
Burundi is a landlocked country in the African Great Lakes region of East Africa. Learn more about its culture, people, economy down below:
. The country’s capital Bujumbara has the largest port.
. A majority of the population of Burundi lives in villages that are scattered throughout the highlands.
. Ninety percent of the population of Burundi is employed in agriculture.
. Flag of Burundi – divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and green panels (hoist side and fly side) with a white disk superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above, two stars below); green symbolizes hope and optimism, white purity and peace, and red the blood shed in the struggle for independence; the three stars in the disk represent the three major ethnic groups: Hutu, Twa, Tutsi, as well as the three elements in the national motto: unity, work, progress.
. Cows play a significant role in the national culture. A typical Kirundi greeting, “Amashyo,” translates as “May you have herds of cattle.” Cattle are a symbol of health, happiness, and prosperity.
. Burundi became independent on July 1, 1962.
. Mount Heha is the highest point in Burundi. It is 2684 m, or 8,806 feet high.
.The country has two official languages – French and Kirundi.
. There are seven airports and 12,322 km of total railway in the country.
. The official currency of Burundi—the Burundi Franc—was first issued in 1963.