant types,
nearly 100 mammal varieties, and many different reptiles and amphibians.
9. Safari
This tiny country even holds room for so much more wildlife, and a
fulfillment of the “classic” African safari. Akagera National Park holds
wetlands and savannas which hosts over 8,000 animals — impala, Masai giraffe,
antelope, zebra, hippo, and crocodile. Elephants aren’t so prevalent,
although you may run into the most famous guy in the park: Mutware, the
50-something year old elephant stompin’ round.
10. A Few More Random Facts
Plastic bags are illegal in Rwanda and their parliament has a higher
percentage of women in it (about 56%) than Sweden. It is the most heavily
populated country on the continent, though it’s only the size of Vermont. Their
president is elected every seven years. Finally, it’s a wonderment of
education, the human spirit, and countless unforgettable experiences.
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