Country Profile · No. 6

Burundi

Capital / Admin Capital

Gitega (political) / Bujumbura (economic)Population: ~14.7MIndependence: 1962 (July 1)

First President

Michel Micombero (First President after declaring republic in 1966; monarch overthrown)Current President: Évariste Ndayishimiye (serving since June 2020)

Geography & Borders

Rwanda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lake Tanganyika. Landlocked East African highland nation.

Demographics & Language

Christianity (~90%+). Official: Kirundi language, French language, English language, Swahili language. Major groups: Hutu (~85%), Tutsi (~14%), Twa (~1%).

Economy & GDP

Agriculture (coffee, tea, cotton), subsistence farming, light manufacturing.

Global Diaspora

1. Ivory Coast (~3M–4M), 2. Ghana (~500k), 3. Mali (~100k), 4. United States (~10k–15k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): New York (New York City), Maryland (Silver Spring), Virginia (Arlington).

Major Conflicts

Burundian Civil War (1993–2005, ethnic conflict between Hutu rebel groups and the Tutsi- dominated army), 1972 Burundian massacres, 2015 Burundian unrest (political crisis following presidential term extensions).

3 Must-See Sites

1. Ruvubu National Park (Burundi's largest national park flanking the Ruvubu River, home to hippos, leopards, and antelopes), 2. Lake Tanganyika shores (Scenic sandy beaches and clear waters near Bujumbura, one of the deepest ancient lakes in the world), 3. Karera Waterfalls (A breathtaking four-step cascading waterfall nestled in lush forested hills).

Quick Facts

Often referred to as the "Heart of Africa" due to its central geographic location on the continent; world-renowned for its traditional royal drummers (The Royal Drummers of Burundi).