Burundi is a landlocked country in East Africa, known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture.
Area: Approximately 27,830 square kilometers.
Population: As of 2025, the population is around 14.4 million.
Capital: Gitega is the political capital, while Bujumbura remains the largest city and economic hub.
Language: The official languages are Kirundi, French, and English. Kirundi is recognized as the sole national language and is spoken by the vast majority of the population.
Currency: The currency is the Burundian Franc (BIF).
Religion: The dominant religion in Burundi is Christianity, with Catholicism being the largest denomination. Traditional faiths and Islam are also practiced.
Major Cities:
- Bujumbura: The largest city, former capital, and a major port on Lake Tanganyika.
- Gitega: The political capital and home to the National Museum.
Attractions:
- Lake Tanganyika: The second deepest lake in the world, offering beautiful beaches (like Saga Beach), fishing, and opportunities to see hippos.
- National Parks:
- Rusizi National Park: Located near Bujumbura, known for hippos, sitatunga antelopes, and various bird species.
- Ruvubu National Park: The largest national park in Burundi, home to a variety of wildlife including hippos, buffalo, and crocodiles.
- Kibira National Park: A large rainforest contiguous with Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park, known for its primates and birds.
- Gishora Drum Sanctuary: A cultural site near Gitega famous for its traditional drumming performances and a recreated royal palace, showcasing the historical significance of drums in Burundian culture.
- Chutes de la Karera Falls: A collection of beautiful waterfalls near Rutana.
- Livingstone-Stanley Monument: A rock allegedly marking the spot where the famous “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” encounter took place.
- Musée Vivant de Bujumbura (Living Museum of Bujumbura): Showcases the history and culture of Burundi.
- National Museum of Gitega: Offers a collection of artifacts and antiquities.
- Mount Heha: The highest point in Burundi, offering hiking opportunities.
Architecture: Burundian architecture often incorporates traditional designs, especially seen in recreated royal palaces like those at Gishora, which showcase unique Burundian architectural styles. Colonial influences can also be observed in older buildings in cities like Bujumbura.
Roads: Road infrastructure in Burundi can be challenging, especially outside of major cities, with many roads unpaved.
Hotels: Bujumbura offers a range of accommodation, including international-grade hotels. In rural areas, simpler lodging options are available.
Restaurants: Burundian cuisine is generally simple, with staples like beans, bananas, plantains, sweet potatoes, and cassava. Meat (chicken and goat) is consumed less frequently, while fish is popular near Lake Tanganyika.
- Typical dishes include:
- Ibiharage: Stewed red kidney beans.
- Boko Boko Harees: Chicken cooked with bulgur wheat, onion, and turmeric.
- Ndizi: Sliced plantain fried in palm oil.
- Ndagala: Small locally-caught fish.
- Mukéké: Another local fish, often steamed.
- Bugali: A plain carbohydrate staple, often made from maize or cassava flour.
- Brochette: Skewers of barbecued meat.
- Beverages: Homemade banana wine (Urwarwa) and sorghum beer (Impeke) are traditional drinks.
Annual Travel: While tourism in Burundi is not as developed as in some neighboring countries, it offers unique cultural and natural experiences. Annual travel can be influenced by the country’s political stability. Festivals and cultural events, such as drumming performances in Gitega and Independence Day celebrations on July 1st, also add to Burundi’s charm. Ecotourism is a growing area, with visitors drawn to the national parks and lakes for wildlife viewing and nature exploration.
