Interesting Burundi Facts

Burundi is a landlocked country located in East Africa where it is bordered by three countries. It is one of the smallest countries on the continent of Africa where it spans about 27,830 sq km (10,745 square miles) of land. The estimated total population of Burundi is somewhere in the region of 11,178,900 .

Find out interesting Burundi facts and information about this East African country with our fact file for kids. Identify important facts about the overall size, location, official language, religion, culture, geography, famous landmarks, people, history, size and population of Burundi.

Identify important information about Africa with our interesting country facts for kids based on questions such as: What continent is Burundi in? What famous landmarks are there in Burundi? What are the traditional foods of Burundi? How big is Burundi ? What is Burundi famous for? What are the major cities of Burundi?

Burundi Fact File: Continent: Africa *** Country Name(s): Republic of Burundi, Republika y'u Burundi, République du Burundi *** Location: East Africa *** Bordering Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania *** Capital City: Bujumbura *** Size: 27,830 sq km (10,745 square miles) *** Estimated Population: over 11,178,900 *** Main Religion(s): Roman Catholic *** Currency: Burundi franc (BIF) *** Language(s): French and Kirundi *** Country Code for Burundi: +257 *** Largest Cities / Towns: Bujumbura, Muyinga, Ruyigi, Gitega, Ngozi, Rutana, Bururi, Makamba, Kayanza and Muramvya *** Geography of Burundi: African Great Lakes (Rift Valley Lakes), plateau, mountains, rain forest area, national parks including Kirbira National Park, Ruvubu National Park, Lake Tanganyika, hot springs in Bururi and Rutana, Kayove Cave, Kerera Falls (cascading waterfall) and Nyakazu Fault (Gorge) in Rutana *** Famous Landmarks of Burundi: Livingstone-Stanley Monument, Monument de l'Unite (of National Unity), Eglise Vivante de Jesus Christ (church), Regina Mundi Cathedral and Mausolee du Prince Louis Rwagasore

Interesting Burundi Facts for Kids

Interesting Facts for Kids 1: Where is Burundi located?
Burundi belongs to the continent of Africa. It is situated in East Africa, where it is landlocked by three countries. Its neighboring countries are Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania.

Interesting Facts for Kids 2: Burundi population and size
Burundi is a small East African country with a total area size of 27,830 sq km (10,745 square miles). It is predicted that the country has a population of about 11,178,900 inhabitants with Burundi’s most populous city being the capital of Bujumbura.

Interesting Facts for Kids 3: The capital of Burundi
The capital city of Burundi is Bujumbura which is positioned in the west of the country. Bujumbura is the region with the largest population in Burundi and has an approximated population of 331,700 people. The area is known for its historical significance and points of interests. It has developed over the years from a small village to a large market town. There are a range of interesting landmarks in the country's capital city including the Livingstone-Stanley Monument (12km from Bujumbura), Monument de l'Unite (of National Unity), Museum of Life, Geological Museum, National Stadium, Eglise Vivante de Jesus Christ (church / place of worship), Regina Mundi Cathedral and Mausolee du Prince Louis Rwagasore. The Livingstone-Stanley Monument is located near the city of Bujumbura and marks the visits of explorers David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley.

Interesting Facts for Kids 4: Burundi major cities
There are a number of major cities in Burundi, the names of the largest and most important cities and towns include the country’s capital Bujumbura, and Muyinga, Ruyigi, Gitega, Ngozi, Rutana, Bururi, Makamba, Kayanza and Muramvya. The second largest city is called Muyinga and has a much lower population of approximately 71,000 people.

Interesting Facts for Kids 5: Burundi flag facts
The national flag of Burundi, which is one of the few African flag designs to include a saltire, was adopted on June 28, 1967, and can be described as having a white saltire over a red and green background. A saltire can be defined as a diagonal cross which can be seen on numerous flags across the world. The areas top and bottom of the white saltire are red, and to its left and right, are green. The Burundian flag can be recognized by a white disk prominent to the centre to its design. The disk incorporates three red, six pointed stars with green outlines. The stars are positioned in a triangular design with one star at the top and two at the bottom. The colours of the Burundi flag serve purpose and meaning. Red resembles this African country’s struggle for independence, green portrays hope, and white symbolizes harmony and peace. The stars of the flag are representative of the major ethnic groups of Burundi which are Hutu, Tutsi and Twa. They are also symbolic of ‘unity, work, progress’ which is the national motto.

Interesting Facts for Kids 6: Language of Burundi
The main languages of Burundi include French and Kirundi. The official language of Burundi is French, but Kirundi is also recognized as an official language of this country. Around the area of Lake Tanganyika, and the city of Bujumbura, and along the country's border with Tanzania, many people speak the language of Swahili.

Interesting Facts for Kids 7: What is the main religion of Burundi?
The main religion of Burundi is Roman Catholic. Although the vast majority, around 60 to 65 percent, of the population belong to the Roman Catholic religion, approximately 20 to 30 percent of people are Christians. The remainder belong to other faiths including Anglican, Muslim and indigenous religions.

Interesting Facts for Kids 8: Burundi food facts
The cuisine in Burundi can be described as basic as this is one of the poorest countries in the world and food sources are limited. Most food is homemade and few dishes contain meat. The main ingredients used in Burundi cuisine are beans, bananas, cassave, sweet potatoes, peas, corn, wheat and maize. The most common types of Burundian foods include banana with beans which is eaten on special occasions such as Easter. Restaurants serve traditional Burundi dishes which often include meats, such as cured ham, vegetables and various spices.

Interesting Facts for Kids 9: Burundi climate facts
The climate of Burundi can be described as tropical or equatorial as this small African country is located close to the equator. The average annual temperature differs across the land depending on elevation. The temperature is generally moderate as the average altitude across the country is 1,700m. At high plateau, the altitude increases significantly and thus the temperature changes. The country has two wet seasons and two dry seasons. The average annual rainfall is approximately 150cm, and occurs mostly during the wettest months of the year which are February to May and September to Novembers. The average daily temperature in the capital city of Bujumbura is recorded at 23 to 25 degrees Celsius with average high temperatures ranging from 28 to 30 degrees Celsius and average low temperatures ranging from 17 to 19 degrees Celsius.

Interesting Facts for Kids 10: What animals live in Burundi?
Burundi is home to many animals species including mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. In order to protect the wildlife species of Burundi, two national parks were formed in 1982. Kibira National Park is located in the northwest and includes an area of rain forest, and Ruvubu National Park in the northeast. There is another important conservation area known as Nyungwe Forest National Park which is actually situated in Rwanda where is lies on the border with Burundi. Kibira National Park is home to almost 100 mammal species and around 200 bird species. The largest conservation are in Burundi is Ruvubu National Park. here, a wealth of animals can be found including buffalos, leopards, lions, crocodiles, hippopotamus, antelopes, and monkeys. Nyungwe Forest National Park also features an array of wildlife inlcuding various species of monkeys such as the Golden, Silver, Hamlyn's, Angola Colobus, Red-tailed, and Vervet monkey, Olive Baboon, and chimpanzees. Some of the most important bird species include the mountain buzzard, grey parrot, great blue turaco, white-spotted flufftail and bar-tailed trogon.

Interesting Facts for Kids 11: Burundi geography facts
The geography of Burundi is very interesting as this small landlocked country is situated in the African Great Lakes area of East Africa where it forms part of the Albertine Rift in the western region of the East African Rift. The source of the Nile River (The White Nile) is located in the Great Lakes Region, possibly in Burundi. With mountainous regions and rolling plateau, this country boasts its highest peak at 2,685m on Mount Heha. The geography of Burundi includes hot springs in Bururi and Rutana, Kayove Cave, Kerera Falls (cascading waterfall) and Nyakazu Fault (Gorge) in Rutana, Kibira National Park which includes an area of rain forest and is located in the northwest next to Rwanda's Nyungwe Forest National Park, and a major lake known as Lake Tanganyika which dominates the southwestern region.

Interesting Facts for Kids 12: Burundi plants and fauna facts
A wonderful array of plantlife can be found growing in Burundi. Kibira National Park alone has more than 600 species of plants growing within its forest areas with some of the most popular names being Albizia gummifera, Entandrophragma excelsum, Symphonia globulifera, and Newtonia buchananii.

Interesting Facts for Kids 13: Burundi famous landmarks
There are several important landmarks, monuments and buildings in Burundi including the Livingstone-Stanley Monument, Monument de l'Unite (of National Unity), Eglise Vivante de Jesus Christ (church), Regina Mundi Cathedral and Mausolee du Prince Louis Rwagasore.

Interesting Facts for Kids 14: Burundi economy facts
Burundi is a small, landlocked country with a high population and few resources. It's infrastructure is weak and access to good education and health care is poor. The country is one of the poorest in the world and due to being over-populated, its people are often left poverty stricken, malnourished and vunerable. The people of Burundi frequently have to deal with corruption, lack of freedom and our subject to a poor legal system. Agricuture is core to the country's economy as other resources are somewhat limited. Unlike some other African countries, Burundi is not resource rich, and among its major exports are tea and coffee.

Interesting Facts for Kids 15: Burundi tourism facts
The tourist trade in Burundi is centred mainly around the capital city of Bujumbura and the beautiful area of Lake Tanganyika. There are interesting things to see and do in Bujumbura with tourist attractions ranging from restaurants, bars and nightlife to museums, architecture, and places of worship including a cathedral and large mosque. Lake Tanganyika, located in the southwestern part of the country, is a popular tourist attraction. Its water spreads across four countries including Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the second oldest freshwater lake in the world by volume. Many species of fish and reptile can found living in Lake Tanganyika and its wetlands including crocodiles, terrapins, water cobras and cichlid fish.

Interesting Facts for Kids 16: What is Burundi famous for?
Burundi is famous for being part of the Great African Lakes which occur in four African countries. Burundi forms part of the Albertine Rift in the western region of the East African Rift. This small country is home to hundreds of animals and plants, and has stunning landscapes and geographical features including national parks, forests, hot springs, lakes and rivers.

Interesting Facts for Kids 17: Burundi culture facts
Burundi is one of the smallest countries in Africa and its culture is influenced by its bordering countries as well as local traditions. The country boasts many arts and crafts such as basket weaving, masks, statues and pottery which are produced locally by the people of Burundi and often capture the interest of tourists. Music, drumming and dance form an important part of the culture and often accompany traditional ceremonies and celebrations. Sports such as football, basketball, martial arts, and track and field are among the most notable sports in this country.

Interesting Facts for Kids 18: Burundi history facts
Among the population's ethic groups are the Hatu, Twa and Tutsi peoples who have inhabited the country for more than 500 years. Burundi was an independent Kingdom until the start of the 20th century when the area was colonized by the Germans. Both the Germans and Belgiums ruled over Burundi and neighboring Rwanda following WWI when Germany gave Burundi to Belgium. The European colony became known as Ruanda-Urundi.

Interesting Facts for Kids 19: When did Burundi become an independent country?
Burundi achieved independence in 1962. The Kingdom of Burundi was originally ruled by a monarchy until a number of attacks and assassinations took place. In the decades that followed, two civil wars occurred leaving the country in disrepair and unable to gain any real stability since. Burundi has been the subject of much unrest throughout history leaving its economy weak and threatened. It is one of the poorest countries in the world due to its geographical position as a small landlocked African country.

Interesting Burundi Facts for Kids

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