It is also affectionately called the land of "1000 hills". Rwanda is the pearl in the heart of East Africa, a country spoiled by natural beauty. Kigali, the political, as well as economic center of Rwanda, connects the new and the old world with modern facilities, art, culture and its lived African traditions. Nature lovers are also delighted by the tropical vegetation, in higher areas the lush green jungle forests and in the national parks by the still worldwide unique mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, leopards and zebras.

 

Since the emergency and recovery period following the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has made significant socio-economic progress, with economic growth rates among the fastest in the world and a significant reduction in poverty. Development has improved the living conditions of Rwandan women throughout the country. Life expectancy has been significantly increased and poverty drastically reduced. In addition, free universal primary education has been introduced and expanded to a 12-year cycle. 

 

Rwanda has the potential to develop knowledge-based sectors, building on its strong governance and the large investments already made. These include the nationwide expansion of the fiber optic network and the rapid adoption of ICT, as well as a well-maintained and growing road network in urban and rural areas. Socioeconomic transformation in the country is being driven as the labor force shifts from agriculture to services and industry with higher productivity. With nearly 62% of the labor force still engaged in agriculture (as of 2019, Worldbank), the potential for productivity gains through structural transformation, urbanization, and industrialization is significant. 

 

However, Rwanda is not only known for its genocide and poverty; the entrepreneurial women who had to act to feed their children after the genocide are also impressive. Meanwhile, Rwanda has made it to the top 10 in the world gender equality rankings (as of 2020, Africa UN Woman). This is because women are considered by the constitution to have at least 60% in government and have equal rights to men.