Burundi: flag, capital, currency and history
Burundi, officially the Republic of Burundi, is a country in Eastern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Gitega. The currency is the Burundian franc. Languages spoken include French and Kirundi.
Quick facts about Burundi
- Official name
- Republic of Burundi
- Capital
- Gitega
- Region
- Africa, Eastern Africa
- Currency
- Burundian franc (BIF, Fr)
- Languages
- French, Kirundi
- Calling code
- +257
- Internet domain
- .bi
- Area
- 27,834 km² (10,747 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Burundian
- National day
- Independence Day, July 1
Flag of Burundi
Download the flag of Burundi as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇧🇮.
History of Burundi
The region of Burundi developed into a kingdom, ruled by a Tutsi-led monarchy, by the 17th century. Germany claimed the area in the 1890s as part of German East Africa. After the First World War, Belgium administered it as part of Ruanda-Urundi under a League of Nations mandate. Burundi became independent as a kingdom on 1 July 1962, and the monarchy was abolished in 1966. Decades of ethnic violence followed, including a civil war that began in 1993 and ended in agreements in the early 2000s. Gitega became the political capital in 2019.
Key dates
- 1890sGermany establishes control as part of German East Africa.
- 1916Belgian forces occupy the territory during the First World War.
- 1962Burundi becomes independent on 1 July.
- 1966The monarchy is abolished and a republic is declared.
- 1993A civil war begins after the assassination of President Melchior Ndadaye.
- 2000The Arusha Agreement is signed to end the conflict.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Burundi
Burundi uses the Burundian franc (BIF, Fr). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Burundi?
The capital of Burundi is Gitega.
What currency does Burundi use?
Burundi uses the Burundian franc (BIF, symbol Fr).
What languages are spoken in Burundi?
Languages used in Burundi include French and Kirundi.
What is the calling code of Burundi?
The international calling code of Burundi is +257. Its internet domain is .bi.
Which countries border Burundi?
Burundi shares land borders with DR Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania.
On which continent is Burundi?
Burundi is in Africa, in the region of Eastern Africa.
What is the national day of Burundi?
Burundi marks Independence Day on July 1.
Neighbours of Burundi
More countries in Eastern Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).