Burundi: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Burundi 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Burundi: na
  • Happiness Score Burundi:na

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Burundi. BI.

    Burundi is a landlocked country located in East Africa.

  • It has a presidential republic political structure.
  • Burundi is known for its traditional drumming, dancing, and vibrant cultural heritage.
  • It has a predominantly agricultural economy, with coffee being a key export.
  • Burundi – A Comprehensive Overview

    Brief History

    Early History: The area now known as Burundi was originally inhabited by the Twa, a hunter-gatherer tribe. Around the 5th century AD, Hutu and Tutsi communities began settling in the region.

    Kingdoms and Empires: In the 16th century, the powerful Kingdom of Burundi emerged, ruled by a succession of Tutsi kings known as the Baganwa dynasty. It remained an independent kingdom until the late 19th century.

    Colonial Period: In 1890, Burundi became part of German East Africa. After World War I, it was occupied by Belgium and became part of the Belgian League of Nations mandate of Ruanda-Urundi in 1923.

    Independence and Modern Era: Burundi gained independence from Belgium in 1962, but ethnic tensions between the Hutu majority and Tutsi minority led to recurring violence and civil wars. A civil war from 1993 to 2005 claimed over 300,000 lives.

    Current Political Situation: Burundi is a multi-party constitutional republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The ruling party is the National Council for the Defense of Democracy–Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD).

    International Relations: Burundi is a member of the African Union, the East African Community, and the United Nations. It has maintained generally friendly relations with neighboring countries.

    Human Development and Economy: Burundi has a largely agriculture-based economy, with coffee and tea as major exports. It remains one of the poorest and least developed countries, ranking low on the Human Development Index.

    Cultural Highlights: The majority of Burundians are Christian, with a significant Muslim minority. The country has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and crafts like basket weaving and pottery.

    Key Challenges and Opportunities: Burundi faces challenges of political instability, poverty, food insecurity, and the lingering effects of civil wars. Opportunities lie in developing its agricultural sector, promoting reconciliation, and attracting investment for sustainable development.

    Travel Tips for Burundi

    Best Times to Visit: The dry seasons from June to August and December to February are generally the best times to visit Burundi, with pleasant weather and fewer mosquitoes.

    Cultural Etiquette: Burundians value respect and politeness. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Greet elders first, and avoid public displays of affection.

    Safety Precautions: Exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel, especially in border areas. Monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities.

    Must-See Landmarks: Visit the capital city of Bujumbura, explore the Rusizi National Park and its diverse wildlife, and experience the natural beauty of Lake Tanganyika.

    Culinary Experiences: Try traditional dishes like ibitoke (mashed plantains), umutoke (plantain and meat stew), and brochettes (grilled meat skewers).

    Living in Burundi

    Cost of Living: The cost of living in Burundi is relatively low compared to many other countries, but incomes are also generally low.

    Housing: Expats often rent houses or apartments in secure residential areas, while many locals live in more modest housing or informal settlements.

    Healthcare: The healthcare system in Burundi is underdeveloped, with limited resources and facilities. Many expats opt for private healthcare or travel to neighboring countries for more advanced treatment.

    Education: The education system faces challenges of limited resources and infrastructure. International schools and universities are available in Bujumbura for expat families.

Main facts

Location

Burundi is a landlocked country located in the Great Lakes region of East Africa. It is bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and southeast, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. The country lies along the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika, one of the deepest lakes in the world.

Map References

Burundi is situated in the Central-East region of Africa.

Area – Comparative

With an area of approximately 27,834 square kilometers (10,745 square miles), Burundi is slightly smaller than the state of Maryland in the United States.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Burundi has a total land boundary length of 974 kilometers (605 miles), shared with the following countries:

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo: 233 km
  • Rwanda: 290 km
  • Tanzania: 451 km

Coastline

Burundi has a coastline of 36 kilometers (22 miles) along the northeastern shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Maritime Claims

As a landlocked country, Burundi has no territorial sea claims.

Climate

Burundi has an equatorial climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year. There are two rainy seasons, from February to May and from September to November. The coastal regions along Lake Tanganyika have a more temperate climate due to the influence of the lake.

Terrain

Burundi is a predominantly hilly and mountainous country, with a plateau in the east and lowlands along the Rusizi River and Lake Tanganyika. The highest peak is Mount Heha, reaching an elevation of 2,670 meters (8,760 feet).

Elevation Extremes

The lowest point in Burundi is the Rusizi River, with an elevation of 772 meters (2,535 feet), while the highest point is Mount Heha at 2,670 meters (8,760 feet).

Natural Resources

Burundi’s major natural resources include nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum, vanadium, arable land, and hydropower potential.

Major Bodies of Water

The most significant body of water in Burundi is Lake Tanganyika, which is shared with Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia. Other notable water bodies include the Rusizi River, which forms part of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Lake Rweru, which is shared with Rwanda.

Natural Hazards

Burundi is prone to flooding, landslides, and droughts due to its hilly terrain and variable rainfall patterns. The country is also at risk of earthquakes due to its proximity to the East African Rift Valley.

Geography – Notes

Burundi’s geography has played a significant role in its history and development. The country’s landlocked position and hilly terrain have posed challenges for transportation and infrastructure development. Environmental issues, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and overgrazing, have also impacted the country’s landscape and natural resources.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 10.90%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 495. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 79.20%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  -3.37305629.918886.
  • Capital: The capital of Burundi is  Bujumbura
  • Major Cities:
    • Bujumbura – Population: 1,016,450
    • Gitega – Population: 23,167
    • Ngozi – Population: 22,588
    • Ruyigi – Population: 17,606
  • Population: 11,530,580
  • Area(Km2): 27834
  • Population Density( P/Km²):463. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:257
  • Official Language(s):Burundi is Kirundi (official) 29.7%, French (official) 0.3%, Swahili (along Lake Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area) 0.2%, English (along Lake Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area) 0.06%, other language 0.03%, unspecified 69.7% (2008 est.)
  • Currency: BIF

Main Economic Indicators

Burundi has a small, predominantly agricultural economy that has faced significant challenges due to civil wars, political instability, and limited resources. With a GDP of around $3.4 billion, it is one of the poorest countries in the world. The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, which employs over 90% of the population. Key economic challenges include low productivity, high poverty rates, and a lack of infrastructure and investment. Burundi’s government has aimed to promote economic diversification, attract foreign investment, and reduce poverty through various policies and initiatives.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2022: 12.7% (Estimate, World Bank)
2021: 8.4% (Estimate, World Bank)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: Not Rated
Moody’s: Not Rated
Standard & Poor’s: Not Rated

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 29.2%
Industry: 18.9%
Services: 51.9% (2022 estimates, World Bank)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Coffee, cotton, tea, corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc (tapioca), beef, milk, hides

Industrial Products: Light consumer goods such as beverages, soap, shoes, assembly of imported components, public works construction, food processing

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 5.1 million (2022 estimate, World Bank)
Comparative Ranking: Not Available

Current Account Balance

2022: -$248 million (Estimate, World Bank)
2021: -$168 million (Estimate, World Bank)
Comparative Ranking: Not Available

Exports and Imports

Exports: $176 million (2021, World Bank)
Key Export Partners: Democratic Republic of the Congo, United Arab Emirates, Rwanda, Pakistan, Switzerland
Main Exports: Coffee, tea, sugar, cotton, hides

Imports: $919 million (2021, World Bank)
Key Import Partners: China, India, Kenya, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia
Main Imports: Capital goods, petroleum products, construction materials

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $352 million (December 2022, World Bank)
Gold Reserves: 0.03 million ounces (December 2022, World Bank)

  • GDP (Current US$):$3,012,334,882. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 13.60%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 41.20%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.21. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 1.43%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: Burundian(s)
Adjective: Burundian

2. Ethnic Groups

Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%

3. Religions

Catholic 62.1%, Protestant 23.9% (includes Adventists 2.7% and other Protestants 21.2%), Muslim 2.5%, other 3.6%, unspecified 7.9% (2008 est.)

4. Age Structure

0-14 years: 44.81% (male 2,293,495/female 2,314,572)
15-64 years: 52.56% (male 2,650,749/female 2,758,877)
65 years and over: 2.63% (male 111,041/female 161,223) (2020 est.)

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 92.5 (2020 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 88.1 (2020 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 4.4 (2020 est.)

6. Median Age

Total: 17.7 years
Male: 17.3 years
Female: 18.1 years (2020 est.)

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity rate: 5.4% (2016)
Alcohol consumption: 6.8 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2016)
Tobacco use: 13.3% of adults aged 15 and over (2013)

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 61.2. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 86.9%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:39.01. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 5.41. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 4.8%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 1,541,177. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):19.10%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The Republic of Burundi’s military consists of the following branches:

  • Army – Includes the Ground Forces, Republican Guard, and the recently established Special Brigade
  • Air Force – An air wing with limited capabilities, primarily used for transport and reconnaissance
  • National Police – Responsible for internal security, law enforcement, and border control

Military Expenditures

Burundi’s military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2018: 2.9%
  • 2017: 3.2%
  • 2016: 3.1%
  • 2015: 3.3%
  • 2014: 3.3%

Burundi ranks among the countries with the highest military spending as a percentage of GDP globally.

Personnel Strengths

Burundi’s military personnel strengths are as follows:

  • Active Military Personnel: Approximately 25,000
    • Army: 20,000
    • Air Force: 500
    • Other Services: 4,500
  • National Police: 15,000

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Burundi’s military hardware primarily consists of older Soviet-era equipment, including:

  • Main Battle Tanks: T-54/55, T-72
  • Armored Personnel Carriers: BTR-60, BTR-80
  • Artillery: D-30 122mm, BM-21 Grad
  • Combat Aircraft: MiG-23, Su-25
  • Transport Aircraft: An-26, An-32

Due to budgetary constraints, major acquisitions have been limited, with most equipment being refurbished or acquired through aid and donations.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Burundi has a mandatory military service program:

  • Age Range: 16-49 years old
  • Service Obligation: 18 months of active service, followed by potential reserve duty obligations

Military Deployments

Burundi has contributed troops to the following international peacekeeping missions:

  • United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA): Approximately 850 Burundian personnel
  • African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM): Approximately 5,400 Burundian personnel (one of the largest contingents)

Strategic Military Notes

Burundi’s defense strategy primarily focuses on maintaining internal security and stability, given the country’s history of civil unrest and ethnic tensions. The military also plays a significant role in regional peacekeeping efforts, particularly in support of the African Union and United Nations missions.

Burundi is a member of the East African Community (EAC) and maintains military partnerships and cooperation with neighboring countries for regional security and counter-terrorism efforts.

  • Armed Forces Size: 31000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.1
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 79.20%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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