Rwanda

The population of Rwanda is approximately 15M (2024).

The capital of Rwanda is Kigali.

Rwanda's GDP per capita is $1.2K (2024).

Life expectancy in Rwanda is 68.02 years (2024).

Rwanda covers 26,338 km² (10,169 sq mi).

Rwanda is very densely populated, with 565 people per km², far exceeding the global average of 60.

Rwanda's population is growing rapidly at 2.1% per year — among the fastest in the world.

Based on GDP per capita, Rwanda falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $1.2K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Rwanda's intentional homicide rate is 3.6 per 100,000 people, close to the global average.

Rwanda has 3 official languages: English, French, Kinyarwanda.

Rwanda uses the Rwandan franc (Fr) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Rwanda are June, July, August, September, based on climate data for the capital.

Rwanda has an estimated population of approximately 14.9 million people, ranking it 76th globally and 29th within the African continent. This demographic landscape is characterized by a high population density of approximately 603 people per km² (1,562 per sq mi) and a steady annual growth rate of 2.1%.

Recent economic projections estimate Rwanda's GDP per capita at 1,185 USD, which currently ranks 194th globally and 38th in Africa. Despite this ranking, the nation maintains a robust annual GDP growth rate of 8.89%, supported by strong performances in the services, construction, and agricultural sectors centered around the capital, Kigali.

The current life expectancy in Rwanda is approximately 68 years, placing the nation at 165th in global rankings. Improvements in healthcare access and maternal health initiatives have contributed to this figure, alongside a fertility rate of 3.6 children per woman. The country continues to prioritize social development to enhance these health outcomes further.

Rwanda maintains an adult literacy rate of 78.8%, which ranks 122nd out of 170 countries according to the latest available data. The government has prioritized education through its primary and secondary school systems, though internet access remains a significant hurdle for digital learning, as only 31.7% of the population currently uses the internet.

As a landlocked country in Eastern Africa, Rwanda covers a total area of 26,338 km² (10,169 sq mi). Its diverse terrain is famous for high mountains, including the highest point at Mount Karisimbi which reaches 4,507 m (14,787 ft). This landscape supports a temperate tropical highland climate and various natural resources.

The latest figures show an unemployment rate of 11.36% in Rwanda. This rate ranks the nation 31st globally for the lowest unemployment levels. The government continues to focus on job creation through investment in mining, methane gas extraction, and the expansion of the information technology sector in urban centers.

Rwanda currently ranks global 76 of 215 countries for total population. Within Africa, it is the 29th most populous nation out of 54, and it ranks 10th in the Eastern Africa subregion. Despite its small geographic area, its high population density contributes to its significant regional demographic presence.

The estimated 2026 population density for Rwanda is 602.8 people per km² (1,561 sq mi). This makes Rwanda the 17th most densely populated country in the world and the 2nd most densely populated country in Africa. This high density poses unique challenges for land management and urban planning.

The latest fertility rate in Rwanda is 3.6 births per woman, ranking the country 38th globally for the highest fertility. While this rate has gradually decreased over the last several decades, it remains high enough to drive significant population momentum and requires ongoing investment in maternal healthcare.

Approximately 29.9% of Rwanda's population lives in urban environments, ranking it 194th globally for urbanization. While the majority of the population remains rural and dependent on agriculture, there is a consistent trend of migration toward urban centers like the capital, Kigali, as the economy continues to modernize.