Country explorer: Rwanda

Rwanda has experienced significant economic transformations, marked by steady increases in GDP per capita, notable shifts in the distribution of the population across different poverty thresholds, a relatively low and stable unemployment rate, and managed inflation, distinguishing it as a nation with resilient economic growth and stability amidst the challenges facing low-income countries.

Rwanda has experienced substantial demographic shifts characterized by a declining fertility rate and increasing life expectancy, reflective of significant health and societal advancements, aligning its transformation more closely with general low-income country trends despite its unique post-genocide recovery context.

Rwanda has displayed remarkable progress in enhancing access to electricity, surpassing many of its peers, although its advancements in access to clean cooking fuels remain modest, reflecting a mixed but on the whole positive trajectory in meeting basic needs.

Rwanda has demonstrated significant improvements in human development, characterized by substantial increases in the Human Development Index, reductions in child mortality rates, progress in adult literacy rates, and advancements in learning-adjusted years of schooling, distinguishing itself as a notable case of post-conflict recovery and development among its peers.

Rwanda has carved a distinctive path in environmental stewardship within its region, with significant investments in renewable energy sources and forest regeneration, contrasting with its peers by showcasing a commitment to sustainability despite its low per capita CO₂ emissions and challenges in freshwater availability.

Rwanda has exhibited a remarkable surge in internet usage, mobile phone subscriptions, research and development expenditure, and scientific publications, distinguishing itself as a rapidly advancing nation in technology and innovation amongst its peers in the low-income category.

Rwanda has experienced significant societal transformations, including a decrease in gender inequality, improvements in self-reported life satisfaction despite fluctuations, and a moderate increase in the share of the population born in another country, illustrating a unique blend of progress and challenges common to many low-income countries yet distinctive in its rapid pace of change.

Rwanda has experienced significant governance shifts, marked by improvements in compliance with the rule of law and reduced corruption perceptions, contrasting with tightening political civil liberties and press freedoms, a governance trajectory indicative of increasing state control and stability, yet raising concerns about democratic freedoms.