Rwanda in 2024: Over 36,000 died with alarming cases in home deaths

Figures from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) show that in 2024, a total of 36,021 Rwandans died from various causes. The data is contained in a report published by NISR known as the Rwanda Vital Statistics Report. It indicates that 36,021 Rwandans passed away in 2024, comprising 19,843 men and 16,178 women.

These figures are based on deaths registered through different government agencies across Rwanda. The Eastern Province recorded the highest number of deaths, with 9,358 (4,062 women and 5,296 men). It was followed by the Southern Province with 8,289 deaths (4,555 men and 3,734 women).

The Western Province ranked third, registering 7,543 deaths (3,482 women and 4,061 men), followed by the Northern Province with 6,404 deaths (3,474 men and over 2,930 women).
The City of Kigali recorded the fewest deaths, with 2,221 men and 1,827 women.

The data shows that 54.1% (equivalent to 19,493) of the Rwandans who died in 2024 passed away at home or within their local communities, while 45.9% died in hospitals or health centres.

Gicumbi District had the highest number of home deaths, with 915 cases, whereas Gasabo District had the highest number of deaths occurring in health facilities, with 1,139 cases.

In rural areas, home deaths accounted for 59.3% of all deaths, compared to 38% in urban areas.

The majority of deaths occurred among children under five years old, followed by those aged over 85 years. In almost all age categories, men recorded a higher death toll than women, except in the group aged over 85 years.

The age group with the fewest deaths was those aged between 10 and 14 years.

Non-communicable diseases, including cancer, diabetes, stroke, and heart conditions, were the leading causes of death, accounting for 47.7% of all deaths recorded in 2024. They were followed by communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, responsible for 42.9% of deaths.

Road accidents, domestic violence, and suicide accounted for 9% of deaths — a decrease compared to 2023, when these causes made up 11% of all deaths.

The number of registered deaths among Rwandans in 2024 increased compared to previous years: 32,853 deaths were recorded in 2023, 25,536 in 2022, and 19,797 in 2021.

Births, marriages, and population trends reflect Rwanda’s changing demographic landscape

Besides the death statistics, the report also provides figures on births in Rwanda in 2024. A total of 417,972 births were recorded during the year — an increase compared to 373,260 births recorded in 2023.

Rwanda’s demographic data for 2024 shows first births remain the most common, although their share slightly declined from 34.6% in 2023 to 33.6%. Second births increased moderately, while third births held steady. Births among women aged 20–34 years dominate, with fewer births recorded among teenagers and women over 35.

The country’s population is projected to grow from 13.2 million in 2022 to 23.6 million by 2052, pushing population density from 524 to 903 inhabitants per square kilometre. Despite ongoing urbanisation, Rwanda remains predominantly rural, with nearly 70% of the population engaged in agriculture.

Agriculture remains the backbone of rural livelihoods, with around 2.3 million households (69% of private households) engaged in farming activities, and approximately 1.7 million households (50%) owning at least one livestock animal.

Education and health indicators show progress: literacy rates have risen to 79% among adults, and maternal and child mortality rates have fallen significantly.

Language remains a strong unifier, with almost all Rwandans speaking Kinyarwanda as their first language, followed by widespread usage of English and French. Kiswahili, while less common, is spoken mainly in districts bordering Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Meanwhile, marriage registrations declined by 9.5% between 2023 and 2024, with Gasabo and Gicumbi districts recording the highest numbers. Marriage patterns show women tend to marry younger than men, with rates falling sharply after the age of 40.

The data reflect a country balancing rapid social change with strong rural roots and improving human development outcomes.

Access to electricity has improved significantly, with 61% of private households now connected either through the national grid (47%) or solar panels (14%).