Burundi
AfricaBY December 31, 2025
Background
Established in the 1600s, the Burundi Kingdom has had borders similar to those of modern Burundi since the 1800s. Burundi’s two major ethnic groups, the majority Hutu and minority Tutsi, share a common language and culture and largely lived in peaceful cohabitation under Tutsi monarchs in pre-colonial Burundi. Regional, class, and clan distinctions contributed to social status in the Burundi Kingdom, yielding a complex class structure. German colonial rule in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and Belgian rule after World War I preserved Burundi’s monarchy. Seeking to simplify administration, Belgian colonial officials reduced the number of chiefdoms and eliminated most Hutu chiefs from positions of power. In 1961, the Burundian Tutsi king’s oldest son, Louis RWAGASORE, was murdered by a competing political faction shortly before he was set to become prime minister, triggering increased political competition that contributed to later instability.
Burundi gained its independence from Belgium in 1962 as the Kingdom of Burundi. Revolution in neighboring Rwanda stoked ethnic polarization as the Tutsi increasingly feared violence and loss of political power. A failed Hutu-led coup in 1965 triggered a purge of Hutu officials and set the stage for Tutsi officers to overthrow the monarchy in 1966 and establish a Tutsi-dominated republic. A Hutu rebellion in 1972 resulted in the deaths of several thousand Tutsi civilians and sparked brutal Tutsi-led military reprisals against Hutu civilians which ultimately killed 100,000-200,000 people. International pressure led to a new constitution in 1992 and democratic elections in 1993. Tutsi military officers feared Hutu domination and assassinated Burundi's first democratically elected president, Hutu Melchior NDADAYE, in 1993 after only 100 days in office, sparking a civil war. In 1994, his successor, Cyprien NTARYAMIRA, died when the Rwandan president’s plane he was traveling on was shot down, which triggered the Rwandan genocide and further entrenched ethnic conflict in Burundi. The internationally brokered Arusha Agreement, signed in 2000, and subsequent cease-fire agreements with armed movements ended the 1993-2005 civil war. Burundi’s second democratic elections were held in 2005, resulting in the election of Pierre NKURUNZIZA as president. He was reelected in 2010 and again in 2015 after a controversial court decision allowed him to circumvent a term limit. President Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE -- from NKURUNZIZA’s ruling party -- was elected in 2020.
Burundi gained its independence from Belgium in 1962 as the Kingdom of Burundi. Revolution in neighboring Rwanda stoked ethnic polarization as the Tutsi increasingly feared violence and loss of political power. A failed Hutu-led coup in 1965 triggered a purge of Hutu officials and set the stage for Tutsi officers to overthrow the monarchy in 1966 and establish a Tutsi-dominated republic. A Hutu rebellion in 1972 resulted in the deaths of several thousand Tutsi civilians and sparked brutal Tutsi-led military reprisals against Hutu civilians which ultimately killed 100,000-200,000 people. International pressure led to a new constitution in 1992 and democratic elections in 1993. Tutsi military officers feared Hutu domination and assassinated Burundi's first democratically elected president, Hutu Melchior NDADAYE, in 1993 after only 100 days in office, sparking a civil war. In 1994, his successor, Cyprien NTARYAMIRA, died when the Rwandan president’s plane he was traveling on was shot down, which triggered the Rwandan genocide and further entrenched ethnic conflict in Burundi. The internationally brokered Arusha Agreement, signed in 2000, and subsequent cease-fire agreements with armed movements ended the 1993-2005 civil war. Burundi’s second democratic elections were held in 2005, resulting in the election of Pierre NKURUNZIZA as president. He was reelected in 2010 and again in 2015 after a controversial court decision allowed him to circumvent a term limit. President Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE -- from NKURUNZIZA’s ruling party -- was elected in 2020.
Geographic coordinates
3 30 S, 30 00 E
Natural hazards
flooding; landslides; drought
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Maryland
Environmental issues
soil erosion from overgrazing and agricultural expansion; deforestation; wildlife habitat loss
International environmental agreements
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
Signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban
Signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban
Climate
equatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude variation (772 m to 2,670 m above sea level); average annual temperature varies with altitude from 23 to 17 degrees Celsius but is generally moderate; average annual rainfall is about 150 cm with two wet seasons (February to May and September to November) and two dry seasons (June to August and December to January)
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Land boundaries
Total: 1,140 km
Border countries (3): Democratic Republic of the Congo 236 km; Rwanda 315 km; Tanzania 589 km
Border countries (3): Democratic Republic of the Congo 236 km; Rwanda 315 km; Tanzania 589 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 83.9% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 51.4% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 13.6% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 18.8% (2023 est.)
Forest: 10.9% (2023 est.)
Other: 5.2% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 51.4% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 13.6% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 18.8% (2023 est.)
Forest: 10.9% (2023 est.)
Other: 5.2% (2023 est.)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Natural resources
nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum, vanadium, arable land, hydropower, niobium, tantalum, gold, tin, tungsten, kaolin, limestone
Geography - note
landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed; the Kagera, which drains into Lake Victoria, is the most remote headstream of the White Nile
Terrain
hilly and mountainous, dropping to a plateau in east, some plains
Location
Central Africa, east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, west of Tanzania
Map references
Africa
Irrigated land
230 sq km (2012)
Total renewable water resources
12.536 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
one of Africa's most densely populated countries; concentrations tend to be in the north and along the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika in the west; most people live on farms near areas of fertile volcanic soil, as shown in this population distribution map
Elevation
Highest point: Unnamed elevation on Mukike Range 2,685 m
Lowest point: Lake Tanganyika 772 m
Mean elevation: 1,504 m
Lowest point: Lake Tanganyika 772 m
Mean elevation: 1,504 m
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km)
Major lakes (area sq km)
Fresh water lake(s): Lake Tanganyika (shared with Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia) - 32,000 sq km
Area
Total : 27,830 sq km
Land: 25,680 sq km
Water: 2,150 sq km
Land: 25,680 sq km
Water: 2,150 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 42.3% (male 2,895,275/female 2,848,286)
15-64 years: 54.4% (male 3,662,688/female 3,727,022)
65 years and over: 3.4% (2024 est.) (male 197,493/female 259,338)
15-64 years: 54.4% (male 3,662,688/female 3,727,022)
65 years and over: 3.4% (2024 est.) (male 197,493/female 259,338)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Literacy
Total population: 71.4% (2020 est.)
Male: 78.2% (2020 est.)
Female: 66.2% (2020 est.)
Male: 78.2% (2020 est.)
Female: 66.2% (2020 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Burundian(s)
Adjective: Burundian
Adjective: Burundian
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 10 years (2018 est.)
Male: 10 years (2018 est.)
Female: 10 years (2018 est.)
Male: 10 years (2018 est.)
Female: 10 years (2018 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 14.8% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 5.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 5.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 90.7% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 57.7% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 62.4% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 9.3% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 42.3% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 37.6% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 90.7% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 57.7% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 62.4% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 9.3% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 42.3% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 37.6% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1.207 million BUJUMBURA (capital) (2023)
Mother's mean age at first birth
21.5 years (2016/17 est.)
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 83.9 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 77.7 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 6.2 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 16.2 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 77.7 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 6.2 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 16.2 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 87.4% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 53.7% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 58.6% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 12.6% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 46.3% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 41.4% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 87.4% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 53.7% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 58.6% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 12.6% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 46.3% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 41.4% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Hutu, Tutsi, Twa, South Asian
Religions
Christian 93.9% (Roman Catholic 58.6%, Protestant 35.3% [includes Adventist 2.7% and other Protestant religions 32.6%]), Muslim 3.4%, other 1.3%, none 1.3% (2016-17 est.)
Languages
Kirundi (official), French (official), English (official, least spoken), Swahili (2008 est.)
Major-language sample(s):
Igitabo Mpuzamakungu c'ibimenyetso bifatika, isoko ntabanduka ku nkuru z'urufatiro. (Kirundi)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Note: Data represent languages read and written by people 10 years of age or older; spoken Kirundi is nearly universal
Major-language sample(s):
Igitabo Mpuzamakungu c'ibimenyetso bifatika, isoko ntabanduka ku nkuru z'urufatiro. (Kirundi)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Note: Data represent languages read and written by people 10 years of age or older; spoken Kirundi is nearly universal
Physician density
0.08 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Health expenditure
9.1% of GDP (2021)
4.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
4.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Child marriage
Women married by age 15: 2.8% (2017)
Women married by age 18: 19% (2017)
Men married by age 18: 1.4% (2017)
Women married by age 18: 19% (2017)
Men married by age 18: 1.4% (2017)
Gross reproduction rate
2.41 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
58.2% (2017 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 1.6% (2024 est.)
Male: 2.1% (2024 est.)
Female: 1.2% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 2.1% (2024 est.)
Female: 1.2% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-0.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 18.4 years (2024 est.)
Male: 18 years
Female: 18.7 years
Male: 18 years
Female: 18.7 years
Maternal mortality ratio
392 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
4.9 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 13,590,102 (2024 est.)
Male: 6,755,456
Female: 6,834,646
Male: 6,755,456
Female: 6,834,646
Infant mortality rate
Total: 35.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 39.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 31.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 39.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 31.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 9.1% (2025 est.)
Male: 14% (2025 est.)
Female: 4.3% (2025 est.)
Male: 14% (2025 est.)
Female: 4.3% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
5.4% (2016)
Death rate
5.7 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
34.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
28.3% (2024 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 4.07 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 1.84 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 2.23 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 1.84 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 2.23 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 68.1 years (2024 est.)
Male: 66 years
Female: 70.3 years
Male: 66 years
Female: 70.3 years
Education expenditure
4.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
14.4% national budget (2025 est.)
14.4% national budget (2025 est.)
Population growth rate
2.81% (2024 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 43.1 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 15 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 222 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 15 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 222 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.872 million tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 7.1% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 7.1% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
26.3 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
838,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 32,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 806,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 32,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 806,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
946,000 Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Lisa PETERSON (since 27 June 2024)
Embassy: No 50 Avenue Des Etats-Unis, 110-01-02, Bujumbura
Mailing address: 2100 Bujumbura Place, Washington DC 20521-2100
Telephone: [257] 22-207-000
FAX: [257] 22-222-926
Email address and website:
BujumburaC@state.gov
https://bi.usembassy.gov/
Embassy: No 50 Avenue Des Etats-Unis, 110-01-02, Bujumbura
Mailing address: 2100 Bujumbura Place, Washington DC 20521-2100
Telephone: [257] 22-207-000
FAX: [257] 22-222-926
Email address and website:
BujumburaC@state.gov
https://bi.usembassy.gov/
Administrative divisions
5 provinces: Buhumuza, Bujumbura, Burunga, Butanyerera, Gitega
Capital
Name: Gitega (political capital), Bujumbura (commercial capital)
Geographic coordinates: 3 25 S, 29 55 E
Time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The origin of the name Bujumbura is unclear, but "bu-" is a Bantu prefix meaning "place"
Note: in January 2019, the Burundian parliament voted to make Gitega the political capital of the country while Bujumbura would remain its economic capital; as of 2023, the government's move to Gitega remains incomplete
Geographic coordinates: 3 25 S, 29 55 E
Time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The origin of the name Bujumbura is unclear, but "bu-" is a Bantu prefix meaning "place"
Note: in January 2019, the Burundian parliament voted to make Gitega the political capital of the country while Bujumbura would remain its economic capital; as of 2023, the government's move to Gitega remains incomplete
Constitution
History: Several previous, ratified by referendum 28 February 2005
Amendment process: Proposed by the president of the republic after consultation with the government or by absolute majority support of the membership in both houses of Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Senate membership and at least four-fifths majority vote by the National Assembly; the president can opt to submit amendment bills to a referendum; constitutional articles including those on national unity, the secularity of Burundi, its democratic form of government, and its sovereignty cannot be amended
Amendment process: Proposed by the president of the republic after consultation with the government or by absolute majority support of the membership in both houses of Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Senate membership and at least four-fifths majority vote by the National Assembly; the president can opt to submit amendment bills to a referendum; constitutional articles including those on national unity, the secularity of Burundi, its democratic form of government, and its sovereignty cannot be amended
Executive branch
Chief of state: President Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE (since 18 June 2020)
Head of government: Prime Minister Nestor NTAHONTUYE (since 5 August 2025)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by president
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 7-year term (eligible for a second term); vice presidents nominated by the president, endorsed by Parliament
Most recent election date: 20 May 2020
Election results:
2020: Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE elected president; percent of vote - Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE (CNDD-FDD) 71.5%, Agathon RWASA (CNL) 25.2%, Gaston SINDIMWO (UPRONA) 1.7%, other 1.6%
2015: Pierre NKURUNZIZA reelected president; percent of vote - Pierre NKURUNZIZA (CNDD-FDD) 69.4%, Agathon RWASA (Hope of Burundians - Amizerio y'ABARUNDI) 19%, other 11.6%
Expected date of next election: May 2027
Head of government: Prime Minister Nestor NTAHONTUYE (since 5 August 2025)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by president
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 7-year term (eligible for a second term); vice presidents nominated by the president, endorsed by Parliament
Most recent election date: 20 May 2020
Election results:
2020: Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE elected president; percent of vote - Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE (CNDD-FDD) 71.5%, Agathon RWASA (CNL) 25.2%, Gaston SINDIMWO (UPRONA) 1.7%, other 1.6%
2015: Pierre NKURUNZIZA reelected president; percent of vote - Pierre NKURUNZIZA (CNDD-FDD) 69.4%, Agathon RWASA (Hope of Burundians - Amizerio y'ABARUNDI) 19%, other 11.6%
Expected date of next election: May 2027
Flag
Description: Divided by a white diagonal cross into red triangles (top and bottom) and green triangles (on each side) with a white disk at the center bearing three six-pointed red stars outlined in green and arranged in a triangular design
Meaning: Green stands for hope and optimism, white for purity and peace, and red for the blood shed in the struggle for independence; the three stars represent the major ethnic groups (Hutu, Twa, Tutsi), as well as unity, work, and progress
Meaning: Green stands for hope and optimism, white for purity and peace, and red for the blood shed in the struggle for independence; the three stars represent the major ethnic groups (Hutu, Twa, Tutsi), as well as unity, work, and progress
Independence
1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of 9 judges and organized into judicial, administrative, and cassation chambers); Constitutional Court (consists of 7 members)
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Judicial Service Commission, a 15-member body of judicial and legal profession officials), appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate; judge tenure NA; Constitutional Court judges appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate and serve 6-year nonrenewable terms
Subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; County Courts; Courts of Residence; Martial Court; Commercial Court
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Judicial Service Commission, a 15-member body of judicial and legal profession officials), appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate; judge tenure NA; Constitutional Court judges appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate and serve 6-year nonrenewable terms
Subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; County Courts; Courts of Residence; Martial Court; Commercial Court
Legal system
mixed legal system of Belgian civil law and customary law
Legislative branch
Legislature name: Parliament (Parlement)
Legislative structure: Bicameral
Legislative structure: Bicameral
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, ATMIS, AU, CEMAC, CEPGL, CICA, COMESA, EAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICGLR, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Independence Day, 1 July (1962)
Political parties
Council for Democracy and the Sustainable Development of Burundi or CODEBU
Front for Democracy in Burundi-Sahwanya or FRODEBU-Sahwanya
National Council for the Defense of Democracy - Front for the Defense of Democracy or CNDD-FDD
National Congress for Liberty or CNL
National Liberation Forces or FNL
Union for National Progress (Union pour le Progress Nationale) or UPRONA
Front for Democracy in Burundi-Sahwanya or FRODEBU-Sahwanya
National Council for the Defense of Democracy - Front for the Defense of Democracy or CNDD-FDD
National Congress for Liberty or CNL
National Liberation Forces or FNL
Union for National Progress (Union pour le Progress Nationale) or UPRONA
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
presidential republic
Country name
Conventional long form: Republic of Burundi
Conventional short form: Burundi
Local long form: République du Burundi (French)/ Republika y'u Burundi (Kirundi)
Local short form: Burundi
Former: Urundi, German East Africa, Ruanda-Urundi, Kingdom of Burundi
Etymology: Name dates from 1966 and is derived from the name of the local Bantu people, the Rundi or Barundi; ba- is the prefix for the people, and bu- is the prefix for the country; the former name, Urundi, is the Swahili version
Conventional short form: Burundi
Local long form: République du Burundi (French)/ Republika y'u Burundi (Kirundi)
Local short form: Burundi
Former: Urundi, German East Africa, Ruanda-Urundi, Kingdom of Burundi
Etymology: Name dates from 1966 and is derived from the name of the local Bantu people, the Rundi or Barundi; ba- is the prefix for the people, and bu- is the prefix for the country; the former name, Urundi, is the Swahili version
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Jean Bosco BAREGE (since 27 February 2024)
Chancery: 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
Telephone: [1] (202) 342-2574
FAX: [1] (202) 342-2578
Email address and website: Burundiembusadc@gmail.com
Burundi Embassy Washington D.C. (burundiembassy-usa.com)
Chancery: 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
Telephone: [1] (202) 342-2574
FAX: [1] (202) 342-2578
Email address and website: Burundiembusadc@gmail.com
Burundi Embassy Washington D.C. (burundiembassy-usa.com)
National anthem(s)
Title: "Burundi Bwacu" (Our Beloved Burundi)
Lyrics/music: Jean-Baptiste NTAHOKAJA/Marc BARENGAYABO
History: Adopted 1962
Lyrics/music: Jean-Baptiste NTAHOKAJA/Marc BARENGAYABO
History: Adopted 1962
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; withdrew from ICCt in October 2017
National symbol(s)
lion
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: No
Citizenship by descent only: The father must be a citizen of Burundi
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Citizenship by descent only: The father must be a citizen of Burundi
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
National color(s)
red, white, green
Population below poverty line
51% (2020 est.)
Note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 2.9% (2020 est.)
Highest 10%: 29.9% (2020 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 29.9% (2020 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
gold, coffee, tea, tin ores, iron bars (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
UAE 59%, Uganda 8%, China 5%, Germany 5%, USA 3% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
cassava, bananas, sweet potatoes, beans, maize, vegetables, potatoes, rice, sugarcane, fruits (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $713.694 million (2021 est.)
Expenditures: $737.898 million (2021 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $737.898 million (2021 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
fertilizers, cement, packaged medicine, plastic products, cars (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Burundi francs (BIF) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
2,574.052 (2023 est.)
2,034.307 (2022 est.)
1,975.951 (2021 est.)
1,915.046 (2020 est.)
1,845.623 (2019 est.)
Exchange rates:
2,574.052 (2023 est.)
2,034.307 (2022 est.)
1,975.951 (2021 est.)
1,915.046 (2020 est.)
1,845.623 (2019 est.)
Industries
light consumer goods (sugar, shoes, soap, beer); cement, assembly of imported components; public works construction; food processing (fruits)
Economic overview
highly agrarian, low-income Sub-Saharan economy; declining foreign assistance; increasing fiscal insolvencies; dense and still growing population; COVID-19 weakened economic recovery and flipped two years of deflation
GDP (official exchange rate)
$2.162 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 75.9% (2023 est.)
Government consumption: 30.7% (2023 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 13.1% (2023 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0% (2023 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 5.3% (2023 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -24.4% (2023 est.)
Note: Figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 30.7% (2023 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 13.1% (2023 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0% (2023 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 5.3% (2023 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -24.4% (2023 est.)
Note: Figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
Tanzania 26%, China 15%, Uganda 10%, Kenya 10%, India 6% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Remittances
7.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
4.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
6.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
4.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
6.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
6.107 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Debt - external
$805.174 million (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$90.35 million (2023 est.)
$158.53 million (2022 est.)
$266.164 million (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$158.53 million (2022 est.)
$266.164 million (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Unemployment rate
1% (2024 est.)
1% (2023 est.)
1% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
1% (2023 est.)
1% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Taxes and other revenues
15.6% (of GDP) (2021 est.)
Note: Central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Note: Central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$11.739 billion (2024 est.)
$11.343 billion (2023 est.)
$11.048 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$11.343 billion (2023 est.)
$11.048 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
20.2% (2024 est.)
26.9% (2023 est.)
18.8% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
26.9% (2023 est.)
18.8% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$625.597 million (2023 est.)
-$621.969 million (2022 est.)
-$393.88 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$621.969 million (2022 est.)
-$393.88 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$800 (2024 est.)
$800 (2023 est.)
$800 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$800 (2023 est.)
$800 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$1.433 billion (2023 est.)
$1.42 billion (2022 est.)
$1.166 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$1.42 billion (2022 est.)
$1.166 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$378.229 million (2023 est.)
$333.637 million (2022 est.)
$302.752 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$333.637 million (2022 est.)
$302.752 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
3.5% (2024 est.)
2.7% (2023 est.)
1.8% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
2.7% (2023 est.)
1.8% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
-0.2% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 25.3% (2023 est.)
Industry: 9.6% (2023 est.)
Services: 49% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 9.6% (2023 est.)
Services: 49% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 10.3% (2022 est.)
Electrification - urban areas: 64%
Electrification - rural areas: 1.7%
Electrification - urban areas: 64%
Electrification - rural areas: 1.7%
Coal
Consumption: 1,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 10,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 10,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 31.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 66.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 1.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 66.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 1.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Petroleum
Refined petroleum consumption: 6,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 131,000 kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 444.018 million kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 100 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 39.994 million kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 444.018 million kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 100 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 39.994 million kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 11% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.bi
Broadcast media
state-controlled Radio Television Nationale de Burundi (RTNB) operates a TV station and a national radio network; 3 private TV stations and about 10 privately owned radio stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available in Bujumbura (2019)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 8.65 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 58 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 58 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 3,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 14,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
9U
Airports
6 (2025)
Military expenditures
3.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
3% of GDP (2023 est.)
2.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
2% of GDP (2021 est.)
2.1% of GDP (2020 est.)
3% of GDP (2023 est.)
2.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
2% of GDP (2021 est.)
2.1% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security forces
Burundi National Defense Force (BNDF; Force de Defense Nationale du Burundi, FDNB): Land Force (Army), Naval Force, Air Force, Specialized Units
Ministry of Interior, Community Development, and Public Security: Burundi National Police (Police Nationale du Burundi, PNB) (2024)
Note: The Naval Force is responsible for monitoring Burundi’s 175-km shoreline on Lake Tanganyika; the Specialized Units include a special security brigade for the protection of institutions (aka BSPI), commandos, special forces, and military police
Ministry of Interior, Community Development, and Public Security: Burundi National Police (Police Nationale du Burundi, PNB) (2024)
Note: The Naval Force is responsible for monitoring Burundi’s 175-km shoreline on Lake Tanganyika; the Specialized Units include a special security brigade for the protection of institutions (aka BSPI), commandos, special forces, and military police
Military and security service personnel strengths
limited available information; estimated 25-30,000 active-duty Defense Force troops (2025)
Military - note
the National Defense Force (FDNB) is responsible for defending Burundi’s territorial integrity and protecting its sovereignty; it has an internal security role, including maintaining and restoring public order if required; the FDNB also participates in providing humanitarian/disaster assistance, countering terrorism, narcotics trafficking, piracy, and illegal arms trade, and protecting the country’s environment; the FDNB conducts limited training with foreign partners such as Russia and participates in regional peacekeeping missions, most recently in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Somalia; in recent years the FDNB has conducted operations against anti-government rebel groups based in the neighboring DRC that have carried out sporadic attacks in Burundi, such as the such as National Forces of Liberation (FNL), the Resistance for the Rule of Law-Tabara (aka RED Tabara), and Popular Forces of Burundi (FPB or FOREBU); Burundi has accused Rwanda of supporting the RED-Tabara
The Arusha Accords that ended the 1993-2005 civil war created a unified military by balancing the predominantly Tutsi ex-Burundi Armed Forces (ex-FAB) and the largely Hutu dominated armed movements and requiring the military to have a 50/50 ethnic mix of Tutsis and Hutus (2025)
The Arusha Accords that ended the 1993-2005 civil war created a unified military by balancing the predominantly Tutsi ex-Burundi Armed Forces (ex-FAB) and the largely Hutu dominated armed movements and requiring the military to have a 50/50 ethnic mix of Tutsis and Hutus (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military has a mix of mostly older armaments typically of French, Russian, and Soviet origin, and a smaller selection of more modern equipment from such countries as China, Egypt, South Africa, and the US (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women (2025)
Military deployments
770 Central African Republic (MINUSCA); up to 10,000 Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 91,164 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 92,174 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 791 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 92,174 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 791 (2024 est.)
Legislative branch - lower chamber
Chamber name: National Assembly (Inama Nshingamateka)
Number of seats: 111 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 6/5/2025
Parties elected and seats per party: National Council for the Defense of Democracy - Front for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) (108); Other (3)
Percentage of women in chamber: 39.6%
Expected date of next election: June 2030
Note: 60% of seats in the National Assembly are allocated to Hutus and 40% to Tutsis; 3 seats are reserved for Twas; 30% of total seats are reserved for women
Number of seats: 111 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 6/5/2025
Parties elected and seats per party: National Council for the Defense of Democracy - Front for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) (108); Other (3)
Percentage of women in chamber: 39.6%
Expected date of next election: June 2030
Note: 60% of seats in the National Assembly are allocated to Hutus and 40% to Tutsis; 3 seats are reserved for Twas; 30% of total seats are reserved for women
Legislative branch - upper chamber
Chamber name: Senate (Inama Nkenguzamateka)
Number of seats: 13 (all indirectly elected)
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 7/23/2025
Parties elected and seats per party: National Council for the Defense of Democracy - Front for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) (10)
Percentage of women in chamber: 46.2%
Expected date of next election: July 2030
Note: 3 seats in the Senate are reserved for Twas, and 30% of all votes are reserved for women
Number of seats: 13 (all indirectly elected)
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 7/23/2025
Parties elected and seats per party: National Council for the Defense of Democracy - Front for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) (10)
Percentage of women in chamber: 46.2%
Expected date of next election: July 2030
Note: 3 seats in the Senate are reserved for Twas, and 30% of all votes are reserved for women
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
37.5 (2020 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality