Capital of Rwanda: Kigali
The capital of Rwanda is Kigali. Rwanda sits in Africa, has a population of 13,776,698, and uses the RWF. Official languages include Kinyarwanda, French, English.
Quick facts
- Capital: Kigali
- Continent: Africa
- Population: ~13,776,698
- Area: 26,338 km²
- Population density: 523 people per km²
- Official languages: Kinyarwanda, French, English
- Currency: RWF
- ISO code: RW
How big is Rwanda?
By population, Rwanda ranks 76th in the world, holding roughly 0.17% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 145th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Rwanda has 523 people per square kilometre, which is about 8.8 times the world average of 59.4. It is more crowded than its size alone would suggest.
Within Africa, Rwanda is the 28th most populous country of 54.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Rwanda in population are Guinea (13,859,341) and Benin (13,352,864).
By land area, its closest counterparts are North Macedonia (25,713 km²) and Haiti (27,750 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Kinyarwanda is listed as an official language of Rwanda alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Rwanda uses the RWF, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Rwanda in Africa
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt and Democratic Republic of the Congo.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Africa is the block Rwanda belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Rwanda and a page on the flag of Rwanda.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Rwanda?
The capital of Rwanda is Kigali.
What is the population of Rwanda?
About 13,776,698, making it the 76th most populous country in the world.
How big is Rwanda?
26,338 square kilometres, ranking 145th by land area, at a density of 523 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Rwanda use?
The RWF, which no other country uses.