Did You Know

Interesting Facts about Rwanda

Trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits about Rwanda.

Speed

Did You Know?

16 curious facts about Rwanda.

Rwanda is Africa's most densely populated country. More than eight million people live in a country that is less than half the size of Nova Scotia. More than 90% of the population lives in rural areas.
The mwami (king) in Rwanda was considered a sacred being, whose power was of divine origin. A drum called kalinga, which was so sacred that it was never used, was a symbol of his authority.
Despite years of ethnic conflict, the Hutus and Tutsis share many cultural characteristics and family life is similar for both groups. Intermarriage over several generations has also blurred distinctions between Hutus and Tutsis.
In addition to the Hutu, Tutsi and Twa people, Rwanda has a small minority of Hima people. This is a nomadic group from the Nile Valley, who inhabit the northern and northeastern regions of Rwanda.

In the past, rich Tutsi women often wore heavy copper bracelets and anklets. Because of the weight of these ornaments, the women were unable to do much work. The ornaments distinguished affluent women from women who worked in the fields.
Pyrethrum, which grows in Rwanda, is a daisy-like flower used to make a natural insecticide. Its properties were discovered during the First World War, when a group of soldiers camped overnight in a field of pyrethrum. By morning, the lice that had infested the soldiers had all been killed.
The first major regional soccer tournament since the civil war in 1994 was held in Rwanda in 1997. It was organized by the Confederation of East and Central African Football Associations. The Rwandan team won the championship.
Kwashiorkor is a disease caused by a lack of protein in the diet. It affects many Rwandan children.
Educational opportunities differ for boys and girls. Although an equal number of girls and boys enrol in primary schools, girls are more likely than boys to drop out or be withdrawn by their parents. Very few women pursue secondary or postsecondary education.
Cassava is a vegetable with large, tuberous roots that can grow in poor soil and tolerate drought. It can be left in the ground for up to four years before being harvested, but once it is harvested, it must be eaten immediately.