Largest Cities in Rwanda

Top 49 cities ranked by largest cities

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · Rwanda

Largest Cities — Rwanda

1 Kigali 12 1,132,686

2 Gisenyi 14 172,357

3 Musanze 13 153,368

4 Nyagatare 11 100,000

5 Gitarama 15 87,613

6 Muhanga 15 82,797

7 Butare 15 62,823

8 Kibuye 14 48,024

9 Rwamagana 11 47,203

10 Kibungo 11 46,240

11 Cyangugu 14 43,866

12 Shyorongi 13 43,744

13 Byumba 13 43,134

14 Ndera 12 41,764

15 Kirambo 14 40,341

16 Kagano 14 39,994

17 Ngororero 14 38,823

18 Nzega 15 33,832

19 Macuba 14 33,319

20 Karengera 14 32,504

21 Nyanza 15 32,016

22 Bugarama 14 31,086

23 Gihombo 14 29,843

24 Karambi 14 29,726

25 Bushekeri 14 29,680

26 Nyabitekeli 14 29,293

27 Busogo 13 28,264

28 Shangi 14 28,064

29 Kayonza 11 27,059

30 Cyato 14 26,996

31 Kirimbi 14 25,647

32 Gitesi 14 24,859

33 Bushenge 14 22,624

34 Nyamata 11 21,509

35 Ruhango 15 21,478

36 Gikongoro 15 21,029

37 Mahembe 14 20,043

38 Mukamira 14 19,021

39 Mugina 15 18,586

40 Umutara 11 18,038

41 Rangiro 14 17,967

42 Kamuhanda / Ruyenzi 15 16,369

43 Bugaragara 11 15,732

44 Mukingo 13 15,695

45 Kora 14 15,134

46 Kinigi 13 14,523

47 Mabanza 14 13,139

48 Gahini 11 7,917

49 Ruhuha 11 5,842

The largest cities in Rwanda represent major centers of economic activity, cultural influence, and population growth. Kigali leads with a population of 1,132,686, followed by Gisenyi and Musanze. These cities serve as hubs for employment, education, and innovation, attracting residents from across the country and around the world.

Population size is a key indicator of a city's economic influence and infrastructure capacity. Larger cities typically offer more diverse job markets, extensive public transit systems, and a wider range of cultural amenities. 11 dominates the top 10 with 3 cities on the list, reflecting the state's strong economic pull and quality of life.

While large populations bring economic advantages, they also present challenges including higher costs of living, traffic congestion, and housing affordability concerns. Many of these cities have experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by job opportunities in technology, healthcare, and professional services.

Did You Know?

1. Kigali's population is larger than that of several U.S. states.
2. 11 has 3 cities in the top 10, more than any other state.
3. The top 5 cities combined have a population of 1,646,024.

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