Introduction

Burundi, officially Republic of Burundi, has an estimated population of 14.39 in 2025 (figure is based on data and projections from sources like Worldometer). The Country is 10,747 sq mi (27,834 sq km), it is part of the East African Committe. It borders on Rwanda in the North, on Tanzania in the East, on Lake Tanganyika in the Southwest, and on Congo (Kinshasa) in the West. Gitega is the capital Bujumbura, the former capital, is the largest city and economic center.

Land and People

The country falls into three main geographic regions. The narrow area in the West, which includes the Ruzizi River and Lake Tanganyika, is part of the western branch of the Great Rift Valley and includes some lowland. To the East of this region are mountains, which run North-South and reach an altitude of c.8,800 ft (2,680 m). Farther East is a region of broken plateaus with somewhat lower elevations (c.4,500–6,000 ft/1,370–1,830 m), where most of the population lives.

The inhabitants of Burundi are divided among three ethnic groups: the Hutus (about 85% of the population), who are mostly agriculturalists; the Tutsis (about 14%), and the Twa (Pygmies, about 1%), who historically engaged in hunting and gathering. There are also small minorities of Europeans and South Asians. The population is experiencing a steady increase, with projections suggesting a population of around 15.77 million by 2030. Kirundi (a Bantu language) and French are both official languages; Swahili is also spoken. About two thirds of the people are Christian, mostly Roman Catholic; about 25% follow traditional beliefs and 10% are Muslim.

Economy

Burundi is one of the smallest, and most densely populated nations in Africa. Its  transportation system and its distance from the sea have tended to limit economic growth. The economy is almost entirely agricultural, with most engaged in subsistence farming, growing corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, and manioc. Coffee, Burundis chief export, accounts for 80% of its foreign exchange income. Cotton, tea, sugar, and hides are also exported. Cattle, goats, and sheep are raised.

The country industries include food processing, the manufacture of basic consumer goods such as blankets and footwear, assembly of imported components, and public works construction. Heavy industry is government-owned. Nickel, uranium, and other minerals are mined in small quantities; platinum reserves have yet to be exploited.

Burundis imports (capital goods, petroleum products, and foodstuffs) usually considerably exceed the value of its exports. Germany, Belgium, Kenya, and Tanzania make up its chief trading partners. The country uses the port of Mombasa for its imports and exports from overseas. Apart from the Northern Corridor, the country exports are also sent by ship to Kigoma in Tanzania and then by rail to the port of Dar es Salaam on the Indian Ocean.

Government

The current Constitution of the Republic of Burundi was adopted through a national referendum held on May 17, 2018, and was officially promulgated on June 7, 2018 

This constitutional revision replaced the 2005 Constitution, which had been enacted following the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement. Key changes introduced in the 2018 Constitution include

• Extension of Presidential Term: The presidential term was extended from five to seven years.

• Term Limits: Presidents are now limited to two consecutive terms.

• Creation of Prime Minister Position: The role of Prime Minister was reintroduced.

• Reduction in Vice Presidents: The number of Vice Presidents was reduced from two to one.

• Legislative Changes: The majority required to pass legislation was lowered from a two-thirds majority to an absolute majority.

These amendments were significant as they effectively modified the power-sharing arrangements established by the Arusha Accords, which had been instrumental in ending Burundis civil war