Country Profile: Burundi
Burundi is a landlocked nation situated in Central Africa, bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania. It has a diverse population of over 13.5 million, predominantly consisting of Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups. The economy is primarily agrarian, facing challenges such as a dense population and declining foreign aid, while governance is characterized by a presidential republic structure, experiencing post-colonial political complexities. Significant agricultural activities dominate its economy, while issues like ethnic tensions and governance have shaped its historical landscape.
Geography
Burundi is located in Central Africa, sharing borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The country covers an area of approximately 27,830 sq km, characterized by hilly and mountainous terrain, with elevations ranging from 772 meters at Lake Tanganyika to 2,685 meters in the Mukike Range. The climate is equatorial, featuring two wet and two dry seasons annually.
- Area: 27,830 sq km
- Highest Point: 2,685 m (Mukike Range)
- Lowest Point: 772 m (Lake Tanganyika)
- Natural Hazards: Flooding, landslides, drought
- Natural Resources: Nickel, uranium, arable land, hydropower
People and Society
Burundi's estimated population is around 13.6 million as of 2024, with a median age of 17.6 years. The majority of the population identifies as Burundian and speaks Kirundi, while a significant portion also speaks French and English. The society is primarily Christian, with around 93.9% adhering to various denominations.
- Population (2024): 13,590,102
- Urbanization Rate: 14.8% (2023)
- Life Expectancy: 68.1 years (2024)
- Literacy Rate: 71.4% (2020)
- Birth Rate: 35.91 births/1,000 population (2025)
Economy
Burundi has a low-income, predominantly agrarian economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, which constitutes about 25.3% of its GDP. The economy faces challenges such as fiscal insolvencies and declining foreign assistance, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years, there have been efforts to stabilize GDP growth despite inflationary pressures.
- Real GDP (PPP, 2024): $11.739 billion
- Real GDP Growth Rate (2024): 3.5%
- Unemployment Rate (2024): 1%
- Poverty Rate: 51% below the national poverty line (2020)
- Gini Index: 37.5 (2020)
Government
Burundi is a presidential republic, with Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE serving as president since June 2020. The country has a mixed legal system and a bicameral legislature, which includes the National Assembly and the Senate. The government has faced challenges regarding political stability, shaped by its turbulent history.
- Capital: Gitega (political), Bujumbura (commercial)
- Executive Branch: President and appointed cabinet
- Parliament Composition: 111 members in the National Assembly
- Voting Age: 18 years
- Independence: July 1, 1962
Military and Security
The Burundi National Defense Force is tasked with the country's military needs, including internal and external security. The military has undergone a transformation post-civil war, aiming for an ethnic balance. The country's military engagement includes participation in international peacekeeping efforts.
- Military Expenditures (2024): 3.5% of GDP
- Active-Duty Personnel: Estimated 25,000-30,000 troops (2025)
- Military Service Age: 18 years for voluntary enlistment
- Deployments: 770 personnel in the Central African Republic (2023)
Energy
Electricity access remains limited in Burundi, with only 10.3% of the population having access as of 2022. The energy mix is predominantly based on hydropower, complemented by fossil fuels and biomass. The country aims to enhance its energy generation capacities amid demand growth.
- Electricity Access: 10.3% total population (2022)
- Total Installed Capacity: 131,000 kW (2023)
- Electricity Consumption: 444 million kWh (2023)
- Hydroelectricity Contribution: 66.7% of total installed capacity (2023)
Environment
Burundi faces several environmental challenges, including soil erosion, deforestation, and loss of wildlife habitats. The country is part of various international environmental agreements aimed at biodiversity and climate change. Its land use is heavily skewed towards agriculture, with approximately 83.9% of land designated for agricultural purposes in 2023.
- Agricultural Land: 83.9% of total land use (2023)
- Deforestation Issues: Significant habitat loss
- International Agreements: Participates in the Paris Agreement and others
- Water Resources: 12.536 billion cubic meters of renewable water resources (2022)
Transportation
Burundi has limited air infrastructure, with a total of six airports as of 2025. The country's transportation challenges are compounded by its landlocked status, necessitating reliance on neighboring countries for trade access.
- Airports: 6 (2025)
Communications
Burundi's telecommunications sector includes a mix of fixed-line and mobile subscriptions, with mobile usage being more widespread. Internet penetration remains low, with only 11% of the population using the internet as of 2023.
- Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 8,646,690 (2023)
- Internet Users: 11% of the population (2023)
- Fixed-Line Subscriptions: 14,000 (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 13,590,102 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 27,830 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $11.739 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 1% | 2024 estimate |
| Inflation Rate | 20.2% | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 68.1 years | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 35.91 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Agricultural Land | 83.9% | 2023 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 10.3% | 2022 estimate |
| Military Expenditures | 3.5% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
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