Explore Burundi
Facts about Burundi
Region: East Africa, often considered part of the Great Lakes region.
Borders: Landlocked, bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the west.
Key Geographical Feature: The north-south running Congo-Nile Divide forms the country’s spine, separating the basins of the two great rivers.
Significant Body of Water: Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-deepest and second-oldest freshwater lake, forms its entire southwestern border. The capital, Bujumbura, is situated on its shores.
Terrain: Mostly hilly and mountainous, rising from the lake’s shore to a central plateau
Population: Approximately 13 million people, making it one of the most densely populated countries in Africa.
Major Ethnic Groups: The Hutu (majority), Tutsi, and Twa.
Languages: Kirundi (national language), French, and English are the official languages. Swahili is also used, particularly in commercial centers.
Cultural Heritage: Known for its drumming tradition. The ritual drummers of Burundi, who perform on karyenda drums, are a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
A Unique Sport: Football (soccer) is the most popular sport, but the country is also known for its traditional man-versus-bull wrestling.
Key Parks: Kibira National Park (a mountainous rainforest in the northwest) and Ruvubu National Park (one of the largest protected areas in the country, along the Ruvubu River).
Biodiversity: While wildlife has been affected by deforestation and poaching, the parks are home to primates like chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, as well as forest elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.
Birdlife: An excellent destination for birdwatchers, with over 700 species recorded, including the rare Red-faced Barbet.
Lake Tanganyika: Hosts an incredible array of endemic fish species, most famously the brightly colored cichlids, which are prized by aquarium enthusiasts worldwide.
Top Destinations & Attractions in Burundi
