THE COUNTRY

Capital: Gitega

Currency: Burundian Franc

Time Zone: UTC+2

National Anthem: Burundi Bwacu

Independence: July 1st 1962

Area: 27.834 KM2 (10.747 SQ MILES)

Country Dialing Code: +257

Population: 11.745.876 (2019)


Historically and culturally, Burundian society has an original history, a national construction of more than six centuries and a homogeneous culture based on a common language, Kirundi. Founded in the 15th century, the kingdom of Burundi was one of the most organized kingdoms in the Great Lakes Region, with a well-structured administrative management system. Although under the authority of the Mwami, local chiefs and sub-chiefs enjoyed broad autonomy.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the kingdom fell under foreign domination. German precisely. Indeed, after fierce resistance against the invader, the Mwami Mwezi GISABO is forced to lay down his arms. On June 6, 1903, he signed the Treaty of Kiganda by which he agreed to submit and recognize German authority over his kingdom. Although remaining Mwami, he is no longer the one giving orders. Henceforth, all the regional chiefs obey orders from the German station of Usumbura (Today’s Bujumbura).