Rwanda Population
Sub-Saharan Africa · 76th most populous · Low income
Population right now (estimate)
14,990,510
The population of Rwanda is about 14,990,510 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 14.9 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.18% of the world's people.
Rwanda is ranked 76th of 217 by population. Its population is growing fast — about 2.2% a year, roughly 897 more people every day. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 22.7 million. That is 4.9 times its 1960 population of 3.0 million. Population density is 627 people per square kilometre. 31% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
14.9 million
Yearly change
+2.20%
World rank
76th
Share of world
0.18%
Density
627/km²
Land area
23,763 km²
Life expectancy
68.0 yrs
Births per woman
3.65
GDP per capita
$1,124
GDP
$16.4B
Population of Rwanda, 1960–2050
Rwanda population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 3,022,294 | — | 127 |
| 1970 | 3,980,669 | +3.09% | 168 |
| 1980 | 5,353,259 | +3.15% | 225 |
| 1990 | 7,375,307 | +2.65% | 310 |
| 2000 | 8,213,931 | +0.81% | 346 |
| 2010 | 10,317,553 | +2.56% | 434 |
| 2020 | 13,065,837 | +2.27% | 550 |
| 2024 | 14,256,567 | +2.16% | 600 |
| 2026proj. | 14,889,693 | +2.20% | 627 |
| 2030proj. | 16,154,705 | +1.96% | 680 |
| 2040proj. | 19,440,770 | +1.91% | 818 |
| 2050proj. | 22,707,910 | +1.36% | 956 |
Rwanda vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 11.9 times as many people as Rwanda. Bangladesh is 2.2 times more densely populated.
Rwanda population: questions and answers
What is the population of Rwanda in 2026?
About 14,889,693 (14.9 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Rwanda's population growing?
Yes, by about 2.20% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Rwanda?
About 627 people per km², with a land area of 23,763 km².
What will the population of Rwanda be in 2050?
About 22.7 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Rwanda?
Kigali.
What is the life expectancy in Rwanda?
68.0 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.