# Burundi

> sovereign state in Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q967](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q967)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burundi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/burundi

## Summary
Burundi is a sovereign state in Africa, officially known as the Republic of Burundi. With a total area of 27,834 square kilometers, it is a landlocked country located in the Great Lakes region of East Africa. As of 2023, its estimated population is approximately 13.7 million people.

## Key Facts
- **Area**: 27,834 square kilometers.
- **Capital**: Gitega (since 2019), previously Bujumbura (until 2019).
- **Official Languages**: Kirundi, French, and English.
- **Currency**: Burundian franc.
- **Founding Date**: July 1, 1962 (independence from Belgium).
- **Government**: Presidential representative democratic republic.
- **Head of State**: President Évariste Ndayishimiye (since 2020).
- **Head of Government**: Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca (since 2023).
- **Member Of**: United Nations, African Union, World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, and others.
- **Time Zone**: UTC+02:00 (Africa/Bujumbura).
- **Highest Point**: Mount Heha (2,684 meters above sea level).
- **Lowest Point**: Lake Tanganyika (772 meters above sea level).
- **Literacy Rate**: 85.5% (as of 2015).
- **Human Development Index (HDI)**: 0.426 (2021 estimate).
- **Gini Coefficient**: 38.6 (2013).
- **Unemployment Rate**: 7% (2014).
- **Suicide Rate**: 9.1 per 100,000 (2016 estimate).
- **Life Expectancy**: 57.481 years (2016 estimate).
- **Borders**: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
- **National Anthem**: "Burundi Bwacu" (Our Burundi).
- **Motto**: "Ubumwe, Ibikorwa, Amajambere" (Unity, Work, Progress).
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2 (BI), Alpha-3 (BDI), Numeric (108).
- **Top-Level Domain**: .bi.

## FAQs
- **What is Burundi's political system?**  
  Burundi operates as a presidential representative democratic republic, with the President serving as both head of state and government. The current President is Évariste Ndayishimiye, and the Prime Minister is Gervais Ndirakobuca.

- **What languages are spoken in Burundi?**  
  The official languages are Kirundi, French, and English. Kirundi is the most widely spoken native language.

- **What are Burundi's key geographical features?**  
  Burundi is landlocked, bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Its highest point is Mount Heha (2,684 meters), and its lowest point is Lake Tanganyika (772 meters).

- **What is Burundi's economic status?**  
  As of 2021, Burundi's nominal GDP was approximately $2.775 billion, with an unemployment rate of 7% (2014). The Gini coefficient indicates moderate inequality at 38.6 (2013).

- **What international organizations is Burundi part of?**  
  Burundi is a member of the United Nations, African Union, World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, and the World Health Organization, among others.

- **What is Burundi's cultural significance?**  
  Burundi has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from its three main ethnic groups: the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. The country is known for its drumming traditions and oral storytelling.

## Why It Matters
Burundi plays a critical role in regional stability in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Its history of ethnic tensions and political instability has significant implications for neighboring countries and international peacekeeping efforts. As a member of key global and regional organizations, Burundi contributes to continental and international diplomacy. Its natural resources, including nickel and uranium, and agricultural potential underscore its economic importance despite ongoing challenges.

## Notable For
- **Ethnic Diversity**: Home to the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa ethnic groups.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Renowned for traditional drumming and folk music.
- **Political History**: Transitioned from a monarchy to a republic, with periods of civil conflict.
- **Geographical Significance**: Located in the African Great Lakes region, contributing to its ecological and strategic importance.
- **Economic Challenges**: Faces issues of poverty and underdevelopment, with efforts to diversify its economy.

## Body

### Geography and Climate
Burundi is situated in the African Great Lakes region, bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Rwanda to the north, and Tanzania to the east and south. The country's terrain is hilly, with an average elevation of 1,500 meters. Lake Tanganyika forms its southwestern border. The climate is tropical, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons annually.

### History
- **Pre-Colonial Era**: The Kingdom of Burundi existed from the 17th century until the late 19th century.
- **Colonial Rule**: Germany colonized the region in the late 19th century, later ceded to Belgium after World War I.
- **Independence**: Gained independence from Belgium on July 1, 1962.
- **Civil Conflict**: Experienced a civil war from 1993 to 2005, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement.

### Government and Politics
- **Constitution**: Adopted in 2018, establishing a presidential system with a bicameral legislature.
- **Current Leadership**: President Évariste Ndayishimiye (since 2020) and Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca (since 2023).
- **Administrative Divisions**: 18 provinces, including Bubanza, Bujumbura Mairie, and Gitega.

### Economy
- **Primary Sectors**: Agriculture dominates the economy, employing over 80% of the workforce. Key crops include coffee, cotton, and tea.
- **Natural Resources**: Nickel, uranium, and peat.
- **Challenges**: High poverty rates (over 60% of the population lives below the poverty line), reliance on foreign aid, and infrastructure limitations.

### Culture
- **Ethnic Groups**: Hutu (85%), Tutsi (14%), and Twa (1%).
- **Religion**: Predominantly Christian (80-85%), with significant Catholic and Protestant communities.
- **Cultural Practices**: Known for traditional drumming, dance, and oral storytelling. The Imigongo art form, using geometric patterns, is unique to the region.

### Demographics
- **Population Growth**: Estimated 13.7 million in 2023, with a growth rate of 2.5% annually.
- **Urbanization**: Approximately 20% of the population resides in urban areas, with Bujumbura and Gitega as major cities.
- **Education**: Literacy rate of 85.5% (2015), with primary education compulsory but access uneven due to economic constraints.

### International Relations
- **UN Membership**: Joined the United Nations on November 28, 1962.
- **Regional Engagement**: Active in the African Union and the East African Community.
- **Diplomatic Ties**: Maintains relations with countries such as Germany, France, and China, with historical ties to Belgium.

### Human Development
- **Health Challenges**: High rates of malaria, HIV/AIDS, and maternal mortality. Life expectancy is 57.481 years (2016 estimate).
- **Economic Inequality**: Gini coefficient of 38.6 (2013) indicates moderate inequality.
- **Development Initiatives**: Focus on improving healthcare access, education, and infrastructure through international partnerships.

### Environment
- **Biodiversity**: Home to several national parks, including Kibira National Park and Ruvubu National Park.
- **Climate Vulnerability**: Susceptible to climate change impacts, including erratic rainfall and soil erosion.
- **Conservation Efforts**: Engaged in regional initiatives to protect the Great Lakes ecosystem and combat deforestation.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/burundi)
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4. GRID Release 2017-01-10
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7. BnF authorities
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12. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
13. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Africa/BURUNDI)
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15. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/burundi)
16. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
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21. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
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26. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
27. [Source](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/)
28. FIPS 10-4
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31. World Bank Open Data
32. census
33. [World Bank Open Data](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL)
34. [World Bank Open Data](https://datos.bancomundial.org/indicador/SP.POP.TOTL?end=2018&locations=BI&most_recent_year_desc=false&start=1960)
35. [World Bank Open Data](https://datos.bancomundial.org/indicador/SP.POP.TOTL?end=2019&locations=BI&most_recent_year_desc=false&start=1960)
36. [Source](https://data.who.int/countries/108)
37. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
38. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
39. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
40. Official Names of the United Nations Membership
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42. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
43. [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD)
44. [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD?locations=BI)
45. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD)
46. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=DEMO_DS)
47. GRID Release 2015-12-14
48. GRID Release 2016-12-06
49. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3372)
50. BabelNet