Country Profile: Burundi

Burundi, located in Central Africa between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania, is one of Africa's most densely populated countries. With a population of approximately 13.6 million, the nation has a complex ethnic composition primarily consisting of Hutu and Tutsi groups. The economy is predominantly agrarian, relying heavily on agriculture, which accounts for a significant portion of GDP. Political governance is characterized by a presidential republic structure, with President Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE currently in office.

Geography

Burundi is a landlocked country situated in Central Africa with an area of approximately 27,830 sq km. The terrain is predominantly hilly and mountainous, featuring the highest point at 2,685 m in the Mukike Range, while Lake Tanganyika represents the lowest point at 772 m. The country has a tropical highland climate, with significant altitude variations and an average annual rainfall of about 150 cm.

83.9% of land categorized as agricultural (2023 est.).
Borders three countries: DRC (236 km), Rwanda (315 km), Tanzania (589 km).
10.9% of land is forested (2023 est.).
Population distribution is highest near fertile volcanic soils.

People and Society

Burundi's estimated population stands at 13,590,102 (2024 est.), exhibiting a youthful demographic, with a median age of 18.4 years. The predominant ethnic groups are Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa, and the main languages spoken are Kirundi, French, and English. The majority of the population identifies as Christian, with nearly 94% adhering to various denominations.

42.3% of the population is aged 0-14 years (2024 est.).
71.4% literacy rate among the total population (2020 est.).
58.6% of the population are Roman Catholics (2016-17 est.).
14.8% of people live in urban areas (2023).

Economy

Burundi's economy is largely subsistence-based, with agriculture making up 25.3% of GDP in 2023 and affecting most livelihoods. The country faces challenges such as declining foreign aid and rising population pressures. Despite these hurdles, the real GDP is expected to grow by 3.5% in 2024. Inflation remains high, projected at 20.2% for 2024.

$11.739 billion real GDP (PPP) estimated for 2024.
1% unemployment rate (2024 est.).
51% of the population lives below the poverty line (2020 est.).
Major exports include gold, coffee, and tea (2023).

Government

Burundi operates as a presidential republic with a mixed legal system combining Belgian civil law and customary law. The political capital is Gitega, while Bujumbura serves as the commercial hub. President Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE has been in office since 2020, following a controversial election process.

The constitution was ratified in 2005.
Burundians have universal suffrage at 18 years of age.
The country recognizes no dual citizenship.
39.6% of the National Assembly seats are occupied by women.

Military and Security

The Burundi National Defense Force (BNDF) comprises land, naval, and air forces. Military spending is approximately 3.5% of GDP for 2024. The country faces internal security challenges, including conflicts with rebel groups from the DRC.

Estimated 25,000-30,000 active-duty troops (2025).
Military service is voluntary starting at 18 years.
Burundi contributes to peacekeeping in the Central African Republic (2025).

Energy

Access to electricity is limited in Burundi, with only 10.3% of the population connected as of 2022. Hydroelectric plants are the primary source of energy generation, accounting for 66.7% of the installed capacity.

131,000 kW total installed generating capacity (2023).
444.018 million kWh of electricity consumed (2023).
1.7% electrification rate in rural areas (2022).

Environment

Burundi faces several environmental issues, including soil erosion, deforestation, and wildlife habitat loss. The country is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements, addressing challenges like biodiversity and climate change.

83.9% of land is agricultural (2023).
12.536 billion cubic meters of total renewable water resources (2022 est.).
1.872 million tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.).

Transportation

Burundi has a limited transportation infrastructure, with a total of 6 airports expected in 2025, and civil aircraft registration code prefix is 9U.

Communications

The communication sector includes various telecommunication services, with mobile subscriptions totaling 8.65 million by 2023. The internet penetration remains low, with only 11% of the population online.

14,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).
Broadcasting services include state-controlled and private media outlets.
The internet country code is .bi.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	13,590,102 (2024 est.)
Area	27,830 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$11.739 billion (2024 est.)
Electricity access	10.3%	(2022 est.)
Birth rate	34.6 births/1,000 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	1% (2024 est.)
Life expectancy	68.1 years (2024 est.)
Urban population	14.8% (2023)
Forest area	10.9% (2023 est.)
Debt - external	$805.174 million (2023 est.)