Africa · Eastern Africa
Burundi
Republic of Burundi
🏛️ Capital
Gitega
👥 Population
12,332,788
📐 Area
27,834 km²
💱 Currency
Burundian franc (Fr)
🗣️ Languages
French, Kirundi
📞 Calling Code
+257
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+02:00
🌐 Region
Africa / Eastern Africa
About Burundi
Burundi, one of Africa's smallest and most densely populated nations, sits at the heart of the Great Rift Valley along the northeastern shore of Lake Tanganyika — the world's second deepest lake. Often overshadowed by its neighbors Rwanda and Tanzania, Burundi offers a raw, unpolished beauty and an authenticity that more tourist-saturated destinations have long since lost. The landscape rolls dramatically through green highland ridges, crater lakes, and river valleys that spill down toward the shimmering blue expanse of Tanganyika.
The capital has shifted to Gitega in central Burundi, while Bujumbura remains the commercial and cultural heart, a lively lakeside city where sunsets over Tanganyika rival anything on the continent. The city's markets, beaches, and drum performance venues give a vivid first impression of Burundian life. Outside the urban centers, the country unfolds across a patchwork of tea and coffee plantations, thatched villages, and the extraordinary Kibira National Park — one of Central Africa's largest montane rainforests.
Burundi demands patience and flexibility from travelers. Tourism infrastructure is thin, English is limited outside Bujumbura, and the political situation has historically created uncertainty. But those who come with open eyes find a country of extraordinary landscapes, some of the finest drum music on earth, and people who engage with genuine curiosity toward the rare traveler who chooses to visit. Burundi rewards the adventurous with experiences that feel genuinely off the beaten path.
The capital has shifted to Gitega in central Burundi, while Bujumbura remains the commercial and cultural heart, a lively lakeside city where sunsets over Tanganyika rival anything on the continent. The city's markets, beaches, and drum performance venues give a vivid first impression of Burundian life. Outside the urban centers, the country unfolds across a patchwork of tea and coffee plantations, thatched villages, and the extraordinary Kibira National Park — one of Central Africa's largest montane rainforests.
Burundi demands patience and flexibility from travelers. Tourism infrastructure is thin, English is limited outside Bujumbura, and the political situation has historically created uncertainty. But those who come with open eyes find a country of extraordinary landscapes, some of the finest drum music on earth, and people who engage with genuine curiosity toward the rare traveler who chooses to visit. Burundi rewards the adventurous with experiences that feel genuinely off the beaten path.
History & Background
The Kingdom of Burundi emerged in the 16th century and developed into a sophisticated monarchy under the mwami (king), whose court maintained elaborate rituals and the sacred drumming tradition that survives today. The kingdom remained largely intact through the German colonial period (1885–1916) and subsequent Belgian rule under a League of Nations mandate, making Burundi one of the few African kingdoms to preserve its royal structures into the 20th century. Independence came on July 1, 1962, though it was followed immediately by political turbulence.
The post-independence decades saw cycles of ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi communities, with particularly devastating episodes in 1972 and 1993 that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. The Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement signed in 2000 brought a fragile but significant peace, culminating in democratic elections in 2005. A political crisis erupted in 2015 when President Pierre Nkurunziza sought a controversial third term, sparking protests, a failed coup, and renewed instability. Nkurunziza died in 2020, and subsequent elections have brought cautious optimism about Burundi's path toward stability and reconciliation.
The post-independence decades saw cycles of ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi communities, with particularly devastating episodes in 1972 and 1993 that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. The Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement signed in 2000 brought a fragile but significant peace, culminating in democratic elections in 2005. A political crisis erupted in 2015 when President Pierre Nkurunziza sought a controversial third term, sparking protests, a failed coup, and renewed instability. Nkurunziza died in 2020, and subsequent elections have brought cautious optimism about Burundi's path toward stability and reconciliation.
Culture & People
Burundian culture is anchored by three major ethnic groups — the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa — whose intertwined and sometimes tragic history shapes the nation's identity. The Kirundi language is spoken by virtually everyone, serving as a unifying thread that crosses ethnic lines, alongside French as the colonial language of education and government. Family and community ties are the backbone of social life, and Ubuntu — the philosophy of communal humanity — is practiced rather than simply preached.
The most profound expression of Burundian culture is its drumming tradition. The Royal Drummers of Burundi, recently recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, perform on enormous ingoma drums with an athletic, spiritual intensity that must be experienced live to be fully understood. Drummers play while balancing drums on their heads, and the synchronized rhythms build to thunderous, hypnotic crescendos. Beyond drumming, intore dance — originally performed at the royal court — remains a living practice at cultural events. Weaving, pottery, and basket-making are traditional crafts passed through generations, with the basketry of Burundian women particularly admired across the region.
The most profound expression of Burundian culture is its drumming tradition. The Royal Drummers of Burundi, recently recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, perform on enormous ingoma drums with an athletic, spiritual intensity that must be experienced live to be fully understood. Drummers play while balancing drums on their heads, and the synchronized rhythms build to thunderous, hypnotic crescendos. Beyond drumming, intore dance — originally performed at the royal court — remains a living practice at cultural events. Weaving, pottery, and basket-making are traditional crafts passed through generations, with the basketry of Burundian women particularly admired across the region.
Food & Cuisine
Burundian cuisine is simple, sustaining, and deeply tied to the agricultural rhythms of a highland farming nation. Ugali — a stiff porridge of maize or cassava flour — is the cornerstone of most meals and is eaten by hand alongside bean stews, leafy greens, and occasionally grilled fish from Lake Tanganyika. The Nile perch, Tanganyika sardines (known locally as ndagala), and freshwater crabs from the lake are among the country's most prized proteins, typically grilled over charcoal and served with fried plantain.
Beans are eaten in some form at virtually every meal — red kidney beans slow-cooked with onions and tomatoes are a staple that is both humble and deeply satisfying. Brochettes of goat or beef are popular street food, especially in Bujumbura's Quartier Asiatique neighborhood where restaurants line the streets. Burundi's arabica coffee is world-class and has gained increasing recognition from specialty roasters — drinking a locally brewed cup in a Bujumbura café is an experience that connects you to the country's most celebrated agricultural product. Banana beer (urwarwa) is the traditional fermented drink brewed and consumed at social gatherings throughout the highlands.
Beans are eaten in some form at virtually every meal — red kidney beans slow-cooked with onions and tomatoes are a staple that is both humble and deeply satisfying. Brochettes of goat or beef are popular street food, especially in Bujumbura's Quartier Asiatique neighborhood where restaurants line the streets. Burundi's arabica coffee is world-class and has gained increasing recognition from specialty roasters — drinking a locally brewed cup in a Bujumbura café is an experience that connects you to the country's most celebrated agricultural product. Banana beer (urwarwa) is the traditional fermented drink brewed and consumed at social gatherings throughout the highlands.
Top Attractions
- Lake Tanganyika — The world's second-deepest and second-largest by volume, offering snorkeling, swimming, and spectacular sunsets from Bujumbura's beach.
- Kibira National Park — Central Africa's largest montane rainforest, home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and over 600 plant species in misty highland terrain.
- Royal Drummers of Burundi — Witness the UNESCO-inscribed ingoma drumming ceremony, an electrifying performance of cultural pride and spiritual power.
- Rusizi National Park — A floodplain sanctuary on the DRC border teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds just outside Bujumbura.
- Source of the Nile — The Bururi Forest Reserve in southern Burundi is considered by some geographers the most remote source of the Nile River, marked by a small pyramid monument.
Practical Travel Tips
- Carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate — it is mandatory for entry and will be checked at the airport.
- The Burundian franc is the local currency; bring USD or euros to exchange, as international card acceptance is very limited outside major Bujumbura hotels.
- French is the primary official language; learning basic phrases in Kirundi (like "Amahoro" for peace/greeting) will earn immediate warmth from locals.
- Always check current travel advisories before visiting — the political situation can shift and certain areas near the DRC border carry elevated risk.
- Hire a reliable local guide through your accommodation; they provide safety awareness, cultural context, and language assistance simultaneously.
- Malaria is endemic year-round at lower altitudes including Bujumbura; take prophylaxis and use insect repellent consistently.
Visa Overview
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Burundi. Visas are available on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport for citizens of many countries, or can be obtained in advance at Burundian embassies. A valid passport with at least six months of validity, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation are typically required. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and your international vaccination certificate will be checked upon arrival. Citizens of East African Community member states benefit from simplified entry procedures. Always check the latest visa requirements with the nearest Burundian diplomatic mission.
Getting Around
Transportation in Burundi is primarily by road, though the quality of roads varies dramatically between the paved main highways and unpaved rural tracks. Bujumbura has motorcycle taxis (motos) and shared minibuses for getting around the city affordably. For intercity travel, shared minibuses and buses operate between major towns but schedules are loose. Hiring a private car with a driver is the most comfortable and reliable way to explore the countryside. Flying into Bujumbura International Airport is the primary international gateway, with regional connections to Nairobi, Kigali, and Dar es Salaam.
Safety Notes
Burundi has experienced political instability, and travelers should monitor current advisories closely. The areas near the DRC border in the west carry heightened security risks. In Bujumbura, exercise standard urban precautions — avoid displaying valuables, don't walk alone after dark, and use reputable transport. Politically sensitive areas around government buildings should be avoided during periods of unrest. Malaria, typhoid, and cholera are health risks; travel insurance with full medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for any visit.
Live Exchange Rates
Current exchange rates for currencies used in Burundi.
Burundian franc (BIF) Fr
Updated: 2026-08-20
Burundian franc (BIF) Fr
Updated: 2026-08-20
| Currency Code | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1INCH | 0.003885 |
| AAVE | 0.000004 |
| ADA | 0.001806 |
| AED | 0.001235 |
| AFN | 0.022005 |
| AGIX | 0.005909 |
| AKT | 0.000654 |
| ALGO | 0.004084 |
| ALL | 0.026676 |
| AMD | 0.122043 |
| AMP | 0.876434 |
| ANG | 0.000602 |
| AOA | 0.308771 |
| APE | 0.002614 |
| APT | 0.000601 |
| AR | 0.000181 |
| ARB | 0.003844 |
| ARS | 0.503334 |
| ATOM | 0.000225 |
| ATS | 0.003960 |
| AUD | 0.000473 |
| AVAX | 0.000050 |
| AWG | 0.000602 |
| AXS | 0.000373 |
| AZM | 2.857722 |
| AZN | 0.000572 |
| BAKE | 0.483337 |
| BAM | 0.000563 |
| BAT | 0.005377 |
| BBD | 0.000672 |
| BCH | 0.000002 |
| BDT | 0.040909 |
| BEF | 0.011611 |
| BGN | 0.000563 |
| BHD | 0.000126 |
| BMD | 0.000336 |
| BNB | 0.000001 |
| BND | 0.000428 |
| BOB | 0.003862 |
| BRL | 0.001741 |
| BSD | 0.000336 |
| BSV | 0.000021 |
| BSW | 0.927710 |
| BTC | 0.000000 |
| BTCB | 0.005680 |
| BTG | 0.000766 |
| BTN | 0.032149 |
| BTT | 1,235.782530 |
| BUSD | 0.000336 |
| BWP | 0.004522 |
| BYN | 0.001017 |
| BYR | 6.588750 |
| BZD | 0.000675 |
| CAD | 0.000464 |
| CAKE | 0.000209 |
| CDF | 0.770732 |
| CELO | 0.005372 |
| CFX | 0.007676 |
| CHF | 0.000269 |
| CHZ | 0.026301 |
| CLP | 0.309845 |
| CNH | 0.002261 |
| CNY | 0.002261 |
| COMP | 0.000018 |
| COP | 1.026379 |
| CRC | 0.151366 |
| CRO | 0.006747 |
| CRV | 0.001289 |
| CSPR | 0.125884 |
| CUC | 0.000336 |
| CUP | 0.008908 |
| CVE | 0.031738 |
| CVX | 0.000208 |
| CYP | 0.000168 |
| CZK | 0.006956 |
| DAI | 0.000336 |
| DASH | 0.000011 |
| DCR | 0.000028 |
| DEM | 0.000563 |
| DFI | 0.337883 |
| DJF | 0.059715 |
| DKK | 0.002152 |
| DOGE | 0.004478 |
| DOP | 0.019636 |
| DOT | 0.000425 |
| DYDX | 0.003056 |
| DZD | 0.044620 |
| EEK | 0.004503 |
| EGLD | 0.000118 |
| EGP | 0.017030 |
| ENJ | 0.013287 |
| EOS | 0.005094 |
| ERN | 0.005043 |
| ESP | 0.047889 |
| ETB | 0.054640 |
| ETC | 0.000051 |
| ETH | 0.000000 |
| EUR | 0.000288 |
| EURC | 0.000290 |
| FEI | 0.000336 |
| FIL | 0.000499 |
| FIM | 0.001711 |
| FJD | 0.000740 |
| FKP | 0.000247 |
| FLOW | 0.011628 |
| FLR | 0.052291 |
| FRAX | 0.000339 |
| FRF | 0.001888 |
| FTT | 0.001620 |
| GALA | 0.233328 |
| GBP | 0.000247 |
| GEL | 0.000876 |
| GGP | 0.000247 |
| GHC | 37.202725 |
| GHS | 0.003720 |
| GIP | 0.000247 |
| GMD | 0.024915 |
| GMX | 0.000049 |
| GNF | 2.950480 |
| GNO | 0.000003 |
| GRD | 0.098074 |
| GRT | 0.024029 |
| GT | 0.000048 |
| GTQ | 0.002559 |
| GUSD | 0.000337 |
| GYD | 0.069934 |
| HBAR | 0.004744 |
| HKD | 0.002637 |
| HNL | 0.008988 |
| HNT | 0.001940 |
| HOT | 0.995599 |
| HRK | 0.002169 |
| HT | 0.002960 |
| HTG | 0.043728 |
| HUF | 0.104740 |
| ICP | 0.000145 |
| IDR | 5.985200 |
| IEP | 0.000227 |
| ILS | 0.001001 |
| IMP | 0.000247 |
| IMX | 0.003214 |
| INJ | 0.000072 |
| INR | 0.032149 |
| IQD | 0.437895 |
| IRR | 462.086543 |
| ISK | 0.040931 |
| ITL | 0.557292 |
| JEP | 0.000247 |
| JMD | 0.052816 |
| JOD | 0.000238 |
| JPY | 0.053241 |
| KAS | 0.012609 |
| KAVA | 0.008168 |
| KCS | 0.000046 |
| KDA | 0.071602 |
| KES | 0.043520 |
| KGS | 0.029433 |
| KHR | 1.354050 |
| KLAY | 0.013678 |
| KMF | 0.141597 |
| KNC | 0.003177 |
| KPW | 0.302545 |
| KRW | 0.468545 |
| KSM | 0.000109 |
| KWD | 0.000104 |
| KYD | 0.000279 |
| KZT | 0.155085 |
| LAK | 7.537571 |
| LBP | 30.051651 |
| LDO | 0.000992 |
| LEO | 0.000036 |
| LINK | 0.000032 |
| LKR | 0.110628 |
| LRC | 0.042261 |
| LRD | 0.060875 |
| LSL | 0.005413 |
| LTC | 0.000007 |
| LTL | 0.000994 |
| LUF | 0.011611 |
| LUNA | 0.007604 |
| LUNC | 6.654765 |
| LVL | 0.000202 |
| LYD | 0.002127 |
| MAD | 0.003112 |
| MANA | 0.005015 |
| MBX | 0.016258 |
| MDL | 0.005763 |
| MGA | 1.440049 |
| MGF | 7.200246 |
| MINA | 0.007867 |
| MKD | 0.017751 |
| MKR | 0.000000 |
| MMK | 0.705859 |
| MNT | 1.209490 |
| MOP | 0.002716 |
| MRO | 0.133907 |
| MRU | 0.013391 |
| MTL | 0.000124 |
| MUR | 0.015792 |
| MVR | 0.005197 |
| MWK | 0.580317 |
| MXN | 0.005698 |
| MXV | 0.000650 |
| MYR | 0.001359 |
| MZM | 21.455050 |
| MZN | 0.021455 |
| NAD | 0.005413 |
| NEAR | 0.000193 |
| NEO | 0.000185 |
| NEXO | 0.000450 |
| NFT | 1,193.782903 |
| NGN | 0.452775 |
| NIO | 0.012336 |
| NLG | 0.000634 |
| NOK | 0.003136 |
| NPR | 0.051462 |
| NZD | 0.000566 |
| OKB | 0.000003 |
| OMR | 0.000129 |
| ONE | 0.466007 |
| OP | 0.003785 |
| ORDI | 0.000091 |
| PAB | 0.000336 |
| PAXG | 0.000000 |
| PEN | 0.001127 |
| PEPE | 116.063421 |
| PGK | 0.001509 |
| PHP | 0.020717 |
| PI | 0.003741 |
| PKR | 0.092944 |
| PLN | 0.001243 |
| POL | 0.004119 |
| PTE | 0.057702 |
| PYG | 2.011753 |
| QAR | 0.001224 |
| QNT | 0.000006 |
| QTUM | 0.000466 |
| ROL | 15.099996 |
| RON | 0.001510 |
| RPL | 0.000216 |
| RSD | 0.033775 |
| RUB | 0.028238 |
| RUNE | 0.000788 |
| RVN | 0.128971 |
| RWF | 0.493008 |
| SAND | 0.008140 |
| SAR | 0.001261 |
| SBD | 0.002690 |
| SCR | 0.004877 |
| SDD | 20.178096 |
| SDG | 0.201781 |
| SEK | 0.003173 |
| SGD | 0.000428 |
| SHIB | 70.957433 |
| SHP | 0.000247 |
| SIT | 0.068973 |
| SKK | 0.008671 |
| SLE | 0.007703 |
| SLL | 7.703401 |
| SNX | 0.001640 |
| SOL | 0.000004 |
| SOS | 0.190675 |
| SPL | 0.000056 |
| SRD | 0.012711 |
| SRG | 12.710607 |
| SSP | 1.905965 |
| STD | 7.097528 |
| STN | 0.007098 |
| STX | 0.002577 |
| SUI | 0.000476 |
| SVC | 0.002942 |
| SYP | 4.370762 |
| SZL | 0.005413 |
| THB | 0.011039 |
| THETA | 0.002237 |
| TJS | 0.003084 |
| TMM | 5.882456 |
| TMT | 0.001176 |
| TND | 0.000974 |
| TOP | 0.000801 |
| TRL | 16,122.813249 |
| TRX | 0.001007 |
| TRY | 0.016123 |
| TTD | 0.002273 |
| TUSD | 0.000337 |
| TVD | 0.000473 |
| TWD | 0.010704 |
| TWT | 0.000841 |
| TZS | 0.889864 |
| UAH | 0.015016 |
| UGX | 1.249200 |
| UNI | 0.000092 |
| USD | 0.000336 |
| USDC | 0.000336 |
| USDD | 0.000336 |
| USDP | 0.000337 |
| USDT | 0.000336 |
| UYU | 0.013452 |
| UZS | 3.948903 |
| VAL | 0.557292 |
| VEB | 26,099,011.592567 |
| VED | 0.260406 |
| VEF | 26,040.556225 |
| VES | 0.260406 |
| VET | 0.069266 |
| VND | 8.782675 |
| VUV | 0.039767 |
| WAVES | 0.001705 |
| WEMIX | 0.001737 |
| WOO | 0.030480 |
| WST | 0.000905 |
| XAF | 0.188796 |
| XAG | 0.000005 |
| XAU | 0.000000 |
| XAUT | 0.000000 |
| XBT | 0.000000 |
| XCD | 0.000910 |
| XCG | 0.000602 |
| XCH | 0.000237 |
| XDC | 0.012087 |
| XDR | 0.000246 |
| XEC | 47.950369 |
| XEM | 0.718113 |
| XLM | 0.001958 |
| XMR | 0.000001 |
| XOF | 0.188796 |
| XPD | 0.000000 |
| XPF | 0.034346 |
| XPT | 0.000000 |
| XRP | 0.000303 |
| XTZ | 0.001543 |
| YER | 0.079706 |
| ZAR | 0.005413 |
| ZEC | 0.000001 |
| ZIL | 0.138314 |
| ZMK | 6.298216 |
| ZMW | 0.006298 |
| ZWD | 0.121675 |
| ZWG | 0.008967 |
| ZWL | 22.405662 |
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Cities in Burundi 132
Browse all cities and towns
Cities in Burundi 132
Browse all cities and towns
Bisoro
Bubanza
Bugabira
Buganda
Bugarama
Bugarama
Bugendana
Bugenyuzi
Buhiga
Buhinyuza
Bujumbura
Bujumbura
Bukemba
Bukeye
Bukinanyana
Bukirasazi
Burambi
Buraza
Bururi
Busiga
Busoni
Butaganzwa
Butaganzwa
Butezi
Butihinda
Buyengero
Bwambarangwe
Bweru
Cankuzo
Cendajuru
Cibitoke
Gahombo
Gasenyi
Gashikanwa
Gashoho
Gasorwe
Gatara
Gatumba
Gihanga
Giharo
Giheta
Gihogazi
Gisagara
Gishubi
Gisozi
Gisuru
Gitanga
Gitaramuka
Gitega
Giteranyi
Gitobe
Isale
Itaba
Kabarore
Kabezi
Kampezi
Kanyosha
Kanyosha
Karuzi
Kayanza
Kayokwe
Kibago
Kigamba
Kiganda
Kinyinya
Kiremba
Kirundo
Mabanda
Mabayi
Magara
Makamba
Makebuko
Marangara
Matana
Matongo
Mbuye
Mishiha
Mpanda
Mpinga-Kayove
Mubimbi
Mugamba
Mugina
Mugongomanga
Muha
Muhanga
Muhuta
Mukike
Mukungu
Muramvya
Muruta
Murwi
Musigati
Musongati
Mutaho
Mutambu
Mutimbuzi
Mutumba
Muyinga
Muzye
Mwakiro
Mwaro
Mwumba
Ndava
Ndava
Ngozi
Ntahangwa
Ntega
Nyabihanga
Nyabikenke
Nyabikere
Nyabiraba
Nyabitsinda
Nyamurenza
Nyanza Lac
Nyarusange
Rugazi
Rugombo
Ruhehe
Ruhororo
Rumonge
Rusaka
Rutana
Rutegama
Rutovu
Ruyigi
Ryansoro
Shombo
Songa
Tangara
Vugizo
Vumbi-Bukuba
Vyanda
Visa Requirements
Check what visa a citizen of Burundi needs to enter any country.
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 (Fr) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Burundi?
The official language(s) of Burundi include French, Kirundi.
What is the population of Burundi?
Burundi has a population of approximately 12,332,788 people.
What region is Burundi in?
Burundi is located in Africa, specifically in the Eastern Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for Burundi?
The international dialing code for Burundi is +257.
What time zones does Burundi observe?
Burundi observes the following time zone(s): UTC+02:00.
What is the current time in Burundi?
The local time in Burundi is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Burundi?
Burundi covers a total area of 27,834 km².
How many states or provinces does Burundi have?
Burundi is divided into 19 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Burundi in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Burundi in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Burundi?
Visa requirements for citizens of Burundi vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.