Rwanda, officially the Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked country in East Africa’s Great Rift Valley, where the African Great Lakes region meets East Africa. Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and is located a few degrees south of the Equator. Its landscape is dominated by mountains in the west and savanna in the east, with numerous lakes throughout the country, earning it the nickname “land of a thousand hills.” The climate ranges from temperate to subtropical, with two rainy and two dry seasons per year.
Rwanda’s population is young and primarily rural; it has one of the world’s youngest populations, with an average age of 19 years. Rwandans are all Banyarwanda, a single cultural and linguistic group. Within this group, however, there are three subgroups: Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. The Twa are a forest-dwelling pygmy group who are commonly thought to be Rwanda’s first settlers.
The country’s most popular religion is Christianity, and the primary language is Kinyarwanda, which is spoken by the majority of Rwandans. English and French are other recognized languages.
TRENDING FASHION IN RWANDA
ACCESSORIES IN RWANDA
TRIBES IN RWANDA AND THEIR FASHION
Hutu is the moniker given to the majority of people that live in Rwanda and Burundi. The Tutsi and the Twa and Hutu share many cultural traditions. Tutsi, Twa, and Hutu are not only culturally related, but they also speak the same language and have the same culture. The Bantu languages are spoken by all three tribes. The Hutu share many characteristics with the Tutsi and Twa peoples of these countries.
Hutus wore skirts made of tree bark and cloaks made of animal hides in the past. Western-style attire has long since superseded these. Handmade beaded necklaces and bracelets, on the other hand, are still popular.
The Hutu
The Tutsi
The Twa
TOURIST AND HISTORICAL PLACES IN RWANDA
Akagera National Park – The surroundings are stunning, with the Kagera River meandering its way to the dazzling Lake Shakani, a plethora of papyrus swamps, and numerous protected birdwatching areas.
Volcanoes National Park – the once-smoking calderas of massive peaks like Karisimbi and jagged Sabyinyo sit atop this extremely stunning conservation area, which is contiguous with Virunga across the border.
Ruhengeri – Ruhengeri is a nice, lovely town in and of itself. Wherever you go, there are fantastic guesthouses, busy beer bars, and seriously awesome vistas.
Nyanza – This site in Rwanda’s southern reaches is steeped in history and culture as one of the final capitals of the pre-colonial Kingdom of Rwanda.
Nyungwe Forest National Park – Chimpanzees, uncommon golden monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and large baboons can all be found swinging among the trees.
Nyagatare – There are the rustic hamlets that dot the nearby hills, surrounded by croc-strewn rivers and hippo-infested wetlands.
Huye – Huye is home to the National University and the National Institute of Scientific Research, as well as a slew of other prestigious educational institutions.
Lake Muhazi – There are secluded picnic areas along the banks, as well as a popular country club with volleyball courts, quiet cabanas on the beach, eateries, and bike and boat rentals.
Lake Kivu – It boasts a plethora of sights and activities to offer visitors to Rwanda from its location on the country’s far western border.
Kigali – The Poignant Genocide Memorial and the majestic presidential palace are two sights in Kigali that you definitely must see.
Kiguye – It’s bordered by steep hills that are draped in mist in the mornings and offer panoramic vistas of the lake and islands in the afternoons.
Kibungo – The area offers a limited number of lodging options, making it a good site to stop for a break on the journey to the Tanzanian border in the south or the waters of Lake Muhazi in the north-west.
Gisuma – Gisuma is a sight to behold, with undulating fields of coffee bushes peaking and sinking against the backdrop of the mountains.
Gishwati Forest National Park – The Gishwati Forest National Park, sprawled across the hilltops at a short distance from the beaches and resorts of Lake Kivu and Gisenyi, is currently in the forefront of Rwandan conservation.
Gisenyi – Gisenyi is a spot where African jungles descend in sporadic bursts of palm trees and exotic cassiyas down grassy hills.
MUSIC IN RWANDA
Amatorero dance organizations, which can be found all over the country, teach traditional music and dance. The Ballet National Urukerereza, which was founded in the early 1970s to represent Rwanda at international events, is the most well-known of them. The Amasimbi n’amakombe and Irindiro dancing troupes were also well-known.
Rwanda’s music business is constantly maturing and becoming more professional. A growing number of businesses are investing in the development of fresh talent, including as the production of major music festivals such as Kigali Up! and Primus Guma Guma Super Star, as well as the television show. Artists such as Meddy are now pushing Rwandan music to new heights.
Some musicians in Rwanda include:
Knowless
Mighty Popo
Some art work in Rwanda
MEALS IN RWANDA
Pili Pili – Rwandan cuisine with hot chilli spice.
Mizuzu – sweet, yet savoury snack and side dish in Rwanda.
Mandazi – traditional snack enjoyed while drinking a cup of tea.
Kachumbari- a tomato and onion salad dish popular in African Great Lakes region.
Ikinyiga – a delicious soup popular in Rwanda.
Igitoki – a meal prepare with country’s crop of banana
Pili Pili
Mizuzu
Mandazi
Kachumbari
Ikinyiga
Igitoki
Stewed Beans – a delicious meal in Rwanda usually served with matooke.
Bugali – a staple foodstuff. It is a type of thick savoury porridge.
Brochette – it is a barbecue prepared meat popular in Rwanda.
Urwagwa – this is a beer made from fermentation of mashed bananas.
Tilapia – a spiced and grilled fish served with onions, garlic and carrot.
Sambaza – fried sardine-like fish, usually taken with cucumber.
Stewed Beans
Bugali
Brochette
Urwagwa
Tilapia
Sambaza
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND HABITAT PROTECTION IN RWANDA
The protection and restoration of degraded habitats such as wetlands, lakes, and natural forests demonstrates Rwanda’s dedication to environmental conservation.
Nyungwe, Gishwati, and Mukura forests have been restored and elevated to become national parks. The promotion of these parks, which are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, has aided the expansion of the tourism sector, which is now the primary source of foreign currency, with income of US$ 304.9 million in 2014 and US$ 318 million in 2015.
Rugezi wetland, located in northern Rwanda, was rehabilitated in 2005 after drying up due to human activity and climate change. Its restoration resulted in enhanced hydropower generation in the Burera and Ruhondo lakes, as well as a boost for the country’s fishing industry. Rwanda got a Green Globe Award in 2010 for this.
EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN RWANDA
For the entire country of Rwanda, the average temperature increase from 1961 to 2014 was 0.45°C per decade. In their research on precipitation, air temperature, and potential evapotranspiration forecasts in Rwanda under changing climate conditions, they found that the implications of climate change on livelihoods, food and water security, ecosystems, infrastructure, and other factors have led to the loss of lives and property in Rwanda.
GENDER EQUALITY IN RWANDA
According to the Global Gender Gap Report, Rwanda is among the top five African countries in terms of gender equality as of 2018. After the massacre of the Tutsi in 1994, the principle of justice became dominant in this country.
Some prominent women in Rwanda include:
Louise Mushikiwabo – current Secretary General of Organization Internationale de la Francophonie.
Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya – Rwandan politician and current Minister of Environment.
Esperance Nyirasafari – Rwandan politician who served as one of two Vice President of the Senate of Rwanda.
Clare Akamanzi – Rwandan lawyer, public administrator, businesswoman and politician.
Louise Mushikiwabo
Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya
Esperance Nyirasafari
Clare Akamanzi
Agnes Binagwaho – Rwandan paediatrician and current Vice Chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity.
Soraya Hakuziyaremye – Rwandan businesswoman, financial management professional and politician who served as the Cabinet Minister of Trade and Industry.
Solina Nyirahabimana – Rwandan diplomat and politician who served as the cabinet, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion.
Marie-Solange Kayisire – Rwandan politician who served as Minister of Cabinet Affairs.
Agnes Binagwaho
Soraya Hakuziyaremye
Solina Nyirahabimana
Marie-Solange Kayisire
