Fact Finder - General Knowledge

Fact
The Land of a Thousand Hills: Kigali
Category
General Knowledge
Subcategory
World Capitals & Countries
Country
Rwanda
Description
Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is frequently cited as the cleanest city in Africa. This reputation is partly due to 'Umuganda,' a mandatory nationwide community service day held on the last Saturday of every month, where citizens participate in neighborhood cleaning and infrastructure projects. Rwanda is a landlocked country known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills' (Pays des Mille Collines) because of its stunning mountainous landscape. Kigali itself is built across several ridges and valleys, with an average elevation of 1,500 meters. The city has undergone a remarkable transformation since the 1994 genocide, evolving into a tech-forward hub that bans non-biodegradable plastic bags. It is also the gateway for tourists traveling to Volcanoes National Park to see the endangered mountain gorillas. The city's master plan focuses on sustainability and green spaces, making it a model for urban development in East Africa despite the challenges of its rugged, landlocked terrain.