Country Guide • Burundi

Flag of Burundi

Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country with an underdeveloped manufacturing sector. The economy is predominantly agricultural with roughly 90% of the population dependent on subsistence agriculture. Economic growth depends on coffee and tea exports, which account for 90% of foreign exchange earnings.

Official NameRepublic of Burundi
Area27,830km² (10,745mile²)
Population6,096,000
ContinentAfrica
Population per mile²567
Capital CityBujumbura
ReligionsRoman Catholic 62%, Protestants 5%, Native Tribal Beliefs 23%, Muslims 10%
LanguageKirundi and French
GovernmentRepublic
CurrencyBurundi Franc
GDP$3.8 billion
GDP per Head$600
Natural ResourcesNickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum (not yet exploited) and vanadium
Land UseArable Land 30%
AgricultureCoffee, cotton, tea, corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc (tapioca); beef, milk and hides (leatrher)
IndustryLight consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imported components; public works construction; food processing
TourismBurundi remains a dangerous destination and is not reccomended for tourists
Natural HazardsDroughts, Flooding and Landslides
Health RisksAids
ClimateBurundi has an equatorial climate that is uncomfortably hot but varies with altitude and season. There are two wet seasons alternating with two dry seasons. The dry seasons are between June to August and January to February with the long wet season between March to May and the short one between September to December. Rainfall is irregular with violent rainstorms common at higher altitudes. Average temperature is 24°C although temperatures are cooler in higher altitudes
TimeGMT/UTC+2 hours
National DaysJuly 1
VisasA visa is required for entry into Burundi. A valid passport with at least six months before expiration is also required
British EmbassyEmbassy Details

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