Burundi

Burundi (orthographic projection)

Location Burundi AU Africa

Flag of Burundi (1962–1966)

Plaza de la Independencia

Second Congo War Africa map en.svg

Country in East Africa

Burundi, officially the Republic of 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. Lake Tanganyika lies along its southwestern border. The capital city is Gitega, while the largest city is Bujumbura.

History

The region now known as Burundi has been inhabited for over 500,000 years. The Twa, Hutu, and Tutsi peoples have lived in Burundi for at least 500 years. The Kingdom of Burundi was established in the 16th century and lasted until the early 20th century when it became a part of German East Africa. After World War I, it was transferred to Belgian control and became part of the territory of Ruanda-Urundi. Burundi gained its independence from Belgium on 1 July 1962.

Geography

Burundi is a landlocked country in the African Great Lakes region. It is bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and southeast, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. The southwestern border is adjacent to Lake Tanganyika. The country has a total area of 27,834 square kilometers.

Politics

Burundi is a presidential republic with a multi-party system. The President of Burundi is both the head of state and head of government. The current president is Évariste Ndayishimiye, who has been in office since June 2020. The political landscape in Burundi has been marked by ethnic conflict between the Hutu and Tutsi populations.

Economy

Burundi's economy is predominantly agricultural, with agriculture accounting for over 30% of the GDP. The main cash crops are coffee and tea, which are exported mainly to Europe. The country is one of the world's poorest nations, with a GDP per capita of $661 as of 2022.

Demographics

Burundi has a population of approximately 12.2 million people. The largest ethnic groups are the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. The official languages are Kirundi, French, and English. The majority of the population practices Christianity, with Roman Catholicism being the largest denomination.

Culture

Burundi has a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional music, dance, and crafts. The Burundi drummers are internationally renowned for their performances. The country also has a tradition of oral literature, including poetry and storytelling.

Education

Education in Burundi is compulsory for children between the ages of 7 and 13. The education system is divided into primary, secondary, and higher education. Despite efforts to improve the education system, the country faces challenges such as a lack of resources and qualified teachers.

Health

The healthcare system in Burundi faces significant challenges, including a high prevalence of infectious diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS. The country has a limited number of healthcare facilities and medical professionals.

See also

• List of Presidents of Burundi
• Geography of Burundi
• Economy of Burundi
• Demographics of Burundi
• Culture of Burundi

References

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