Kigali

Kigali, the dynamic and remarkably clean capital of Rwanda, is a city of over 1.7 million inhabitants sprawling across a central region of rolling green hills and valleys. Since becoming the capital upon independence in 1962 and undergoing an extraordinary transformation following the 1994 genocide, the city has become an internationally recognized model of urban development, safety, and environmental stewardship, notably enforcing a nationwide ban on plastic bags and fostering community unity through the monthly public service day, Umuganda. As Rwanda's primary economic and cultural hub, Kigali features a modern central business district, compelling cultural institutions like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a burgeoning tech scene, and vibrant neighborhoods offering world-class coffee and a mix of traditional and international cuisine.