Overview of Burundi

Profile

Burundi is a highland country along the Great Rift Valley of Africa, with a fertile land at around 1,500m elevation where the population concentrates. Agriculture is the main industry, with coffee and tea accounting for most exports, though the economy remains among the world's lowest. After independence in 1962, the country experienced a long civil war stemming from Hutu-Tutsi conflicts, but a peace agreement was reached in the late 2000s. The political capital was moved to Gitega in 2019, while the largest city, Bujumbura, became the economic capital. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, including royal drum ensembles and traditional crafts.

Official name: Republic of Burundi
Common name: Burundi
Numeric code: 108
Alpha-3 code: BDI
Alpha-2 code: BI
Population: 12 million (2023 estimate) (2023)
Population density: approximately 463 people/km²
Primary languages: Kirundi, French, English, Swahili
Major religions: Christianity (Catholic and Protestant), Islam
National anthem: Burundi Bwacu (Our Burundi)
Calling code: +257
Internet TLD: .bi

History

Originating from the Kingdom of Burundi established in the 16th century, it gained independence in 1962 after Belgian trusteeship. Ethnic conflicts continued, civil war broke out in 1993, and peace and return to civilian rule occurred in 2005.

During the Kingdom of Burundi era, the region prospered based on hill pastoralism and rice farming, but was incorporated into the Belgian mandate territory of Ruanda-Urundi after World War I. After independence, the transition from monarchy to republic experienced multiple coups and massacres. In 1993, civil war intensified following the assassination of the president shortly after a Hutu-led government came to power. Through regional mediation, the Arusha Agreement was signed in 2000, elections were held in 2005, and peace has been consolidated. After turmoil related to the 2015 third-term issue, President Ndayishimiye took office in 2020, seeking stability.

Geography & climate

Sharp contrast between highland plateau surrounded by mountains on three sides and Lake Tanganyika lowland on the western edge. Rolling hills with many carved streams.

Tropical savanna (highland) climate

Area: Africa / 27834 km²
Capital: Gitega
Largest city: Bujumbura
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Lake Tanganyika, Lake Rweru, Lake Cohoha
Bordering countries: Rwanda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Natural resources

Nickel, Gold, Tantalum, Tungsten, Cobalt, Copper, Uranium, Peat, Limestone, Hydropower resources, Forests, Freshwater fisheries, Rare earths, Kaolin

Politics

Government: Presidential republic

Economy

Currency: Burundian Franc (BIF)

GDP (nominal): 3.5 billion US Dollar (2023)

GDP (PPP): 10.3 billion US Dollar (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Kirundi, French, English, Swahili

Time zone: Central Africa Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Hutu, Tutsi, Twa

Life expectancy

approximately 62 years (2022)

Literacy rate

approximately 76% (2021 estimate)

National sports

Football, Long-distance running, Basketball, Cycling, Volleyball