9 Fun Facts About Burundi That You Should Know

Burundi is a country that holds many stories, from its two capitals to its legendary crocodile.

Picture the most beautiful lake you can think of. As beautiful as possible. See it in your head? That’s Lake Tanganyika. Not a fan of the water? That’s okay. You can head to a traditional market in Bujumbura, one of Burundi’s capitals, and enjoy delicious traditional food.

Burundi may be small, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth traveling to. Small countries are great! I traveled to Belize, a country of similar size, and I keep recommending my friends to go there.

Let’s take a look at some key facts about Burundi:

Here are 9 fun facts about Burundi.

Bujumbura is one of Burundi’s two capital cities. (Edouard mhg, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)

1. Burundi has two capital cities: Gitega and Bujumbura

Burundi is one of the few countries with two capitals (See Bolivia and South Africa, amongst others).

• Gitega was designated as the political capital in 2019. The city is centrally located and was historically the capital of the Burundian monarchy.
• Bujumbura is Burundi’s largest city, the economic capital and cultural capital, located on the northeastern shore of Lake Tanganyika.

Burundi is one of the smallest countries in Africa (User:Rei-artur, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

2. Burundi is one of the poorest and most densely populated countries in Africa

Burundi is not only one of the smallest countries on the African continent, but also one of the most densely populated countries in Central Africa. This high population density, combined with limited arable land, leads it to be one of the poorest countries in Africa.

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are working together in the area of macroeconomic management to stimulate the country’s economic recovery.

Batwa women in Burundi watch a community event. (Doublearc, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)

3. The Hutu, Tutsi and Twa people combine to shape Burundi’s culture

Burundi is home to three main ethnic groups: the Hutu majority, the Tutsi minority, and the Twa, or Batwa, an indigenous group.

Despite past ethnic conflicts domestically and in neighboring Rwanda, efforts are ongoing to promote national unity and reconciliation.

4. The Burundi civil war broke out in 1993 caused by long-standing ethnic tensions between the Hutu majority and the Tutsi minority

The assassination of Melchior Ndadaye, Burundi’s first democratically elected Hutu president, by the Tutsi dominated army in 1993 triggered widespread violence and revenge killings.

The Arusha Peace Agreement was signed in 2000, laying the groundwork for peace, but the conflict persisted. A power-sharing government agreement was formed in 2005.

Lake Tanganyika is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in the world.

5. Lake Tanganyika is one of the world’s oldest and deepest lakes

Lake Tanganyika, located along Burundi’s southwestern border, is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in the world. It holds approximately 17% of the world’s fresh water and supports a diverse range of aquatic life.

The lake serves as an essential resource for fishing and transportation and is a significant geographic feature shared with neighboring countries. It also has some attractive beaches.

This crocodile is not Gustave… as far as I’m aware.

6. Gustave the crocodile is a legendary man-eater in Burundi

Gustave is a notorious Nile crocodile rumored to have killed over 300 people along the Ruzizi River and Lake Tanganyika. Despite numerous attempts to capture him, he remains at large.

7. Burundi became part of German East Africa

Before colonial rule, the Kingdom of Burundi was a prominent and centralized regional monarchy. During the late 19th century, the kingdom became part of German East Africa.

After World War I, Burundi was transferred to Belgian control under a League of Nations mandate. Burundi gained independence in 1962, marking the end of colonial rule.

8. Subsistence agriculture supports Burundi’s population

Agriculture is the backbone of Burundi’s economy, with approximately 90% of the population engaged in subsistence farming. Beans, maize and bananas are Burundi’s primary crops.

Banana beer is a traditional Burundian beverage made from fermented bananas. It is known locally as urwagwa and enjoyed in communal settings. The drink symbolizes unity.

People jog in Bujumbura in 2019. (Gilbert Ndihokubwayo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

9. President Pierre Nkurunziza banned group jogging in Burundi in 2014

In 2014, President Pierre Nkurunziza banned group jogging, citing concerns that it was being used as a cover for anti-government activities. Nkurunziza ruled Burundi for 15 years from 2005 until his death in June 2020 at age 55.

Ironically, Nkurunziza was former physical education teacher.

References:

• BBC News: Burundi: Where jogging is a crime
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Burundi
• International Monetary Fund (IMF): IMF Burundi Overview
• Lake Tanganyika Authority: Welcome to the website of the Lake Tanganyika Authority
• National Geographic: Serial Killer Croc Gustave Spotted in Burundi
• UNHCR: UNHCR Burundi Refugee Data
• Uppsala University: Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement
• World Bank: World Bank Burundi Overview