BURUNDI

 

Burundi is a small country in the Great Lakes region of Africa. The country's modern name is derived from its Bantu language, Kirundi. Geographically isolated, facing population pressures and having sparse resources, Burundi has the lowest GDP per capita in the world, arguably making it the poorest country on the planet. It is also one of the most conflict-ridden countries in Africa and in the world. Its small size belies the magnitude of the problems it faces in reconciling the claims of the Tutsi minority with the Hutu majority.


Capital:
- Bujumbura
Area:
- Total 27,830 km² (145th)
Independence:
- from Belgium: July 1, 1962
Official languages:
- Kirundi, French
Population:
- 2005 estimate: 7,548,000 (94th)