Burundi is a country in Central Africa,bordered by Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Below are some facts about this fascinating country.
- · Official Name Republic of Burundi
- · Population 8,074,254
- · Capital City Bujumbura (331,700)
- · Largest Cities Bujumbura, Gitega, Muyinga, Ngozi
- · Currency Burundi Franc
- · Languages Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili
- · National Day 1 July, Independence Day (1962 from Belgium)
- · Religions Christian, Catholic, traditional beliefs
- Government: Type: Republic; democratically elected, post-transition government established 26 August 2005.
- Geography:Location: East-central Africa south of the Equator Area: 25 227 sq km (9 740 sq mi) Terrain: Hilly and mountainous, dropping to a plateau in east, some plains. Lowest point: Lake Tanganyika 772 m, Highest point: Heha 2,670 m
- Climate: Tropical equatorial, with wet and dry seasons, temperature varies with altitude.
- Literacy: 37%
- Natural resources: Nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum (not yet exploited), vanadium, arable land, hydropower.
- Agriculture products: Coffee, cotton, tea, corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc (tapioca); beef, milk, hides.
- Industries: Light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imported components.
According to UNICEF, Burundi is ranked 167 out of 177 countries in the 2008 Human Development Index (based on 2005 data), and its infant and maternal mortality rates are among the worst in Africa. Though government increased funding for free basic education, challenges remain in terms of quality of education and rising drop-out rates as a result of household hunger. Poor funding of the health sector threatens the free delivery services for pregnant women and free medical care for children under five years of age that were declared by the government in 2006.
Burundi is famous for its drummers and dancers.
