Rwanda
Republic of Rwanda
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.22%
Rwanda is a Eastern Africa landlocked nation of around 14.1 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. This landlocked territory spans 26,338 km² with a density of 536 people per km². Its capital is Kigali, and official languages include English, French, and Kinyarwanda, while the Rwandan franc serves as the national currency.
Population
14,104,969
Area
26,338 km²
Density
536/km²
World Rank
#77
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 28.4 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 5.9 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 37.4% of the population is under 15, while only 3.9% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Kigali
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Eastern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English, French, Kinyarwanda
- Currencies
- Rwandan franc (Fr)
- Calling Code
- +250
- Top-Level Domain
- .rw
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 14,104,969
- Land Area
- 26,338 km²
- Population Density
- 536 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.22%
- Annual Growth
- +313,130 people
- Daily Growth
- +858 people
- World Population Share
- 0.17%
- Coordinates
- -2.00°, 30.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $1000 classifies Rwanda as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 11.4%, well above the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 39.4 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
67.8 years
GDP per Capita
$1,000
Birth Rate
28.4 per 1,000
Death Rate
5.9 per 1,000
Urban Population
29.9%
Fertility Rate
3.70 births/woman
Infant Mortality
30.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
11.4%
Literacy Rate
78.8%
Internet Users
34.2%
Under 15
37.4%
Over 65
3.9%
Health Spending
5.1% GDP
Gini Index
39.4
Age Distribution
0-14 years
5.3M
15-64 years
8.3M
65+ years
554K
Urbanization
Only 29.9% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. The capital, Kigali, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net inward migration of 6282.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
4.2M
29.9%
9.9M
70.1%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 67.8 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 30.5 per thousand live births, roughly in line with the global average. The literacy rate of 78.8% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Rwanda
Rwanda has 3 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Rwanda is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Rwanda participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 14,104,969 |
| 2030 | 15,337,627 |
| 2035 | 16,891,180 |
| 2040 | 18,454,559 |
| 2045 | 20,025,037 |
| 2050 | 21,601,595 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Rwanda.
Largest Cities in Rwanda
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Rwanda by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Rwanda?
The population of Rwanda is approximately 14.1 million as of 2026, making it #77 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Rwanda?
The capital of Rwanda is Kigali.
What languages are spoken in Rwanda?
The main languages spoken in Rwanda are English, French, Kinyarwanda.
How big is Rwanda?
Rwanda covers an area of 26,338 km² with a population density of 536 people per km².
Is Rwanda growing or shrinking?
Rwanda is growing at a rate of 2.22% per year, adding approximately 313,130 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Rwanda?
The average life expectancy in Rwanda is 67.8 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Rwanda?
The GDP per capita of Rwanda is $1,000.