Key Facts about Rwanda
At a glance
| Item | Fact |
|---|---|
| Capital | Kigali |
| Neighbours | Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Independence | 1 July 1962 |
| President | Paul Kagame, sworn in for a five-year term on 11 August 2024 |
| Prime Minister | Dr Justin Nsengiyumva, sworn in on 25 July 2025 |
| National language | Kinyarwanda |
| Official languages | Kinyarwanda, English, French and Kiswahili |
| Motto | Ubumwe, Umurimo, Gukunda Igihugu (Unity, Work, Patriotism) |
| National anthem | Rwanda Nziza |
| Currency | Rwandan franc (RWF, also written FRW) |
| Time zone | Central Africa Time, UTC+2, no daylight saving |
| Calling code | +250 |
| Electricity | 220 V, 50 Hz, European round two-pin plugs |
Source: Government of Rwanda: About Rwanda; Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda of 2003 revised in 2015; RwandaLII: Organic Law N° 02/2017 establishing Kiswahili as an official language; Embassy of Rwanda in Ghana: President Kagame sworn in for a five-year term; Office of the Prime Minister: PM Nsengiyumva officially sworn in as Prime Minister; Embassy of Rwanda in Germany: Practical information1,3,4,5,6,7
Land and people
Rwanda is landlocked, about 121 km south of the equator, 1,416 km from the Indian Ocean and 1,250 km from the Atlantic. It is known as the land of a thousand hills, with five volcanoes, 23 lakes and rivers that feed the Nile.8
The 2022 census counted 6,817,068 women and 6,429,326 men. 27.9% of residents live in urban areas, and the City of Kigali has 1,745,555 people. The average household has 4 people, and 79% of adults can read and write.2
Memberships
- East African Community: a full member since 1 July 2007.
- Commonwealth: joined in 2009 as its 54th member.
- Organisation internationale de la Francophonie: a member, and Rwanda’s Louise Mushikiwabo has been its Secretary General since January 2019.
- African Union and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
Source: East African Community: Republic of Rwanda; The Commonwealth: Rwanda; Organisation internationale de la Francophonie: Louise Mushikiwabo9,10,11
Phones and internet
| Indicator, December 2025 | Value |
|---|---|
| Active mobile subscriptions | 13,685,892 |
| Mobile subscriptions per 100 people | 97.0 |
| SIM cards linked to active mobile money accounts | 8,135,275 |
| Internet subscriptions | 10,487,460 |
Source: Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority: ICT sector statistics, fourth quarter of 202512
MTN Rwanda and Airtel Rwanda run the mobile networks. A SIM card must be registered with an ID card or passport when you buy it.12,7
Emergency numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Emergency (police) | 112 |
| Fire and rescue | 111 |
| Traffic accidents | 113 |
| Ambulance | 912 |
Source: Rwanda National Police: Emergency toll-free numbers; Government of Rwanda: Emergency numbers13,14
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is Rwanda?
26,338 km² in east-central Africa. It is landlocked, about 121 km south of the equator.
What is Rwanda’s population?
13,246,394 residents at the August 2022 census, 503 per km². 27.9% live in urban areas.
What are the official languages and currency?
Kinyarwanda, English, French and Kiswahili. The currency is the Rwandan franc (RWF).
Do I need ID to buy a SIM card?
Yes. A SIM card must be registered with an ID card or passport. MTN Rwanda and Airtel Rwanda run the mobile networks.
Sources
- Government of Rwanda: About Rwanda
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: Fifth Population and Housing Census 2022, main indicators (PDF)
- Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda of 2003 revised in 2015 (PDF)
- RwandaLII: Organic Law N° 02/2017 establishing Kiswahili as an official language
- Embassy of Rwanda in Ghana: President Kagame sworn in for a five-year term
- Office of the Prime Minister: PM Nsengiyumva officially sworn in as Prime Minister
- Embassy of Rwanda in Germany: Practical information
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: About Rwanda
- East African Community: Republic of Rwanda
- The Commonwealth: Rwanda
- Organisation internationale de la Francophonie: Louise Mushikiwabo
- Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority: ICT sector statistics, fourth quarter of 2025 (PDF)
- Rwanda National Police: Emergency toll-free numbers
- Government of Rwanda: Emergency numbers
Facts checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information.
