Country Profile: Burundi

Burundi is a landlocked nation in Central Africa, bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Tanzania to the east, and Rwanda to the north. With a population of approximately 13.6 million as of 2024, Burundi faces significant challenges, including a predominantly agrarian economy that is often impacted by climatic variations. The country has a complex political landscape shaped by its historical ethnic tensions, particularly between the Hutu and Tutsi groups, and currently operates as a presidential republic. Economic growth remains sluggish, hindered by high inflation and limited foreign aid.

Geography

Burundi is situated in Central Africa, boasting a varied terrain that includes mountainous regions and plateaus. The country has an area of about 27,830 sq km and is landlocked, meaning it has no coastline. The climate is equatorial, with a moderate temperature range from 17 to 23 degrees Celsius and an average annual rainfall of 150 cm. The geography also supports a high population density, with most inhabitants living in rural areas.

27,830 sq km: Total area of the country.
1,140 km: Combined land borders with neighboring countries (DR Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania).
150 cm: Average annual rainfall.
83.9%: Percentage of land used for agriculture as of 2023.
10.9%: Percentage of forested area as of 2023.

People and Society

Burundi has a population of approximately 13.6 million, with the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups comprising the majority of its demographic. The official languages are Kirundi, French, and English, although Kirundi is the most widely spoken. The country has a young population, with a median age of just 17.6 years. The majority of Burundians are Christian, with significant proportions adhering to Catholicism and various Protestant denominations.

13,590,102: Estimated total population in 2024.
42.3%: Proportion of the population aged 0-14 years.
71.4%: Literacy rate as of 2020.
2.96%: Estimated population growth rate for 2025.
68.1 years: Life expectancy at birth estimated in 2024.

Economy

Burundi's economy is primarily agrarian, with agriculture accounting for 25.3% of its GDP. The country struggles with high inflation rates and the impacts of past economic disruptions, including those due to COVID-19. The GDP per capita remains low, and the economy relies heavily on subsistence farming. Despite challenges, Burundi has seen some growth in recent years, with production of cash crops like coffee and tea being significant contributors to exports.

$11.739 billion: Estimated real GDP (PPP) for 2024.
1%: Unemployment rate as of 2024.
51%: Percentage of the population living below the national poverty line (2020).
3.5%: Projected real GDP growth rate for 2024.
75%: Percentage of the economy made up by household consumption (2023).

Government

Burundi is a presidential republic with a mixed legal system influenced by Belgian civil law and customary law. The current president, Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE, has been in office since June 2020. The political structure includes a bicameral Parliament, with a National Assembly and Senate, reflecting the need for ethnic balance as stipulated by the Arusha Accords that ended the civil war.

5: Number of provinces in Burundi.
18: Minimum voting age for elections.
39.6%: Percentage of women in the National Assembly.
3: Reserved Senate seats for the Twa ethnic group.
1 July 1962: Year of Burundi’s independence from Belgian rule.

Military and Security

The Burundi National Defense Force (BNDF) comprises land, naval, and air forces. The military has a significant role in internal security and participates in regional peacekeeping missions, often involved in counter-terrorism and humanitarian efforts. Military expenditure remains a notable portion of the national GDP, reflecting ongoing security challenges.

3.5%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2024.
25,000-30,000: Estimated active-duty troops as of 2025.
770: Number of troops deployed in the Central African Republic.
18: Minimum age for voluntary military service.
39.994 million kWh: Transmission and distribution losses in 2023.

Energy

Burundi faces challenges in electrification, with only 10.3% of the population having access to electricity. The country relies heavily on hydroelectric power, which constitutes a significant portion of its energy generation capacity. Efforts are ongoing to improve energy access and consumption across urban and rural areas.

131,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity in 2023.
444.018 million kWh: Total electricity consumption in 2023.
1.7%: Electrification rate in rural areas as of 2022.
64%: Electrification rate in urban areas.
946,000 Btu/person: Per capita energy consumption in 2023.

Environment

Burundi's environmental issues primarily stem from agricultural expansion, deforestation, and soil erosion. The country is a signatory to several international environmental agreements, reflecting its awareness of climate change and biodiversity preservation.

7.1%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
12.536 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources available as of 2022.
838,000 metric tonnes: Total carbon dioxide emissions in 2023.
83.9%: Agricultural land use as of 2023.
1.872 million tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024).

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
Life Expectancy	68.1 years	2024 estimate
Urban Population	14.8%	Percentage of total population (2023)
Birth Rate	35.91 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Inflation Rate	20.2%	2024 estimate
Military Expenditure	3.5%	Percentage of GDP (2024)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	946,000 Btu/person	2023 estimate