Rwanda Facts and Figures

Rwanda, situated in East Africa, is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. The country, known for its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife, boasts a population of approximately 13 million people. Key urban centers include Kigali, the capital known for its cleanliness and rapid development, and Butare, a cultural hub renowned for its academic institutions.

Rwanda's journey on the global stage includes becoming a member of the Commonwealth of Nations in 2009, affirming its commitment to shared values of democracy, human rights, and economic development. Additionally, Rwanda's accession to the East African Community (EAC) in 2007 bolstered regional integration efforts, fostering economic cooperation and political stability across East Africa.

Historical Evolution

One of the most transformative events in Rwanda's history was the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, which claimed nearly a million lives and left profound social and economic scars. This tragic event reshaped Rwanda's trajectory, prompting significant efforts towards reconciliation, justice, and national unity under President Paul Kagame's leadership. The aftermath saw extensive reforms in governance, healthcare, and education, propelling Rwanda to become one of Africa's fastest-growing economies by the early 2000s. Today, Rwanda continues to prioritize economic diversification and sustainable development, leveraging its strategic location and stable governance to attract foreign investment and foster inclusive growth.

Demographics Overview

Rwanda's population stood at approximately 14.1 million people in 2023, with a population density of 546 people per square kilometer as of 2021. The working-age population comprises 58.3% (as of 2022), indicating a significant labor force potential crucial for economic development. The median age of 20 years (as of 2024) underscores Rwanda's youthful population, presenting opportunities for investments in education and workforce development. Life expectancy at birth is 67 years (as of 2022), reflecting improvements in healthcare access and quality. The country's annual population growth rate is 2.3%, driven by factors such as healthcare advancements and economic opportunities. Rwanda's total fertility rate is 3.7 (in 2022), indicating a moderately high rate that influences future demographic trends. The crude death rate is 5.8 per 1,000 persons, while the infant mortality rate stands at 28.8 per 1,000 live births (both as of 2022), highlighting ongoing health challenges despite improvements. Urbanization rate is 17.9%, indicating a predominantly rural population with gradual urban expansion.

Economic Dynamics

Rwanda's economy exhibits robust growth with a GDP totaling $14.09 billion in 2023, positioning it globally at 140th in GDP rank. The country achieved a notable GDP growth rate of 8.2% in 2023, highlighting strong economic expansion. Inflation rates have shown a significant decrease from 14% in 2023 to 5.8% in 2024, indicating stabilization efforts. Rwanda's trade balance remains challenging, with goods exports amounting to $2.479 billion and imports totaling $3.897 billion in 2023, resulting in a trade deficit of $1.418 billion. The unemployment rate, at 15.1% in 2022, reflects ongoing labor market dynamics. The economy is characterized by a diverse sectoral composition: agriculture contributes 24.9% to GDP, industry 21.2%, and services 46.5% in 2022. These sectors underscore Rwanda's economic resilience and potential for growth.