Burundi

 

Quick Facts

• Continental region –Burundi is on the continent of Africa.

• Currency symbol of Burundi  –Burundian Franc is the currency and its symbol is BIF

• Capital City – Bujumbura is the capital city of Burundi
• Official languages –Kirundi and French.
• Population – 11.89 million,(2020)
• Country dialling code  –  (+257)
• Official website –Burundi
• Top 3 biggest industries  –Agriculture, Mining and Energy, manufacturing
• Google Maps link –Burundi
• Where is it? –Burundi is located in the Great Rift Valley in the area of convergence between East Africa and the African Great Lakes region. It lies in the Southern and Eastern Hemispheres of the Earth.

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Burundi In Pictures

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Burundi History

• How did the country get its current name? – The first name of Burundi was Ruanda-Urundi. Ruanda-Urundi was a twin territory in central East Africa that was administered by Belgium from 1922 to 1962 and which thereafter became the independent states of Rwanda and Burundi. 
• When and by whom the country was first discovered? –The earliest known evidence of the historic kingdom is in the 16th century, when a Tutsi monarchy was developed, founded by Ntare Rushatsi. 
• Who were the first Inhabitants? -The first known inhabitants of what is now Burundi were the Twa, a Pygmy tribe of hunters. Between the 7th and 10th centuries AD , the Hutu, a Bantu agricultural people, occupied the region, probably coming from the Congo Basin. In the 15th and 16th centuries, tall warriors, the Tutsi, believed to have come originally from Ethiopia, entered the area.
• When it was first recognized as a country? – 1 July 1962 the United Nations ended the Trusteeship over Ruanda-Urundi that had been administered by Belgium, recognising it as an independent state. 
• Who was the first leader of the country? -Michel Micombero was the first President of Burundi from 1966 November 28 to 1976 November 1.

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Five significant events

1. 1962 Independence: Rwanda and Burundi become independent (https://www.onthisday.com/countries/burundi)
2. 1959-1961 UPRONA: Independence drive led by cross-communal UPRONA party of Prince Louis Rwagasore, which wins 1961 legislative elections. Prince Louis becomes prime minister of Ruanda-Urundi but is assassinated shortly afterwards. (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13087604)
3. 1961 First Election: The first election in the country took place on September 8, 1961.(https://thefactfile.org/burundi-facts/)
4. 1981 Adoption of Constitution: Burundi adopts its constitution (https://www.onthisday.com/countries/burundi)
5. 1993 First Leader: Melchior Ndadaye became the nation’s first Hutu ruler when he was elected as the president in 1993. (https://thefactfile.org/burundi-facts/)

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Five Places to Visit in Burundi

1. Bujumbura: The city, commonly known as Buji, has retained other characteristics from its period as a French colony such as excellent food, drink and nightlife. French cuisine can be found at various restaurants in the city, occupying a wide range of prices and quality. (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293771-Bujumbura_Bujumbura_Mairie_Province-Vacations.html)
2. Rusizi River National Park: The plains surrounding the river are flooded periodically, bringing hundreds of animals to the area for his vital lifesource. Hippos are just one of the many animals to frequent the area and are one of the most sought after by tourists. The park, with its clear skies, is a true bird-watchers paradise.  (https://www.rusizinationalpark.com/)
3. Ruvubu National Park: The park, which was founded in 1980, is home to some of the most majestic and impressive wildlife in the country including beasts such as hippos, buffalo and crocodiles. (https://www.congosafaristours.com/ruvubu-national-park/)
4. Lake Rwihinda Natural Reserve: The reserve covers an area of over 8,000 hectares consisting of a mix of shrubland, forest and grassland. The lake is another place that birdwatchers will adore. The amount of rare and stunning birds that visit this lake is too many to mention.  (https://rwandaecocompany.com/lake-rwihinda-natural-reserve/)
5. Kibira National Park: The park is largely occupied by primeval rainforest and was once used as a sacred hunting ground by the country’s former kings. Today however, it is another of Burundi’s protected areas where vast amounts and varieties of wildlife make their homes. (https://www.kibiranationalparkburundi.com/)

References: 

• https://www.britannica.com/place/Burundi/Languages
• https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/burundi-population
• https://www.countrycallingcodes.com/country.php?country=Burundi
• https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-are-the-biggest-industries-in-burundi.html
• https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/burundi
• https://www.britannica.com/place/Burundi/History
• https://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Africa/Burundi-HISTORY.html