2013 Edition

Background

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 government of President Pierre NKURUNZIZA, who was reelected in 2010, continues to face many political and economic challenges.

Area

27,830 sq km 25,680 sq km 2,150 sq km

total

27,830 sq km

water

2,150 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than Maryland

Climate

equatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude variation (772 m to 2,670 m above sea level); average annual temperature varies with altitude from 23 to 17 degrees centigrade but is generally moderate as the average altitude is about 1,700 m; average annual rainfall is about 150 cm; two wet seasons (February to May and September to November), and two dry seasons (June to August and December to January)

Coastline

0 km (landlocked)

Elevation extremes

Lake Tanganyika 772 m Heha 2,670 m

highest point

Heha 2,670 m

lowest point

Lake Tanganyika 772 m

Environment - current issues

soil erosion as a result of overgrazing and the expansion of agriculture into marginal lands; deforestation (little forested land remains because of uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel); habitat loss threatens wildlife populations

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands Law of the Sea

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified

Law of the Sea

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

0.29 cu km/yr (15%/5%/79%) 43.27 cu m/yr (2005)

per capita

43.27 cu m/yr (2005)

total

0.29 cu km/yr (15%/5%/79%)

Geographic coordinates

3 30 S, 30 00 E

Geography - note

landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed; the Kagera, which drains into Lake Victoria, is the most remote headstream of the White Nile

Irrigated land

214.3 sq km (2003)

Land boundaries

974 km Democratic Republic of the Congo 233 km, Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km

border countries

Democratic Republic of the Congo 233 km, Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km

total

974 km

Land use

33.06% 14.37% 52.57% (2011)

arable land

33.06%

other

52.57% (2011)

permanent crops

14.37%

Location

Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Map references

Africa

Maritime claims

none (landlocked)

Natural hazards

flooding; landslides; drought

Natural resources

nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum, vanadium, arable land, hydropower, niobium, tantalum, gold, tin, tungsten, kaolin, limestone

Terrain

hilly and mountainous, dropping to a plateau in east, some plains

Total renewable water resources

12.54 cu km (2011)

Age structure

45.6% (male 2,497,999/female 2,469,564) 19.7% (male 1,071,135/female 1,074,763) 28.4% (male 1,533,191/female 1,559,661) 3.8% (male 186,706/female 225,467) 2.5% (male 108,243/female 161,592) (2013 est.)

0-14 years

45.6% (male 2,497,999/female 2,469,564)

15-24 years

19.7% (male 1,071,135/female 1,074,763)

25-54 years

28.4% (male 1,533,191/female 1,559,661)

55-64 years

3.8% (male 186,706/female 225,467)

65 years and over

2.5% (male 108,243/female 161,592) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

40.04 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Child labor - children ages 5-14

433,187 19 % (2005 est.)

percentage

19 % (2005 est.)

total number

433,187

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

35.2% (2005)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

21.9% (2010/11)

Death rate

9.12 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Dependency ratios

88.6 % 84 % 4.5 % 22 (2013)

elderly dependency ratio

4.5 %

potential support ratio

22 (2013)

total dependency ratio

88.6 %

youth dependency ratio

84 %

Drinking water source

urban: 83% of population rural: 71% of population total: 72% of population urban: 17% of population rural: 29% of population total: 28% of population (2010 est.)

rural

29% of population

total

28% of population (2010 est.)

urban

17% of population

Education expenditures

6.1% of GDP (2011)

Ethnic groups

Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%, Europeans 3,000, South Asians 2,000

Health expenditures

8.7% of GDP (2011)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

3.3% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

15,000 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

180,000 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

1.9 beds/1,000 population (2011)

Infant mortality rate

58.86 deaths/1,000 live births 63.32 deaths/1,000 live births 54.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

female

54.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

total

58.86 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area)

Life expectancy at birth

59.69 years 57.92 years 61.5 years (2013 est.)

female

61.5 years (2013 est.)

total population

59.69 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 67.2% 72.9% 61.8% (2010 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

61.8% (2010 est.)

male

72.9%

total population

67.2%

Major infectious diseases

very high bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever malaria and dengue fever schistosomiasis rabies (2013)

animal contact disease

rabies (2013)

degree of risk

very high

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases

malaria and dengue fever

water contact disease

schistosomiasis

Major urban areas - population

BUJUMBURA (capital) 605,000 (2011)

Maternal mortality rate

800 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

16.9 years 16.6 years 17.2 years (2013 est.)

female

17.2 years (2013 est.)

male

16.6 years

total

16.9 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

21.3 Median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2010 est.)

Nationality

Burundian(s) Burundian

adjective

Burundian

noun

Burundian(s)

Net migration rate

-0.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

2.9% (2008)

Physicians density

0.03 physicians/1,000 population (2004)

Population

10,888,321 (July 2013 est.) estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected

Population growth rate

3.08% (2013 est.)

Religions

Christian 82.8% (Roman Catholic 61.4%, Protestant 21.4%), Muslim 2.5%, Adventist 2.3%, other 6.5%, unknown 5.9% (2008 census)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 49% of population rural: 46% of population total: 46% of population urban: 51% of population rural: 54% of population total: 54% of population (2010 est.)

rural

54% of population

total

54% of population (2010 est.)

urban

51% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

11 years 12 years 11 years (2010)

female

11 years (2010)

male

12 years

total

11 years

Sex ratio

1.03 male(s)/female 1.01 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 0.82 male(s)/female 0.67 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

0-14 years

1.01 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1 male(s)/female

25-54 years

0.98 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.82 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.67 male(s)/female

at birth

1.03 male(s)/female

total population

0.98 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

5.99 children born/woman (2013 est.)

Urbanization

10.9% of total population (2011) 4.45% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

4.45% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

10.9% of total population (2011)

Administrative divisions

17 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura Mairie, Bujumbura Rural, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Mwaro, Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi

Capital

Bujumbura 3 22 S, 29 21 E UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

3 22 S, 29 21 E

name

Bujumbura

time difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

several previous; latest ratified by popular referendum 28 February 2005 (2012)

Country name

Republic of Burundi Burundi Republique du Burundi/Republika y'u Burundi Burundi Urundi

conventional long form

Republic of Burundi

conventional short form

Burundi

former

Urundi

local long form

Republique du Burundi/Republika y'u Burundi

local short form

Burundi

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Dawn M. LIBERI (since 10 July 2012) Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura B. P. 1720, Bujumbura [257] 22-207-000 [257] 22-222-926

chief of mission

Ambassador Dawn M. LIBERI (since 10 July 2012)

embassy

Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura

FAX

[257] 22-222-926

mailing address

B. P. 1720, Bujumbura

telephone

[257] 22-207-000

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Angele NIYUHIRE (since 18 September 2009) Suite 408, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 [1] (202) 342-2574 [1] (202) 342-2578

chancery

Suite 408, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

chief of mission

Ambassador Angele NIYUHIRE (since 18 September 2009)

FAX

[1] (202) 342-2578

telephone

[1] (202) 342-2574

Executive branch

President Pierre NKURUNZIZA - Hutu (since 26 August 2005); First Vice President Bernard BUSOKOZA - Tutsi (since 13 October 2013); Second Vice President Gervais RUFYIKIRI - Hutu (since 29 August 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government President Pierre NKURUNZIZA - Hutu (since 26 August 2005); First Vice President Bernard BUSOKOZA - Tutsi (since 13 October 2013); Second Vice President Gervais RUFYIKIRI - Hutu (since 29 August 2010) Council of Ministers appointed by president the president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 28 June 2010 (next to be held in 2015); vice presidents nominated by the president, endorsed by parliament Pierre NKURUNZIZA elected president by popular vote; Pierre NKURUNZIZA 91.6%, other 8.4%; note - opposition parties withdrew from the election due to alleged government interference in the electoral process

cabinet

Council of Ministers appointed by president

chief of state

President Pierre NKURUNZIZA - Hutu (since 26 August 2005); First Vice President Bernard BUSOKOZA - Tutsi (since 13 October 2013); Second Vice President Gervais RUFYIKIRI - Hutu (since 29 August 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

election results

Pierre NKURUNZIZA elected president by popular vote; Pierre NKURUNZIZA 91.6%, other 8.4%; note - opposition parties withdrew from the election due to alleged government interference in the electoral process

elections

the president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 28 June 2010 (next to be held in 2015); vice presidents nominated by the president, endorsed by parliament

head of government

President Pierre NKURUNZIZA - Hutu (since 26 August 2005); First Vice President Bernard BUSOKOZA - Tutsi (since 13 October 2013); Second Vice President Gervais RUFYIKIRI - Hutu (since 29 August 2010)

Flag description

divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and green panels (hoist side and fly side) with a white disk superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above, two stars below); green symbolizes hope and optimism, white purity and peace, and red the blood shed in the struggle for independence; the three stars in the disk represent the three major ethnic groups: Hutu, Twa, Tutsi, as well as the three elements in the national motto: unity, work, progress

divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and green panels (hoist side and fly side) with a white disk superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star abov

Hutu, Twa, Tutsi, as well as the three elements in the national motto: unity, work, progress

Government type

republic

Independence

1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ACP, AfDB, AU, CEPGL, COMESA, EAC, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (consists of 9 judges and organized into Judicial, administrative, and cassation chambers) judges nominated by the Judicial Service Commission, a 15-member independent body of judicial and legal profession officials); judges appointed by the president with the approval of the Senate; judge tenure NA Courts of Appeal; County Courts; Courts of Residence

highest court(s)

Supreme Court (consists of 9 judges and organized into Judicial, administrative, and cassation chambers)

judge selection and term of office

judges nominated by the Judicial Service Commission, a 15-member independent body of judicial and legal profession officials); judges appointed by the president with the approval of the Senate; judge tenure NA

subordinate courts

Courts of Appeal; County Courts; Courts of Residence

Legal system

mixed legal system of Belgian civil law and customary law

Legislative branch

bicameral Parliament or Parlement, consists of a Senate (54 seats; 34 members elected by indirect vote to serve five-year terms, with remaining seats assigned to ethnic groups and former chiefs of state) and a National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (minimum 100 seats, 60% Hutu and 40% Tutsi with at least 30% being women; additional seats appointed by a National Independent Electoral Commission to ensure ethnic representation; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) last held on 23 July 2010 (next to be held in 2015) Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - TBD; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - CNDD-FDD 81.2%, UPRONA 11.6%, FRODEBU 5.9%, others 1.3%; seats by party - CNDD-FDD 81, UPRONA 17, FRODEBU 5, other 3

election results

Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - TBD; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - CNDD-FDD 81.2%, UPRONA 11.6%, FRODEBU 5.9%, others 1.3%; seats by party - CNDD-FDD 81, UPRONA 17, FRODEBU 5, other 3

elections

last held on 23 July 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

National anthem

"Burundi Bwacu" (Our Beloved Burundi) Jean-Baptiste NTAHOKAJA/Marc BARENGAYABO adopted 1962

lyrics/music

Jean-Baptiste NTAHOKAJA/Marc BARENGAYABO

name

"Burundi Bwacu" (Our Beloved Burundi)

National holiday

Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

National symbol(s)

lion

Political parties and leaders

Burundi Democratic Front or FRODEBU [Leonce NGENDAKUMANA] National Council for the Defense of Democracy - Front for the Defense of Democracy or CNDD-FDD [Jeremie NGENDAKUMANA] Union for National Progress (Union pour le Progress Nationale) or UPRONA [Bonaventure NIYOYANKANA] a multiparty system was introduced after 1998, included are: National Council for the Defense of Democracy or CNDD [Leonard NYANGOMA] National Resistance Movement for the Rehabilitation of the Citizen or MRC-Rurenzangemero [Epitace BANYAGANAKANDI] Party for National Redress or PARENA [Jean-Baptiste BAGAZA]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Forum for the Strengthening of Civil Society or FORSC [Pacifique NININAHAZWE] (civil society umbrella organization) Observatoire de lutte contre la corruption et les malversations economiques or OLUCOME [Gabriel RUFYIRI] (anti-corruption pressure group) Hutu and Tutsi militias (loosely organized)

other

Hutu and Tutsi militias (loosely organized)

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

coffee, cotton, tea, corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, cassava (manioc); beef, milk, hides

Budget

$788.1 million $880.3 million (2012 est.)

expenditures

$880.3 million (2012 est.)

revenues

$788.1 million

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-3.8% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

11.25% (31 December 2010 est.) 10% (31 December 2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

14.32% (31 December 2012 est.) 13.23% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$-432.1 million (2012 est.) $-323.4 million (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$641.9 million (31 December 2012 est.) $627.7 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

42.4 (1998)

Economy - overview

Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country with an underdeveloped manufacturing sector. The economy is predominantly agricultural; agriculture accounts for just over 30% of GDP and employs more than 90% of the population. Burundi's primary exports are coffee and tea, which account for 90% of foreign exchange earnings, though exports are a relatively small share of GDP. Burundi's export earnings - and its ability to pay for imports - rests primarily on weather conditions and international coffee and tea prices. An ethnic-based war that lasted for over a decade resulted in more than 200,000 deaths, forced more than 48,000 refugees into Tanzania, and displaced 140,000 others internally. Only one in two children go to school, and approximately one in 15 adults has HIV/AIDS. Food, medicine, and electricity remain in short supply. Less than 2% of the population has electricity in its homes. Burundi's GDP grew around 4% annually in 2006-12. Political stability and the end of the civil war have improved aid flows and economic activity has increased, but underlying weaknesses - a high poverty rate, poor education rates, a weak legal system, a poor transportation network, overburdened utilities, and low administrative capacity - risk undermining planned economic reforms. The purchasing power of most Burundians has decreased as wage increases have not kept up with inflation. Burundi will remain heavily dependent on aid from bilateral and multilateral donors - foreign aid represents 42% of Burundi''s national income, the second highest rate in Sub-Saharan Africa. Burundi joined the East African Community in 2009, which should boost Burundi's regional trade ties, and also in 2009 received $700 million in debt relief. Government corruption is hindering the development of a healthy private sector as companies seek to navigate an environment with ever changing rules.

Exchange rates

Burundi francs (BIF) per US dollar - 1,442.51 (2012 est.) 1,261.07 (2011 est.) 1,230.8 (2010 est.) 1,230.18 (2009) 1,198 (2008)

Exports

$134.7 million (2012 est.) $124 million (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

coffee, tea, sugar, cotton, hides

Exports - partners

Switzerland 23.9%, UK 12.9%, Belgium 7.4%, Pakistan 7.4%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 7.4%, Uganda 5.6%, Germany 5.2%, China 4.9%, Egypt 4.7% (2012)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

88.9% 24.9% 22.1% -5.5% 9% -39.3% (2012 est.)

exports of goods and services

9%

government consumption

24.9%

household consumption

88.9%

imports of goods and services

-39.3%

investment in fixed capital

22.1%

investment in inventories

-5.5%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

34.7% 18.3% 47% (2012 est.)

agriculture

34.7%

industry

18.3%

services

47% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$600 (2012 est.) $600 (2011 est.) $600 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

4% (2012 est.) 4.2% (2011 est.) 3.8% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$2.439 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$5.43 billion (2012 est.) $5.22 billion (2011 est.) $5.01 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Gross national saving

-0.8% of GDP (2012 est.) 6.3% of GDP (2011 est.) 7.8% of GDP (2010 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

4.1% 28% (2006)

highest 10%

28% (2006)

lowest 10%

4.1%

Imports

$886.2 million (2012 est.) $771.7 million (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

capital goods, petroleum products, foodstuffs

Imports - partners

Saudi Arabia 11.3%, Belgium 10.1%, China 9.1%, India 7.9%, Tanzania 6.5%, Kenya 6%, Uganda 5.7%, Zambia 4.6%, US 4.1% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

4% (2012 est.)

Industries

light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap, and beer; assembly of imported components; public works construction; food processing

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

18% (2012 est.) 9.7% (2011 est.)

Labor force

4.245 million (2007)

Labor force - by occupation

93.6% 2.3% 4.1% (2002 est.)

agriculture

93.6%

industry

2.3%

services

4.1% (2002 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$NA

Population below poverty line

68% (2002 est.)

Public debt

50.3% of GDP (2012 est.) 54.2% of GDP (2011 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$308.8 million (31 December 2012 est.) $295.5 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$519 million (31 December 2012 est.) $465.4 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$572.2 million (31 December 2012 est.) $576.3 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$332.5 million (31 December 2012 est.) $335.7 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

32.3% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

NA%

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

204,700 Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2013 es)

Electricity - consumption

221.4 million kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

1.9% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

98.1% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

80 million kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

52,000 kW (2010 est.)

Electricity - production

152 million kWh (2010 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2013 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

2,290 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

1,429 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Broadcast media

state-controlled La Radiodiffusion et Television Nationale de Burundi (RTNB) operates the lone TV station and the only national radio network; about 10 privately owned radio stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available in Bujumbura (2007)

Internet country code

.bi

Internet hosts

229 (2012)

Internet users

157,800 (2009)

Telephone system

sparse system of open-wire, radiotelephone communications, and low-capacity microwave radio relays telephone density one of the lowest in the world; fixed-line connections stand at well less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage is increasing but remains at roughly 20 per 100 persons country code - 257; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2011)

domestic

telephone density one of the lowest in the world; fixed-line connections stand at well less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage is increasing but remains at roughly 20 per 100 persons

general assessment

sparse system of open-wire, radiotelephone communications, and low-capacity microwave radio relays

international

country code - 257; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2011)

Telephones - main lines in use

17,400 (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

2.247 million (2012)

Airports

7 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2013)

over 3,047 m

1 (2013)

total

1

Airports - with unpaved runways

2 (2013)

914 to 1,523 m

4

total

6

Heliports

1 (2012)

Ports and terminals

Bujumbura (Lake Tanganyika)

lake port(s)

Bujumbura (Lake Tanganyika)

Roadways

12,322 km 1,286 km 11,036 km (2004)

total

12,322 km

unpaved

11,036 km (2004)

Waterways

(mainly on Lake Tanganyika between Bujumbura, Burundi's principal port, and lake ports in Tanzania, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) (2011)

Manpower available for military service

2,182,327 2,202,125 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

2,202,125 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

2,182,327

Manpower fit for military service

1,398,769 1,481,417 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

1,481,417 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

1,398,769

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

117,956 116,956 (2010 est.)

female

116,956 (2010 est.)

male

117,956

Military branches

National Defense Forces (Forces de Defense Nationale, FDN): Army (includes maritime wing, Air Wing), National Gendarmerie (2013)

National Defense Forces (Forces de Defense Nationale, FDN)

Army (includes maritime wing, Air Wing), National Gendarmerie (2013)

Military expenditures

5.9% of GDP (2006 est.)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for voluntary military service; the armed forces law of 31 December 2004 did not specify a minimum age for enlistment, but the government claimed that no one younger than 18 was being recruited; mandatory retirement age 45 (enlisted), 50 (NCOs), and 55 (officers) (2012)

Disputes - international

Burundi and Rwanda dispute two sq km (0.8 sq mi) of Sabanerwa, a farmed area in the Rukurazi Valley where the Akanyaru/Kanyaru River shifted its course southward after heavy rains in 1965; cross-border conflicts persist among Tutsi, Hutu, other ethnic groups, associated political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces in the Great Lakes region

Refugees and internally displaced persons

41,349 (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (2012) 78,800 (the majority are ethnic Tutsi displaced by inter-communal violence that broke out after the 1993 coup and fighting between government forces and rebel groups; no new displacements since 2008 when the last rebel group laid down its arms) (2012) 1,302 (2012)

IDPs

78,800 (the majority are ethnic Tutsi displaced by inter-communal violence that broke out after the 1993 coup and fighting between government forces and rebel groups; no new displacements since 2008 when the last rebel group laid down its arms) (2012)

refugees (country of origin)

41,349 (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (2012)

stateless persons

1,302 (2012)

Trafficking in persons

Burundi is a source country for children and possibly women subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; business people recruit Burundian girls for prostitution domestically, as well as in Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, and the Middle East, and recruit boys and girls for forced labor in Burundi and Tanzania; children and young adults are coerced into forced labor in farming, mining, construction, or informal commerce; some family members, friends, and neighbors are complicit in exploiting children, luring them in with offers of educational or job opportunities Tier 2 Watch List - Burundi does not comply fully with the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; the government fails to prosecute trafficking offenses vigorously or increase its capacity to protect victims; most victim assistance continues to be provided by NGOs without government support; the government also fails to complete its draft anti-trafficking legislation, which is intended to rectify gaps in existing laws; a nationwide awareness-raising campaign continues (2013)

current situation

Burundi is a source country for children and possibly women subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; business people recruit Burundian girls for prostitution domestically, as well as in Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, and the Middle East, and recruit boys and girls for forced labor in Burundi and Tanzania; children and young adults are coerced into forced labor in farming, mining, construction, or informal commerce; some family members, friends, and neighbors are complicit in exploiting children, luring them in with offers of educational or job opportunities

tier rating

Tier 2 Watch List - Burundi does not comply fully with the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; the government fails to prosecute trafficking offenses vigorously or increase its capacity to protect victims; most victim assistance continues to be provided by NGOs without government support; the government also fails to complete its draft anti-trafficking legislation, which is intended to rectify gaps in existing laws; a nationwide awareness-raising campaign continues (2013)