The main objective of the 2012 Population and Housing Census was to provide a comprehensive snapshot of basic information on the resident population of Rwanda, its major characteristics and housing arrangements.

 

Conducted once every ten years, the 2012 population census was preceded by censuses in 1978, 1991 and 2002. The census provides a rich data base  for policy debate and decisions. It also equips the National Statistics System with a strong statistical framework going forward for more specialized statistics activities. 

 

The results complement finding of previous statistics work. Overall the living conditions of Rwandans are improving. Rwandans are living longer, healthier and productive lives as indicated by increasing life expectancy and positive changes in the labour market dynamics. Rwandans are having increasing access to basic utilities like electricity and water and ownership of key ICT equipments is steadily increasing.

 

On the other hand, the results clearly show that a lot still need to be done. Major policy decisions have to be taken. Notable examples are in regards to: Population management, settlement, skills development, land use management, employment and so on and so forth.

 

Rwanda’s population is very young offering substantial potential going forward. The working age population will systematically increase offering a huge pool of human capital while dependency will reduce due to decreasing fertility. 

 

If particularly the young generations are well resourced and taped the returns will be significant “demographic dividend”.