Burundi - officially the Republic of Burundi, is a landlocked country in the African Great Lakes region of Southeast Africa, bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. It is also sometimes considered part of Central Africa. Burundis capital is Bujumbura. Although the country is landlocked, much of the southwestern border is adjacent to Lake Tanganyika. Lake Tanganyika is an African Great Lake. It is estimated to be the second largest freshwater lake in the world by volume, and the second deepest, it is also the worlds longest freshwater lake. The lake holds at least 250 species of Cichlid fish and 150 Non-Cichlid species. Many species of Cichlids from Lake Tanganyika, such as fish from the brightly coloured Tropheus genus, are popular fish among aquarium owners due to their bright colors. Recreating a Lake Tanganyika biotope to host those Cichlids in an habitat similar to their natural environment is also popular in the aquarium hobby. The National motto of Burundi is; Unity, Work, Progress and the National Anthem is Burndi Bwacu - meaning Our Burundi. The Capital and Largest city is Bujumbura. Official Languages are Kirundi and French, however Swahili is also spoken there. Independence was gained from Belgium on July 1, 1962. As of July 2012, Burundi is projected to have an estimated population of 10,557,259 people. Burundi has the fifth highest total fertility rate in the world, at 6.08 children born/woman (2012 estimates). Burundis push for independence was influenced to some extent by the instability and ethnic persecution that occurred in Rwanda. In November 1959, Rwandese Hutu attacked the Tutsi and massacred them by the thousands. Many Tutsi escaped to Uganda and Burundi to find freedom from persecution. The Hutu took power in Rwanda by winning Belgian-run elections in 1960. On September 18, 1962, just over two months after declaring independence from Belgium, Burundi joined the United Nations. Since Burundis independence in 1962, there have been two events called genocides in the country. The 1972 mass killings of Hutus by the Tutsi-dominated army and the 1993 mass killings of Tutsis by the Hutu populace are both described as genocide in the final report of the International Commission of Inquiry for Burundi presented to the United Nations Security Council in 2002. The Twa, Hutu and Tutsi peoples have lived in Burundi for at least five hundred years and, for over two hundred years, Burundi was ruled as a kingdom. At the beginning of the twentieth century, however, Germany and Belgium occupied the region and Burundi and Rwanda became a European colony known as Ruanda-Urundi. Social differences between the Tutsi and Hutu have since contributed to political unrest in the region, leading to civil war in the middle of the twentieth century. Presently, Burundi is governed as a presidential representative democratic republic. African leaders began a series of peace talks between the warring factions following a request by the United Nations Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali for them to intervene in the humanitarian crisis. Talks were initiated under the aegis of former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere in 1995; following his death, South African President Nelson Mandela took the helm. As the talks progressed, South African President Thabo Mbeki and United States President Bill Clinton also lent their respective weight. The economy of the country is shattered – as of 2011 Burundi has one of the lowest per capita gross incomes in the world. With the return of refugees, amongst others, property conflicts have started. Burundi is one of the five poorest countries in the world. It has one of the lowest per capita GDPs of any nation in the world. The country has suffered from warfare, corruption, poor access to education and the effects of HIV/AIDS. Burundi is densely populated and experiences substantial emigration. According to a 2012 DHL Global Connectedness Index, Burundi is the least globalized of 140 surveyed countries. According to the Global Hunger Index of 2013, Burundi has an indicator ratio of 38.8 earning the nation the distinction of being the hungriest country in the world in terms of percentage. Approximately 80% of Burundis population lives in poverty. Famines and food shortages have occurred throughout Burundi, most notably in the 20th century and according to the World Food Programme, 56.8% of children under age five suffer from chronic malnutrition. One scientific study of 178 nations rated Burundis population as having the lowest satisfaction with life in the world. As a result of poverty, Burundi is dependent on foreign aid. Burundi is divided into 17 provinces, 117 communes, and 2,638 collines (hills). Provincial governments are structured upon these boundaries. In 2000, the province encompassing Bujumbura was separated into two provinces, Bujumbura Rural and Bunjumbura Mairie. Burundis lands are mostly agricultural or pasture. Settlement by rural populations has led to deforestation, soil erosion and habitat loss. Deforestation of the entire country is almost completely due to overpopulation, with a mere 230 square miles (600 km2) remaining and an ongoing loss of about 9% per annum. There are two national parks, Kibira National Park to the northwest (a small region of rain forest, adjacent to Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda), Ruvubu National Park to the northeast (along the Rurubu River, also known as Ruvubu or Ruvuvu). Both were established in 1982 to conserve wildlife populations. Burundis largest industry is agriculture, which accounted for just over 30% of the GDP.[10] Subsistence agriculture accounts for 90% of agriculture. The nations largest source of revenue is coffee, which makes up 93% of Burundis exports. Other agricultural products include cotton, tea, maize, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc (tapioca); beef, milk, and hides. Some of Burundis natural resources include uranium, nickel, cobalt, copper, and platinum. Besides agriculture, other industries include: assembly of imported components; public works construction; food processing, and light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, and soap. Burundis currency is the Burundian franc (BIF); as of May 26, 2012, 1,371.00 Burundian franc were equivalent to one United States dollar. Government corruption is hindering the development of a healthy private sector as companies seek to navigate an environment with ever changing rules. Religious make up is as follows - Christian population about 80%, with Roman Catholics representing the largest group at 55%. Protestant and Anglican practitioners constitute the remaining 25%. An estimated 5% of the population adheres to traditional indigenous religious beliefs. The Muslim population is estimated to be at 15%, the majority of whom live in urban areas. Sunnis make up the majority of the Muslim population, the remainder being Shia. Basketball and track and field are noted sports in Burundi. Martial arts are popular, as well. There are five major judo clubs: Club Judo de lEntente Sportive, in Downtown, and four others throughout the city. A typical Burundian meal consists of sweet potatoes, corn, and peas. Due to the expense, meat is eaten only a few times per month. When several Burundians of close acquaintance meet for a gathering they drink Impeke, a beer, together from a large container to symbolize unity. Notable Burundians include the footballer Mohammed Tchité and singer Jean Pierre Nimbona, popularly known as Kidumu (who is based in Nairobi, Kenya). Drumming is an important part of the Burundian cultural heritage. The world-famous Royal Drummers of Burundi, who have performed for over forty years, are noted for traditional drumming using the Karyenda, Amashako, Ibishikiso, and Ikiranya drums. Dance often accompanies drumming performance, which is frequently seen in celebrations and family gatherings. The Abatimbo, which is performed at official ceremonies and rituals, and the fast-paced Abanyagasimbo are some famous Burundian dances.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Feb 2014 05:26:23 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015