Rank #158 by World Population
🇷🇼Rwanda
Rwanda has a population of 13,954,471, ranking #158 in the world. The capital is Kigali. Located in Sub-Saharan Africa .
World Bank: Low income
13,954,471
Population
#158
World Rank
67.8
Life Expectancy
$1,027
GDP Per Capita
Rwanda, #158 by world population
Rwanda Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Rwanda had a population of 3,022,294 in 1960 and 14,256,567 in 2024, a 4.7× growth over 64 years. The peak was 14,256,567 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.54%.
14,256,567
Population (2024)
3,022,294
Population (1960)
14,256,567
Peak (2024)
2.54%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 3,022,294 |
| 1961 | 3,106,779 |
| 1962 | 3,186,025 |
| 1963 | 3,258,890 |
| 1964 | 3,334,834 |
| 1965 | 3,423,210 |
| 1966 | 3,521,626 |
| 1967 | 3,629,577 |
| 1968 | 3,744,010 |
| 1969 | 3,861,271 |
| 1970 | 3,980,669 |
| 1971 | 4,100,044 |
| 1972 | 4,220,335 |
| 1973 | 4,345,047 |
| 1974 | 4,474,228 |
| 1975 | 4,607,728 |
| 1976 | 4,745,954 |
| 1977 | 4,888,240 |
| 1978 | 5,035,171 |
| 1979 | 5,189,541 |
| 1980 | 5,353,259 |
| 1981 | 5,527,230 |
| 1982 | 5,711,549 |
| 1983 | 5,905,311 |
| 1984 | 6,107,627 |
| 1985 | 6,317,228 |
| 1986 | 6,531,881 |
| 1987 | 6,749,493 |
| 1988 | 6,968,071 |
| 1989 | 7,184,706 |
| 1990 | 7,375,307 |
| 1991 | 7,526,966 |
| 1992 | 7,683,266 |
| 1993 | 7,981,132 |
| 1994 | 6,792,352 |
| 1995 | 5,674,118 |
| 1996 | 6,708,764 |
| 1997 | 7,755,238 |
| 1998 | 8,081,681 |
| 1999 | 8,147,912 |
| 2000 | 8,213,931 |
| 2001 | 8,287,094 |
| 2002 | 8,400,180 |
| 2003 | 8,586,875 |
| 2004 | 8,816,844 |
| 2005 | 9,054,528 |
| 2006 | 9,299,246 |
| 2007 | 9,549,933 |
| 2008 | 9,804,269 |
| 2009 | 10,060,432 |
| 2010 | 10,317,553 |
| 2011 | 10,573,733 |
| 2012 | 10,829,901 |
| 2013 | 11,093,340 |
| 2014 | 11,364,757 |
| 2015 | 11,640,022 |
| 2016 | 11,919,183 |
| 2017 | 12,202,060 |
| 2018 | 12,487,996 |
| 2019 | 12,776,103 |
| 2020 | 13,065,837 |
| 2021 | 13,355,260 |
| 2022 | 13,651,030 |
| 2023 | 13,954,471 |
| 2024 | 14,256,567 |
Demographics
| Population | 13,954,471 |
| Population Growth Rate | 2.20% |
| Urban Population | 28.9% |
| Fertility Rate | 3.70 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 67.8 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 30.1 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | 80.1% |
Economy & Trade
$1,027
GDP Per Capita
12.4%
Unemployment Rate
Low income
Income Level
39.4
Gini Index (inequality)
64.9%
Trade (% of GDP)
Health & Education
5.1%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
0.09
Physicians per 1,000
4.9%
Education Expenditure (% GDP)
80.1%
Literacy Rate
30.1
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
63.9%
Electricity Access
28.0%
Internet Users
82
Mobile Subs per 100
565.6
People per km2
-9,001
Net Migration
Environment
11.3%
Forest Area
Rwanda Climate
Rwanda has an average annual temperature of 20.2°C (68°F) and receives about 1062 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is November. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
20.2°C
Avg Temp
1062
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Nov
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20° / 69° | 78 mm |
| February | 20° / 69° | 99 mm |
| March | 20° / 69° | 124 mm |
| April | 20° / 68° | 183 mm |
| May | 20° / 68° | 132 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 24 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 9 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 28 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 68 mm |
| October | 20° / 68° | 100 mm |
| November | 20° / 67° | 125 mm |
| December | 20° / 68° | 92 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Rwanda
The most comfortable months to visit Rwanda are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 27°C high). The coldest is November (near 15°C low). April is usually the wettest month.
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Other Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
Rwanda in global context
Rwanda is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda has a population of 13,954,471, ranking #158 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 2.20%.
Life expectancy in Rwanda is 67.8 years. The infant mortality rate is 30.1 per 1,000 live births.
Rwanda's GDP per capita is $1,027. It is classified as a low income country by the World Bank.
28.9% of Rwanda's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 565.6 people per square kilometer.
The adult literacy rate in Rwanda is 80.1%. The country spends 4.9% of GDP on education.
The most comfortable months to visit Rwanda are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Rwanda has an average annual temperature of 20.2°C and about 1062 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically August and the coldest is November.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
With 13,954,471 residents, Rwanda is a country in Sub-Saharan Africa . The population is expanding fast — roughly 2.2% annually.
GDP per capita is roughly $1,027, placing Rwanda among lower-income economies. Life expectancy is 67.8 years, below the global average, with a fertility rate of 3.7 births per woman, and 28.9% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.