Facts of Kigali: Famous as the Cleanest City in Africa
- Plaid Zebra
VIVA – Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda, Central Africa. The city has been Rwanda’s economic, cultural, and transport hub since it became the capital in 1962. Kigali is also famous as “Africa’s cleanest city”
Kigali is the major arrival point for tourists visiting Rwanda’s national parks and tracking mountain gorillas, and has its own sites of interest such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial and ecotourist facilities, as well as bars, coffee shops and restaurants.
After the genocide ended, Kigali experienced rapid population growth with most of the city being rebuilt. Because of this rapid growth, Kigali has even become one of the cleanest cities in Africa and here are interesting facts about Kigali City.
1. Hillywood is Another Name of Kigali City
pemandangan kota Kigali pada malam hari
- Wikimedia/Cchrtian
The word Hillywood is a combination of hills and Hollywood. This name was given to Kigali because Kigali's domestic film industry is advancing and the city is located in a hilly area.
2. The Upper Part of the Nile
Sungai Nyabarongo, Kigali
- Wikimedia/Emmanuelkwizera
Kigali has a river called Nyabarongo that’s part of the headwaters of the Nile, the longest river in Africa. This river is slightly outside the urban areas and is the largest river that flows in Kigali.
3. Had Lost Most of Its Population
Kigali, Rwanda
- Wikimedia/ITU Pictures
The genocide in 1994 saw many Kigali killed and fled to neighboring countries. When the genocide ended, the economy began to recover and the majority of refugees returned to Rwanda.
On the other side, at that time, many refugees remained in Kigali because of difficulties in finding places in other areas.
4. The Reason Why Kigali is the Cleanest City in Africa
Kigali, Rwanda
- Wikimedia/Francisco Anzola
Kigali can be one of the cleanest cities in Africa because local people still often walk instead of using transportation. Then, in some areas motorized vehicles are prohibited from crossing.
In 2016, Kigali introduced car-free days on the first and third Sunday of every month as a way to encourage physical exercise and reduce carbon emissions.
5. High Human Development Index (HDI)
Between the five provinces of Rwanda, Kigali has the highest HDI of 0.632. HDI is a combined measure of life expectancy, health, education, and standard of living.
This figure increases slightly or is quite stable every year. In 1992 when civil wars were still common, the HDI figure for the city of Kigali was 0.233.
