Fact 1: Trailing the Old World
Burundi is one of the oldest countries in Africa with a deep-rooted and ancient history. Unlike many African nations colonized and map-drafted by European powers, Burundi has had its boundaries set since the 16th century.
Fact 2: A Tiny Wonderland
Despite being one of the smallest countries in Africa, Burundi is incredibly diverse and densely populated. The country is approximately the size of Maryland in the USA but has a population of over 11 million people.
Fact 3: Land of Ridges
Burundi's landscape is mainly hilly and mountainous, dropping to a plateau in the east. The country's prominent geographical feature, the Great Rift Valley, gives Burundi its unique crescent shape.
Fact 4: Being Multilingual
Most Burundians speak Kirundi, French, and English. Kirundi is the official language of Burundi and is spoken by the native ethnic tribes. However, due to the period of Belgian colonial rule, French is widely spoken, and English was introduced as an official language in 2014.
Fact 5: Not so Urbanized
Over 90% of the population in Burundi live in rural areas. This high percentage of rural dwellers has earned Burundi the status of the least urbanized country in the world.
Fact 6: Food Staples
The Burundian diet typically consists of beans, corn, and sorghum. These are locally grown and constitute a major part of the agricultural produce of the country.
Fact 7: A Country Divided
Burundi experienced a bloody civil war from 1993 to 2005. This war was a result of long-standing ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes, which resulted in the death of over 200,000 Burundians and displaced nearly a half-million people.
Fact 8: Dancing their Way Forward
Dance is a significant part of Burundian culture. The traditional "drum dance", performed by the royal drummers, is a spectacular cultural spectacle and brings together communities.
Fact 9: Land of Tea and Coffee
Burundi is a significant global producer of coffee and tea, which constitute a considerable part of its GDP and provide employment for a substantial part of the population.
Fact 10: A Tale of Two Tribes
The society of Burundi is composed predominantly of two tribes, the Hutu and Tutsi. Despite their similar languages and close-knit societies, these tribes have a history of conflict due to socio-political reasons.
Fact 11: Wildlife Sanctuary
Burundi is home to diverse wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and monkeys. However, due to poaching and civil war, many species are now regarded as threatened.
Fact 12: The World’s Poorest Economy
According to the World Bank, Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 75% of its population living in poverty. Agriculture, the backbone of the economy, struggles due to irregular rainfall and small farmsteads.
Fact 13: Independence Day
Burundi gained independence from Belgium on July 1, 1962. This day, referred to as "Fête de l'Indépendance," is a national holiday and celebrated with great vigor throughout the country.
Fact 14: Home to the Second Largest Lake in Africa
Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest and second largest lake by volume in Africa, borders Burundi to the west. The lake's clear waters are filled with diverse marine flora and fauna, making it a lifeline for many Burundians.
Fact 15: Sports in the Heart of Burundi
While soccer is the most popular spectator sport in the country, athletics, particularly long-distance running, has gained international attention for Burundi. The country’s first and only Olympic gold medal in 1996 was in the men's 5,000-meter run.
Fact 16: Art of Speech
Iproven, a form of historical poetry, plays a significant role in preserving Burundi's oral history. These traditional speeches are memorized and passed down through generations, detailing historical events and cultural values.
Fact 17: A Giant Drum is the National Symbol
The giant drum, Karyenda, is considered sacred and is a symbol of unity for the people of Burundi. The drum plays a fundamental role in ceremonies, celebrations, and traditional music.
Fact 18: No Coastline
Interestingly, Burundi is a landlocked country. It does not have a coastline and is surrounded by Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
Fact 19: Illustrious Wildlife
Burundi is home to Kibira National Park, a renowned habitat for colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and various bird species, making it a sanctuary for nature lovers.
Fact 20: Religion in Burundi
The dominant religion in Burundi is Christianity, with over 60% of the population identifying as Roman Catholic. However, traditional indigenous beliefs are prevalent and often intertwined with Christian practices.