Country Profile: Burundi
Burundi is a landlocked nation in Central Africa bordered by Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With a population of over 13 million, it is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa, characterized by a complex ethnic composition primarily consisting of the Hutu and Tutsi groups. The economy is largely agrarian, facing challenges such as declining foreign aid and high inflation, which impact its overall GDP. Burundi is governed as a presidential republic, with ongoing efforts to reconcile past ethnic tensions and establish political stability.
Geography
Burundi is situated in Central Africa, with geographic coordinates of 3.5° S latitude and 30° E longitude. The terrain is predominantly hilly and mountainous, with an elevation range from 772 meters at Lake Tanganyika to 2,685 meters in the Mukike Range. Its climate is equatorial, featuring two wet and dry seasons throughout the year. Burundi has no coastline, as it is landlocked, and is characterized by fertile volcanic soil that supports its agricultural sector.
- 27,830 sq km: Total area.
- 1,140 km: Combined length of land borders with neighboring countries.
- 83.9%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
People and Society
The population of Burundi is estimated at 13,590,102 in 2024, with a youthful demographic where approximately 42.3% are aged between 0-14 years. The country exhibits a rich cultural tapestry, with Kirundi being the official language alongside French and English. A significant majority of the population identifies as Christian, with a notable portion adhering to Roman Catholicism. Urbanization remains low, with only 14.8% of the population living in urban areas as of 2023.
- 71.4%: Literacy rate (2020).
- 4.94 children: Average total fertility rate (2025).
- 68.1 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
Economy
Burundi's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, which accounts for 25.3% of its GDP. The country faces economic challenges, including high inflation rates and a reliance on foreign aid, leading to fiscal insolvencies. Despite these challenges, the economy is slowly growing, with a projected 3.5% GDP growth rate for 2024. The nation’s main agricultural products include cassava, bananas, and tea.
- $11.739 billion: Estimated real GDP (PPP) for 2024.
- 1%: Unemployment rate (2024).
- 51%: Portion of the population living below the national poverty line (2020).
Government
Burundi is a presidential republic, with Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE serving as the president since June 2020. The country operates under a mixed legal system that incorporates Belgian civil law and customary law. The political structure includes a bicameral parliament consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate. The government is working to address historical ethnic grievances through political reforms.
- 5 provinces: Administrative divisions.
- 18 years: Universal suffrage age.
- 39.6%: Percentage of women in the National Assembly.
Military and Security
The Burundi National Defense Force (BNDF) is tasked with both national defense and internal security, comprising land, naval, and air forces. The military has a mixed ethnic composition to promote unity and is actively involved in peacekeeping missions within the region. Military expenditures are projected at 3.5% of GDP for 2024.
- 25,000-30,000: Estimated active-duty defense force personnel.
- 770 troops: Deployed in peacekeeping missions in the Central African Republic (2025).
- 18 years: Minimum age for voluntary military service.
Energy
Burundi's energy sector is primarily reliant on hydropower, which constitutes 66.7% of its installed generating capacity. Electrification remains low, with only 10.3% of the total population having access to electricity. The country is focusing on improving its energy infrastructure to enhance access for rural communities.
- 131,000 kW: Installed generating capacity (2023).
- 1.7%: Rural electrification rate.
- 444.018 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
Environment
Burundi faces several environmental challenges, including soil erosion, deforestation, and wildlife habitat loss. The average annual rainfall is about 150 cm, with significant variations across different regions. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements, aiming for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
- 10.9%: Forest area as per total land use (2023).
- 12.536 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022).
- 838,000 metric tonnes: Total carbon dioxide emissions (2023).
Transportation
Burundi has limited transportation infrastructure, consisting of six airports as of 2025. The country is improving its transport capabilities to foster economic growth and connectivity among provinces.
- 6: Total number of airports (2025).
Communications
Communication infrastructure in Burundi includes a growing number of mobile cellular subscriptions, with approximately 8.6 million reported for 2023. Internet access is limited, with only 11% of the population using the internet. The country is working to enhance telecommunication services to promote digital inclusion.
- 14,000: Total fixed-line subscriptions (2023).
- 63: Mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).
- 3,000: Total fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 13,590,102 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 27,830 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $11.739 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 1% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 35.91 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 68.1 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 71.4% | 2020 estimate |
| Electrification Rate | 10.3% | 2022 estimate |
| Percentage of Agricultural Land | 83.9% | 2023 estimate |
| Carbon Dioxide Emissions | 838,000 metric tonnes | 2023 estimate |
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