Trivia in Rwanda

National symbols

Flag: A four-colored flag with pan-African red, yellow, green and blue. The sun shining in the upper right symbolizes the country's hope and unity.

Emblem: A coat of arms featuring a woven basket, shield, coffee branch, gear and rice plant, representing 'Unity, Work, and Patriotism.'

Trivia & facts

• Rwanda has the world's highest proportion of female MPs in the lower house (over 60%).
• Possession and sale of plastic bags have been legally banned since 2008.
• Major cities are famous for their cleanliness with virtually no litter on the streets.
• During the monthly public service day 'Umuganda,' even the president participates in cleaning and construction.
• Due to the small territory, bicycle taxis are widely used for rural transportation.
• Mountain gorilla viewing permits cost USD 1,500 per person per day and are always sold out.
• Rwandan coffee is specialty-grade and used in World Barista Championships.
• To reduce traffic congestion, motorcycle taxis require helmets for both drivers and passengers.
• Rwanda was the first African country to implement a full-scale drone blood delivery network.
• The country's name is said to derive from the Kinyarwanda word 'Rwanda' meaning 'vast land.'