Burundi

Burundi's first democratically elected president was assassinated in October 1993 after only 100 days in office, triggering widespread ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions. More than 200,000 Burundians perished during the conflict that spanned almost a dozen years. Hundreds of thousands of Burundians were internally displaced or became refugees in neighboring countries. An internationally brokered power-sharing agreement between the Tutsi-dominated government and the Hutu rebels in 2003 paved the way for a transition process that led to an integrated defense force, established a new constitution in 2005, and elected a majority Hutu government in 2005. The new government, led by President Pierre NKURUNZIZA, signed a South African brokered ceasefire with the country's last rebel group in September of 2006 but still faces many challenges.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 8,390,505 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Burundian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Burundian

Official Language(s): Kirundi, French

Major Languages Spoken: French, Swahili, Kirundi

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Burundi

Country Name (short form): Burundi

Country Name (local long form): Republique du Burundi/Republika y'u Burundi

Country Name (local short form): Burundi

Name of Capital: Bujumbura

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Burundi: Tanzania, Rwanda, Congo Dem. Rep. of

Land Area: 25650 sq km

Water Area: 2180 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Maryland

Total Land Boundry: 974 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

International Phone Code: 257

Currency Code: Burundi franc (BIF)

Internet Country Code: .bi

US Embassy Location: Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura

US Embassy Mailing Address: B. P. 1720, Bujumbura