Country guide - Burundi  

 
 

Introduction: 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 Name: Republic of Burundi
Area: 27,830 sq km (10,745 sq miles)
Population: 6,096,000
Continent: Africa
Density per square mile: 567
Capital City: Bujumbura
Religions: Roman Catholic 62%, Protestants 5%, Native Tribal Beliefs 23%, Muslims 10%.

Language: Kirundi and French
Government: Republic

Currency: Burundi franc
GDP: $3.8 billion
GDP Per Head: $600

Natural Resources: Nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum (not yet exploited) & vanadium.
Land Use: Arable Land 30%
Agriculture: Coffee, cotton, tea, corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc (tapioca); beef, milk & hides (leatrher).
Industry: Light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imported components; public works construction; food processing

Tourism: Burundi remains a dangerous destination and is not reccomended for tourists.

Natural Hazards: Droughts, Flooding & Landslides.
Health Risks: Aids

Climate: Burundi 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 degrees Celsius although temperatures are cooler in higher altitudes.

Time: GMT/UTC +2 hours
National Days: July 1

Visas: A visa is required for entry into Burundi. A valid passport with at least six months before expiration is also required.

British Embassy Details

 

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