RwandaAustria
Rwanda has a population of 14.1M, compared to Austria's 9.2M. Rwanda is 1.5 times more populous than Austria. Economically, Austria ($534.8B) has a GDP 37.5 times larger than Rwanda's ($14.3B). Austria covers 83,871 km², 3.2 times larger than Rwanda's 26,338 km². Life expectancy in Austria stands at 81.5 years, 13.8 years higher than Rwanda's 67.8 years.
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Rwanda wins
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Austria wins
Metric
RwandaAustria| Population | 14.1M | 9.2M |
| Area | 26,338 km² | 83,871 km² |
| GDP | $14.3B | $534.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | $999.655 | $58,268.879 |
| Life Expectancy | 67.8 yrs | 81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 30.5 | 2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 11.4% | 5.6% |
| Capital | Kigali | Vienna |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | English, French, Kinyarwanda | German |
| Currencies | RWF (Fr) | EUR (€) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Rwanda is 1.5 times more populous than Austria, with 14.1M residents compared to 9.2M. Rwanda is a nation of 14.1M people, while Austria is a nation of 9.2M people. In terms of population density, Rwanda averages 536 people per km² (dense), while Austria averages 110 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Rwanda is classified as a low-income economy, while Austria is classified as a high-income economy. The Austria economy ($534.8B) is 37.5 times larger than Rwanda's ($14.3B). Rwanda's GDP per capita of $999.655 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Austria's GDP per capita of $58,268.879 is 108% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Austria are on average 58.3 times wealthier than those in Rwanda.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Rwanda is 67.8 years, compared to 81.5 years in Austria, a gap of 13.8 years. Austria (81.5 years) is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Rwanda (67.8 years) is 4.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 30.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Rwanda's infant mortality is 1073% higher than Austria's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Austria (83,871 km²) is 3.2 times larger by land area than Rwanda (26,338 km²). Rwanda shares borders with 4 countries, while Austria borders 8 countries. Rwanda spans 1 timezone, compared to Austria's 1 timezone. Rwanda lies in Africa, while Austria is located in Europe. Rwanda is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Austria belongs to Europe (Central Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Rwanda and Austria is in GDP per capita: Rwanda's $999.655 compared to Austria's $58,268.879 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Rwanda and Austria is in GDP: Rwanda's $14.3B compared to Austria's $534.8B represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Rwanda and Austria is in infant mortality: Rwanda's 30.5 per 1,000 compared to Austria's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 91% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Rwanda's low-income economy and Austria's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Austria has a GDP per capita of $58,268.879, which is 58.3x that of Rwanda ($999.655). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Austria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Rwanda is 4.9x more densely populated than Austria (536 vs 110 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Austria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Austria live an average of 13.8 years longer than those of Rwanda (81.5 vs 67.8 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Rwanda's economy grew at 8.9% compared to Austria's -0.7%. Rwanda's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Austria's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Rwanda vs Austria for Families
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 30.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Rwanda offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Austria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Rwanda vs Austria for Budget Travelers
Rwanda is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $999.655 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Rwanda can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Austria. However, Austria may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Rwanda vs Austria for Retirees
Austria's life expectancy of 81.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Rwanda may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Rwanda vs Austria Cost of Living
Austria's GDP per capita is 58.3x that of Rwanda, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Rwanda offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Rwanda can approach or exceed average costs in Austria's smaller cities.
Rwanda vs Austria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Rwanda and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Rwanda spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Rwanda's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Rwanda or Austria by population?
Rwanda is larger by population, with 14.1M residents compared to Austria's 9.2M. Rwanda is 1.5 times more populous than Austria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Rwanda or Austria?
Austria has the higher GDP at $534.8B, compared to Rwanda's $14.3B. Austria's economy is 37.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Rwanda and Austria?
Austria has a higher life expectancy at 81.5 years, compared to Rwanda's 67.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.8 years. Rwanda's life expectancy is 4.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Austria's is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Rwanda or Austria?
Austria is larger by land area, covering 83,871 km² compared to Rwanda's 26,338 km². Austria is 3.2 times larger than Rwanda.
What languages are spoken in Rwanda and Austria?
Rwanda recognizes the following languages: English, French, Kinyarwanda. Austria recognizes: German. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Rwanda or Austria?
Rwanda has lower inflation at 1.8%, compared to Austria's 2.9%. Rwanda's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Austria's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Rwanda or Austria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 30.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Rwanda offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Rwanda or Austria cheaper to visit?
Rwanda is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $999.655 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Rwanda can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Austria. However, Austria may offer better value in ...
Is Rwanda or Austria better for retirement?
Austria's life expectancy of 81.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Rwanda may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Rwanda or Austria more expensive to live in?
Austria's GDP per capita is 58.3x that of Rwanda, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Rwanda offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly ...
Is Rwanda or Austria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Rwanda and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Rwanda spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Rwanda's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....