Burundi Population

Population Distribution

As of 2023, the latest population of Burundi is 11,865,821, based on our calculation of the current data from UN (United Nations).

Total population	11,865,821
Population growth rate	2.85%
Birth rate	41.30 births per 1,000 people
Life expectancy
Overall	59.69 years
Men	57.92 years
Women	61.50 years
Age structure
0-14 years	45.52%
15-64 years	51.80%
65 years and above	2.69%
Median age	17.00 years
Gender ratio (Male to Female)	0.98
Population density	426.37 residents per km²
Urbanization	9.90%
Ethnicities
85% Hutu, 14% Tutsi, 1% Twa (so-called pygmies); approx. 3,000 Europeans and 2,000 South Asians
Religions
Christians 67% (Catholics (Roman Catholic) 62%, Protestants 5%), indigenous religions 23%, Muslims 10%
Human Development Index (HDI)	0.423
HDI ranking	185th out of 194

People in Burundi

Although Burundi is a very small state, a large number of people live there. Around eleven million crowd an area about the size of North Rhine-Westphalia. Similar to the neighboring state of Rwanda, Burundi is heavily populated, which means that many people live in a relatively small area.

The people of Burundi are called Rundi, which sounds pretty funny. They all have the same language and the same culture, but can still be divided into several groups. Almost half of the people are younger than 15 years. 29 out of 1,000 children die in childbirth.

Hutu, Tutsi and Twa

As in Rwanda, Hutu and Tutsi live in Burundi. 80 out of 100 people belong to the Hutu and ten to 15 to the Tutsi, who thus represent the minority. The smallest group are the Twa, the original population of the country. Today they often live separately from the other residents.

It is wrong to speak of different ethics in Burundi, because Hutu and Tutsi speak a common language, Kirundi, and also have the same religious beliefs. The points of contact with neighboring Rwanda are also large. In Burundi, too, the upper class people are mostly Tutsi, the poorer mostly Hutu. But a Hutu could also become a Tutsi.

Huti and Tutsi were enemies for a long time because each felt like something better. So it came to a bad civil war in which many people died. Although the conflicts were great, the hope remains that the youth will emphasize the similarities rather than the differences.

Languages in Burundi

As a language, the Rundi share the Kirundi language, a Bantu language. You also hear French as a foreign language in Burundi, because Belgium ruled Burundi as part of a League of Nations mandate. In the capital, Bujumbura, people also speak Swahili, as does the area around Lake Tanganyika.

Religions in Burundi

80 out of 100 residents of Burundi are Christians and mostly of the Catholic faith. The natural religions are still widespread in the country. The number of people of the Muslim faith is low in Burundi at two in 100.

Burundi Overview

Burundi, located in East Africa, is famous for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant drumming tradition. The country’s rolling hills, lush forests, and scenic lakes, including Lake Tanganyika, offer breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Burundi’s traditional drumming, recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, is an integral part of its cultural identity and is often showcased in festivals and ceremonies. Despite its tumultuous history marked by ethnic conflict, Burundi’s resilient people continue to celebrate their cultural heritage and strive for peace and stability.

• Capital City: Gitega (political capital), Bujumbura (economic capital)
• Population: Approximately 12.9 million
• Area: 27,834 square kilometers
• Full Country Name: Republic of Burundi
• Currency: Burundian Franc (BIF)
• Language: Kirundi, French
• ISO Country Codes: BI, BDI

Bordering Countries of Burundi

Burundi is a landlocked nation located in East Africa and it is bordered by five countries: Tanzania to the east and south, Rwanda to the north, Congo to the west, and Uganda to the northwest. Each of these countries has its own unique culture and history that have had a significant influence on Burundi’s culture.

Tanzania, located to the east and south of Burundi, is a large country composed of numerous ethnic groups such as the Sukuma, Haya, Nyamwezi and Chaga. The official language of Tanzania is Swahili which is spoken by most Tanzanians. The country also has some impressive national parks such as Gombe Stream National Park which are home to some rare species of wildlife like chimpanzees.

To the north lies Rwanda; this small African nation was once known as Ruanda until 1962 when it changed its name to Rwanda Republic. The majority of Rwanda’s population consists mainly of Hutu and Tutsi people who practice various religions such as Christianity and Islam. It has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Virunga Mountains (which are home to endangered mountain gorillas) & Nyungwe Forest National Park (which consists mainly of tropical rainforest).

Congo lies directly west of Burundi; it is a large African nation with an incredibly diverse population including over 200 ethnic groups that speak a variety of languages such as Lingala, Kikongo and Swahili. Congo also boasts some impressive wildlife reserves like Kahuzi-Biega National Park which are home to endangered species like lowland gorillas.

Uganda lies northwest of Burundi; this landlocked nation in East Africa has a population primarily composed of people from ethnic groups like Baganda, Banyoro, Basoga and Iteso. It has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Tombs at Kasubi (which were once part of an ancient kingdom), Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (which is home to endangered mountain gorillas) & Rwenzori Mountains National Park (which consists mainly of montane forests).