Country Profile: Rwanda

Rwanda, a small and landlocked country located in Central Africa, is characterized by its mountainous terrain and lush, fertile volcanic soil. With a population of approximately 13.6 million, the nation has a dense demographic distribution, particularly in the central regions and around Lake Kivu. The economy has experienced rapid growth, driven by significant public investment; however, challenges persist, including increased poverty and economic disruptions due to global events. Rwanda operates as a presidential republic, with Paul Kagame serving as president since 2000, overseeing a complex governance structure shaped by the country's historical context.

Geography

Rwanda is situated in Central Africa, bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Uganda to the north, Burundi to the south, and Tanzania to the east. The country is predominantly mountainous, with the highest point being Volcan Karisimbi at 4,519 meters. Rwanda's climate is temperate, featuring two rainy seasons, and the area is known for its rich agricultural land.

• 26,338 sq km: Total area.
• 930 km: Total land boundaries.
• 76.3%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023 est.).
• 24.5%: Percentage of forest coverage (2023 est.).
• 1,670 sq km: Water area.

People and Society

As of 2024, Rwanda has an estimated population of 13,623,302, comprised mainly of Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa ethnic groups. Kinyarwanda is the official language, with a significant portion of the population being Christian. The society is youthful, with a median age of 20.8 years, and a substantial rural population.

• 66.6 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
• 37.2%: Population aged 0-14 years (2024 est.).
• 1.62%: Population growth rate (2024 est.).
• 24.9 deaths/1,000 live births: Infant mortality rate (2024 est.).
• 12%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
• 38.2%: Population below the poverty line (2016 est.).

Economy

Rwanda's economy is one of the fastest-growing in Sub-Saharan Africa, with significant contributions from agriculture, services, and industry. The country has faced economic disruptions due to COVID-19 but is focusing on recovery through public investments and tourism. Coffee and tea are among the primary exports.

• Real GDP (PPP): Approximately $46.543 billion (2024 est.).
• 8.9%: Projected GDP growth rate for 2024.
• 12%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
• 24.6%: Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024 est.).
• $14.252 billion: Nominal GDP (2024 est.).
• 3.14 children: Total fertility rate (2024 est.).

Government

Rwanda is a presidential republic with a mixed legal system combining civil and customary law. The capital city, Kigali, serves as the political and administrative hub. The current governance structure includes a bicameral legislature, with elections held every five years.

• Paul Kagame: President since April 2000.
• Kigali: Capital city.
• Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF): Dominant political party.
• Universal suffrage: Voting age is 18 years.
• 63.8%: Percentage of women in the Chamber of Deputies.

Military and Security

The Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) is responsible for national defense and security. The military operates with approximately 30-35,000 active personnel and is engaged in various peacekeeping missions abroad. Military spending constitutes around 1.3% of GDP.

• 1.3%: Military expenditure of GDP (2024 est.).
• 30-35,000: Active personnel in RDF (2025).
• 3,200: Troops deployed in peacekeeping missions (2025).
• No conscription: Voluntary service for ages 18 and older.

Energy

Rwanda is working to enhance its energy access, with electrification rates differing significantly between urban and rural areas. The energy sector relies heavily on hydropower, with ongoing efforts to increase renewable energy sources.

• 50.6%: Total population with electricity access (2022 est.).
• 294,000 kW: Total installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.).
• 52.8%: Hydroelectricity share of total installed capacity (2023 est.).

Environment

Rwanda faces various environmental challenges, including deforestation and land degradation. The government participates in multiple international environmental agreements and is focused on sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation.

• 76.3%: Agricultural land (2023 est.).
• 4.385 million tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024 est.).
• 1.645 million metric tons: Total CO2 emissions (2023 est.).

Transportation

Rwanda has 8 airports as of 2025, facilitating both domestic and international travel. The country is making investments to enhance infrastructure to support economic growth.

• 8: Total airports (2025).

Communications

The communications sector in Rwanda is rapidly evolving, with increasing mobile subscriptions and internet usage. The government emphasizes connectivity as part of its national development strategy.

• 34%: Population using the Internet (2023 est.).
• 12.8 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	13,623,302	2024 estimate
Area	26,338 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$46.543 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	12%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	66.6 years	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	25 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	50.6%	2022 estimate
Military Expenditure	1.3% of GDP	2024 estimate
Urban Population	17.9%	2023 estimate
Literacy Rate	78.8%	2022 estimate