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Gitega
Burundian franc
UTC +02:00
Burundi bwacu
July 1st, 1962
27,834 KM² (10,747 SQ MI)
+257
13,162,952 (2023 est.)
Burundi’s history is characterized by a succession of kingdoms and colonial rule before gaining independence in the 20th century. The region that is now Burundi was inhabited by various Bantu-speaking peoples.
In the 16th century, a monarchy emerged as a dominant political force in the region, establishing the Kingdom of Burundi. The monarchy was characterized by a hierarchical system of governance led by a mwami, or king, who ruled over a decentralized structure of chiefdoms and clans. Burundi prospered under this system, becoming a center of trade and culture in East Africa.
In the late 19th century, European colonial powers began to assert control over the region. The Germans were the first to establish a colony in Burundi in the late 19th century as part of German East Africa. However, their control was short-lived, as Burundi, along with neighboring Rwanda, was later transferred to Belgian control following World War I.
Under Belgian colonial rule, Burundi was administered as part of the Belgian Congo. The Belgians implemented policies that favored certain groups, exacerbating social and economic disparities within Burundian society. This period also saw the introduction of cash crop agriculture, particularly coffee and tea, which became central to the country’s economy.
Burundi, a small but geographically diverse country in East Africa, is nestled between Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Despite its modest size, Burundi’s geography boasts a range of landscapes, from lush highlands to fertile valleys and sprawling savannas.
One of the most prominent features of Burundi’s geography is its highland region, which encompasses much of the country’s western half. Here, the land rises to elevations exceeding 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level, with the highest peak being Mount Heha. These highlands are characterized by verdant hillsides, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls, making them a picturesque and agriculturally productive area.
The central and eastern regions of Burundi consist of rolling hills and fertile plains, where agriculture thrives. These areas are home to the majority of the population and support a variety of crops, including coffee, tea, maize, and bananas. Rivers such as the Rusizi and Kanyaru traverse these plains, further enriching the soil and sustaining local communities.
In contrast, the southern reaches of Burundi are characterized by vast savannas and grasslands, which provide habitat for wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, and antelope. Protected areas like Kibira National Park and Ruvubu River Natural Reserve showcase the country’s natural beauty and biodiversity, attracting tourists and conservation efforts alike.
Burundi’s economy is primarily agricultural, with the majority of the population engaged in subsistence farming. The country’s fertile soils and favorable climate support the cultivation of crops such as coffee, tea, maize, bananas, and beans. Agriculture accounts for a significant portion of Burundi’s GDP and serves as the backbone of its economy, providing livelihoods for millions of people.
Coffee is Burundi’s most important cash crop and a key export commodity, contributing substantially to foreign exchange earnings. The country’s high-quality Arabica coffee is prized internationally for its flavor profile and fetches premium prices on the global market. Tea is another major export crop, grown primarily in the hilly regions of the country.
Efforts to diversify the economy and promote private sector development are underway, with initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing agricultural productivity, and attracting foreign investment. Regional integration through organizations such as the East African Community (EAC) also offers opportunities for trade and economic cooperation.
In recent years, Burundi has made progress in stabilizing its economy and implementing reforms aimed at fostering sustainable development. However, the road ahead remains challenging, and continued efforts are needed to address the underlying structural constraints and promote inclusive growth that benefits all segments of society.
Burundi’s foreign policy is shaped by a combination of regional dynamics, historical alliances, and its own domestic priorities. As a landlocked country in East Africa, Burundi seeks to engage with its neighbors and the broader international community to promote peace, security, and development while safeguarding its sovereignty and national interests.
One of the key pillars of Burundi’s foreign policy is regional integration and cooperation. The country is a member of several regional organizations, including the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). Through these platforms, Burundi seeks to strengthen economic ties, enhance security cooperation, and promote political dialogue with its neighbors.
Burundi has also been actively involved in regional peacekeeping efforts, contributing troops to United Nations and African Union missions in conflict-affected areas such as Somalia and the Central African Republic. These peacekeeping deployments not only demonstrate Burundi’s commitment to regional stability but also serve to bolster its international reputation and diplomatic standing.
In addition to its regional engagements, Burundi maintains diplomatic relations with a wide range of countries around the world. While the country’s foreign policy priorities are largely focused on regional issues, Burundi also seeks to cultivate bilateral ties with key partners in Africa, Europe, Asia, and beyond. These relationships encompass areas such as trade, investment, development assistance, and cultural exchange.
Botschaft der Republik Burundi
Berliner Strasse 36
10715 Berlin Germany
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