Official Name: Republic of Burundi
Capital: Gitega
Burundi is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley where the African Great Lakes region and East Africa converge. It is bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and southeast, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.
Area: Approximately 27,834 square kilometers (approximately 10,747 square miles).
Population: Approximately 12 million people (as of 2023 estimate).
Language: The official languages are Kirundi, French and English.
Burundi generally has a tropical highland climate, with a considerable daily temperature range in many areas. Temperature also varies considerably from one region to another, chiefly as a result of differences in altitude.
Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country with an underdeveloped manufacturing sector. The economy is predominantly agricultural; agriculture accounts for just over 30% of GDP and employs more than 90% of the population.
Burundi is a presidential representative democratic republic. The President of Burundi is the head of state and head of government.
Education in Burundi is compulsory for six years, between ages 6 and 12. However, due to the country’s ongoing civil unrest and poverty, many children do not receive a formal education.
Burundi’s culture is based on local tradition and the influence of neighboring countries, though cultural prominence has been hindered by civil unrest. The drummers of Burundi are a particular cultural heritage that is popular around the world.
Burundi became independent from Belgium in 1962. It has suffered from warfare, corruption and poor access to education. It is one of the few African countries where a traditional African religion is still widely practiced.
This is a general overview of Burundi. There’s much more to learn about this country, from its rich culture to its complex history.
