What Languages Do They Speak In Rwanda?
Explore the languages spoken in Rwanda on an interactive map.
Rwanda Languages: Quick Facts
Languages
3
Kinyarwanda, Swahili, French
Population
13,460,000
Cost of living
NaN
Index: N/A
Safety / crime index
Crime Index: 27.3
Language Spoken in Rwanda Percentage
| Language | Percentage | Population |
|---|---|---|
KinyarwandaOfficial | 93.2% | 12,544,720 |
FrenchOfficial | <0.1% | 13,460 |
SwahiliOfficial | <0.1% | 13,460 |
Do They Speak English in Rwanda?
English proficiency
Ranked #107 on the EF English Proficiency Index.
In short
English is unlikely to be reliable across much of Rwanda outside tourist-focused contexts. Knowing some Kinyarwanda is highly recommended for smoother day-to-day interactions.
FAQ
Rwanda Language FAQ
Short answers to common questions about the main languages, English usage, and communication in Rwanda.
People in Rwanda speak Kinyarwanda, Swahili, French.
Kinyarwanda is the most widely spoken language.
Kinyarwanda is spoken by about 93.2% of the population in Rwanda.
That corresponds to roughly 12,544,720 people.
Not reliably. Outside a few international or tourist settings, you should expect to need some Kinyarwanda.
- What languages do they speak in Rwanda?
People in Rwanda speak Kinyarwanda, Swahili, French.
Kinyarwanda is the most widely spoken language.
- How widely spoken is Kinyarwanda in Rwanda?
Kinyarwanda is spoken by about 93.2% of the population in Rwanda.
That corresponds to roughly 12,544,720 people.
- Can you get by with English in Rwanda?
Not reliably. Outside a few international or tourist settings, you should expect to need some Kinyarwanda.
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