Burundi

Burundi is a nation located in Eastern Africa, bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the south and
east, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Its capital and largest city is
Bujumbura. The country’s total land area is approximately 10,747 square miles, making it slightly
smaller than Maryland, USA. It has a population of over 11 million people.
Burundi was a German colony from 1890 to 1906, but then became part of Belgian-administered
Ruanda-Urundi after World War I until 1962 when it declared independence along with Rwanda.
Burundi became an independent republic in 1966 and had its first democratic elections in 1993. In
2005,
Pierre Nkurunziza was elected president; he was re-elected in 2010 and 2015.
The national flag of Burundi has three horizontal bands – red at the top (representing African unity),
green in the middle (for hope) and white at the bottom (symbolizing peace). A Zairean white star sits
atop two crossed traditional spears at right angles in the center stripe; this symbolizes local efforts to
achieve national unity.
Throughout its history, Burundi has experienced periods of war and civil unrest due to ethnically based
conflict between Hutu and Tutsi factions as well as other power struggles for control within the country.
Despite these issues, Burundians have managed to create a vibrant cultural atmosphere that includes
music festivals such as pan-African Umuganura which celebrates artistry and heritage annually on July
1st .
Sports are also popular amongst Burundians, who have produced world-renowned athletes such as
François Xavier Ndayikengurukiye who won bronze medals for his participation in both 400m hurdles
events at the 2000 Summer Olympics held in Sydney Australia; he set an African record for his
performance during this event. Burundi also participates regularly in international football tournaments
such as 2019 CECAFA Cup where they finished third place overall behind hosts Uganda and Tanzania
respectively.
Economic conditions remain difficult throughout Burundi even today with over 60% living below poverty
line according to World Bank data from 2018; nevertheless there remain many opportunities available
through foreign investments which have begun establishing themselves within the country seeking out
natural resources like copper or nickel ore deposits which can be found near Bujumbura among other
locations throughout the nation’s interior regions. Education remains limited due to lack of funding
however small advances have been made with introduction of computer science courses that are now
being taught at certain universities around Bujumbura like Université Mwaro; this offers promise for
future generations who will hopefully be better prepared for job opportunities via access to modern
technology that may otherwise not been available before these initiatives were put into place by current
President Pierre Nkurunziza’s government officials .
Burundi
In conclusion although Burundi remains one of poorest nations on African continent due largely political
unrest , historical roots still provide basis for modern day society that continues strive towards improved
stability despite all odds . Flag emblem adopted from original Zairean design still serves reminder
peaceful intentions while economic development projects bring hope brighter future ahead brighten
outlook all citizens alike .