Largest Cities in Rwanda

Top 49 cities ranked by largest cities

Largest Cities - Rwanda

1 Kigali 12 1,745,555
2 Gitarama 15 319,141
3 Musanze 13 153,368
4 Ndera 12 95,164
5 Muhanga 15 82,797
6 Butare 15 62,823
7 Gisenyi 14 53,603
8 Gahini 11 46,009
9 Shyorongi 13 43,744
10 Kirambo 14 40,341
11 Kagano 14 39,994
12 Byumba 13 34,544
13 Nzega 15 33,832
14 Macuba 14 33,319
15 Karengera 14 32,504
16 Bugarama 14 31,086
17 Gihombo 14 29,843
18 Karambi 14 29,726
19 Bushekeri 14 29,680
20 Nyabitekeli 14 29,293
21 Shangi 14 28,064
22 Cyangugu 14 27,416
23 Kayonza 11 27,059
24 Cyato 14 26,996
25 Kirimbi 14 25,647
26 Nyanza 15 25,417
27 Bushenge 14 22,624
28 Mahembe 14 20,043
29 Mukamira 14 19,021
30 Rwamagana 11 18,009
31 Rangiro 14 17,967
32 Nyamata 11 17,076
33 Ruhango 15 17,051
34 Gikongoro 15 16,695
35 Gitesi 14 14,911
36 Mugina 15 14,755
37 Umutara 11 14,320
38 Nyagatare 11 14,320
39 Kamuhanda / Ruyenzi 15 12,995
40 Bugaragara 11 12,490
41 Mukingo 13 12,460
42 Busogo 13 12,460
43 Kibuye 14 12,325
44 Kora 14 12,015
45 Kibungo 11 11,537
46 Kinigi 13 11,530
47 Mabanza 14 10,431
48 Ruhuha 11 5,842
49 Ngororero 14 5,764

The largest cities in Rwanda represent major centers of economic activity, cultural influence, and population growth. Kigali leads with a population of 1,745,555, followed by Gitarama 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. 15 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. 15 has 3 cities in the top 10, more than any other state.
  • 3. The top 5 cities combined have a population of 2,396,025.

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