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Burundi
Burundi is a country or territory in Eastern Africa. Its capital is Bujumbura.
- Population
- 14.0M505 /km²
- Surface area
- 27,830 km²
- GDP
- $3.1B$219 per capita
- Capital
- Bujumbura
Burundi is located in Eastern Africa, and its capital is Bujumbura. It has a population of approximately 14,047,786 and covers an area of about 27,830 km². Its official currency is the Burundian franc (BIF).
What stands out
Economic snapshot
$3.08 billion nominal GDP
Practical reference
Burundian franc (BIF)
About Burundi
Nestled in the heart of the African Great Lakes region, Burundi is a small yet vibrant nation known for its lush landscapes, resilient people, and rich cultural tapestry.
Burundi is dominated by rolling highlands that rise to over 2,600 meters, with the majestic Lake Tanganyika forming its western border. The country’s terrain is interlaced with rivers, such as the Ruzizi and the Malagarasi, and fertile valleys that support intensive agriculture.
Burundian culture pulses with rhythm and color, from the thunderous drumming of the royal court to the graceful royal dances performed at traditional celebrations. Cuisine centers on hearty staples like ibirayi (potatoes), beans, and fish from Lake Tanganyika, while local crafts showcase intricate basketry and woodcarving.
Gaining independence from Belgian colonial rule on July 1, 1962, Burundi has navigated a complex post‑colonial journey marked by both conflict and reconciliation, culminating in a peace process that has fostered relative stability since the early 2000s.
Key facts
- Burundi is one of the world’s most densely populated landlocked countries, with over 1,200 people per square kilometer.
- The nation’s total area is just 27,834 km², making it slightly larger than the U.S. state of Maryland.
- Lake Tanganyika, which borders Burundi, is the world’s second‑deepest freshwater lake and holds more than 20% of the planet’s fresh surface water.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Country data & reference
Capital
Bujumbura
Population
14,047,786 (505 /km²)
Surface Area
27,830 km²
GDP
$3.08 billion (2024)
GDP per Capita
$219 (2024)
Region / Subregion
Native Name
Burundi
Nationality
Burundian
Currency
Burundian franc (BIF - FBu)Phone Code
+257
Top-Level Domain
.bi
ISO Codes
BI / BDI
Coordinates
-3.5, 30
Time zones
- Africa/Bujumbura (UTC+02:00)
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Burundi: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Burundi?
The capital of Burundi is Bujumbura.
What is the population of Burundi?
Burundi has a recorded population of approximately 14,047,786 people.
How big is Burundi?
Burundi covers an area of about 27,830 km².
What is the population density of Burundi?
Burundi has a population density of roughly 505 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Burundi?
Burundi has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $3.08 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Burundi?
Burundi has a GDP per capita of approximately $219.
What currency is used in Burundi?
Burundi uses the Burundian franc (BIF), with the symbol FBu.
Where is Burundi located?
Burundi is located in Eastern Africa, Africa.
What are people from Burundi called?
People from Burundi are referred to as Burundian.
What is the phone calling code for Burundi?
The international dialing code for Burundi is +257.
What is the internet domain for Burundi?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Burundi is .bi.
What time zone is Burundi in?
Burundi uses the Africa/Bujumbura time zone.
What is Burundi known for?
Nestled in the heart of the African Great Lakes region, Burundi is a small yet vibrant nation known for its lush landscapes, resilient people, and rich cultural tapestry.
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