Burundi

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The Twa, Hutu, and Tutsi peoples have lived in Burundi for at least 500 years. For more than 200 of those years, Burundi was an independent kingdom. In 1885, it became part of German East Africa. After the First World War and Germany's defeat, the League of Nations mandated the territories of Burundi and Rwanda to Belgium in a combined territory called Ruanda-Urundi. After the Second World War, this transformed into a United Nations trust territory.

Burundi gained independence in 1962 and initially retained the monarchy.

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Etymology

Modern Burundi takes its name from the precolonial Kingdom of Burundi (Urundi), a polity that had emerged by the 16th century. The colonial capital Usumbura was officially renamed Bujumbura at independence in 1962.

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History

Burundi is one of the few countries in Africa (along Rwanda, Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini) to be a direct territorial continuation of a pre-colonial era African state. The early history of Burundi, and especially the role and nature of its three dominant ethnic groups—the Twa, Hutu and Tutsi—is debated amongst academics.

The first evidence of the Burundian state dates back to the late 16th century where it emerged on the eastern foothills of the Rift Valley. Over the following centuries it expanded, annexing smaller neighbours.

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Government

Burundi is a presidential representative democratic republic based upon a multi-party state. The president is the head of state and head of government. There are currently 21 registered parties in Burundi. The 1992 constitution established a multi-party political process and reflected multi-party competition. The 1998 constitution broadened the National Assembly's seats and made provisions for two vice-presidents.

The legislative branch is a bicameral assembly, consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly consists of 118 to 123 members.

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Human rights

In 2009 the government criminalised homosexuality. Persons found guilty of consensual same-sex relations risk three months to two years in prison and/or a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 Burundian francs. Amnesty International has condemned the action, calling it a violation of Burundi's obligations under international and regional human rights law, and against the constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy.

Burundi officially left the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2017, the first country in the world to do so.

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Geography

One of the smallest countries in Africa, Burundi is landlocked and has an equatorial climate. Burundi is a part of the Albertine Rift, the western extension of the East African Rift. The country lies on a rolling plateau in the centre of Africa. Burundi is bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and southeast, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. It lies within the Albertine Rift montane forests, Central Zambezian miombo woodlands, and Victoria Basin forest-savanna mosaic ecoregions.

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Economy

Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country with an underdeveloped manufacturing sector. The economy of Burundi is predominantly agricultural, accounting for 50% of GDP in 2017, and employing more than 90% of the population. Subsistence agriculture accounts for 90% of agriculture. Primary exports are coffee and tea, which account for 90% of foreign exchange earnings, though exports are a relatively small share of GDP. Other agricultural products include cotton, maize, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc (tapioca); beef, milk and hides.

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Demographics

As of October 2021, Burundi was estimated by the United Nations to have a population of 12,346,893, compared to 2,456,000 in 1950. The population growth rate is 2.5 percent per year, more than double the average global pace, and a Burundian woman has on average 5.0 children, more than double the international fertility rate. Burundi had the tenth highest total fertility rate in the world in 2021. Many Burundians have migrated to other countries as a result of the civil war. In 2006, the United States accepted approximately 10,000 Burundian refugees.

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Culture

Burundi's culture is based on local tradition and the influence of neighbouring countries, though cultural prominence has been hindered by civil unrest. Since farming is the main industry, a typical Burundian meal consists of sweet potatoes, maize, rice and peas. Due to the expense, meat is eaten only a few times per month.

When several Burundians of close acquaintance meet for a gathering they drink impeke, a beer, together from a large container to symbolise unity. Another traditional alcoholic beverage widely consumed is isongo, a type of banana wine.

Notable Burundians include:

Footballer Mohamed Tchité

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