One of Africa’s Smallest and Poorest Countries
Burundi is a small, densely populated country in East Africa’s Great Lakes region — just 27,834 km² but with 13 million people. Along with neighbouring Rwanda, it shares a history of Hutu-Tutsi ethnic tensions, though Burundi avoided genocide on the scale of Rwanda’s 1994 atrocities. The country has been ranked as the world’s poorest country by GDP per capita in recent years.
Burundi was ruled by Pierre Nkurunziza from 2005 until his 2020 death in office. His third-term decision in 2015 triggered violent protests and an attempted coup. His successor Évariste Ndayishimiye has taken a more moderate tone.
A Brief History
German colony 1890-1916, then Belgian mandate with Rwanda. Independence in 1962. Hutu-Tutsi tensions flared repeatedly; the 1993-2005 Burundi civil war killed an estimated 300,000 people. Peace process led to a new constitution and power-sharing.
Geography and Climate
Burundi covers 27,834 km². Bordered by Rwanda, Tanzania, DR Congo. Mostly hills; Lake Tanganyika on the western border.
Culture, Language and Religion
Kirundi, French, and English are official. Religion: approximately 90% Christian (60% Catholic).
The Economy
Burundi has the world’s lowest GDP per capita (~$260 in 2024). Agriculture dominates (coffee, tea).
Travel Guide
Most Western governments advise caution. Limited tourism infrastructure.
Surprising Facts
- Burundi is often ranked as the world’s poorest country by GDP per capita.
- Burundi drummers (Abatimbo) — a UNESCO Intangible Heritage tradition — are among Africa’s most renowned percussion ensembles.
- The country has three capitals of sorts — Gitega (political capital), Bujumbura (economic capital), and Bujumbura (former capital).
- Coffee and tea together account for roughly 90% of Burundi’s foreign exchange earnings.
- Lake Tanganyika — bordered by Burundi — is the world’s second-deepest lake and holds about 16% of the world’s unfrozen fresh water.
- Burundi’s 2015 coup attempt against Pierre Nkurunziza failed within 2 days.
Sources and References
See the frontmatter for cited sources.