Since 2000, Rwanda has participated in the World Heritage Convention. It is home to two World Heritage Sites. Rwanda ranks 30th worldwide and 9th in Africa by number of World Heritage Sites. Its inscriptions include cultural and natural properties, representing a diverse heritage portfolio.
Rwanda as a State Party to the World Heritage Convention
State Party since: December 28, 2000
Status: Acceptance
Mandates to the World Heritage Committee: 2021-2025
Total of Mandate Years: 4
Total of Mandates: 1
WHC Electoral Group: V(a) (Africa)
World Heritage Sites in Rwanda (2)
Cultural: 1 | Natural: 1 | Mixed: 0
Map of World Heritage Sites
This interactive map shows the location of all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rwanda.
World Heritage Inscription Timeline
2023
Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero
2023
Nyungwe National Park
Tentative World Heritage Sites
No tentative sites yet.
Country Profile Rwanda
Official Name: Republic of Rwanda
Continent: Africa
Subregion: Eastern Africa
UNESCO Region: Africa
Capital: Kigali
Population (2024): 14,256,567
Land Area: 24,670 km²
Currency: Rwandan franc (RWF)
Country Data Sources
About States Parties
States Parties are countries that have joined the World Heritage Convention.
They commit to identifying, nominating, and protecting properties of outstanding
cultural or natural value on their territory. States Parties are also expected to
monitor and report on the condition of inscribed sites.
World Heritage Insights
How Politics and Institutions Shape the UNESCO World Heritage List
The UNESCO World Heritage List is usually seen as a catalogue of the world’s most important cultural and natural places. Yet behind every inscription there is a structured decision process: countries must first join the Convention, run for a seat on the World Heritage Committee, prepare nominations through a fixed procedure, and finally obtain enough votes for inscription.
World Heritage Info
Background
Learn about UNESCO, the World Heritage Convention, Tentative Lists, and how World Heritage Sites are selected and preserved. Explore the history, structures, and processes that protect humanity’s cultural and natural treasures.
Rwanda