The Republic of Burundi | History, Geography, & Culture
Burundi, officially the Republic of Burundi, is a landlocked country in East Africa with a population of over 14 million. It shares borders with Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, alongside Lake Tanganyika. Its political capital is Gitega, and its economic capital is Bujumbura.
Although Burundi is blessed with stunning scenery – picture rolling mountain ranges, dense forests and sparkling lakes – travellers are being warned to stay away for now. The environment may be pretty but the political situation is very nasty.
Burundi has been in the headlines recently for civil turmoil, an unsuccessful military coup and contentious elections, which is a big shame given what this country has to offer.
The lively if chaotic capital Bujumbura is located in a wonderful spot on the coast of Lake Tanganyika and just outside the city you can find some of the nicest inland beaches in Africa as well as a number of gorgeous beachside bars and resorts.
The city itself contains some noteworthy examples of French architecture, and it has gained a reputation for a lively night scene, but infrastructure development has been hampered by decades of periodic conflict, culminating in 1994 and leaving more than 300,000 dead.
About The Republic of Burundi
The Chutes de la Karera (four gorgeous waterfalls) are definitely worth a visit, as are other of the mainly undiscovered and underdeveloped national parks, beyond the city limits. Parc National de la Rusiza is the closest, just 15km (9 miles) from Bujumbura, whereas Parc National de la Kibira is the largest rainforest in Burundi and is home to rare colobus monkeys and chimpanzees.
Burundi is small, which is a good thing; if you have your own transport or a hired driver you can usually get to any of these sights and back to Bujumbura in a day. Public transit is limited outside of the capital, however.
Burundi has made tentative steps towards peace and stability since a power-sharing government was set up in 2001 and most rebel groups agreed to disarm, but in 2015 President Nkurunziza’s attempt to change the constitution and stand for a third term sparked mass protests and a violent response from the state.
Hundreds of thousands of Burundians have fled to neighbouring Tanzania fearing the breakdown of the country’s nascent democracy and a return to civil war. Stay tuned.