Truck and bicylists near Gitega, Burundi.jpg

A view of central Bujumbura from the cathedral spire

Gitega drums are famous around the world. Burundi is the land o…

Burundi

Country Information of Burundi

Burundi is a small, landlocked country located in the African Great Lakes region of East Africa, bordered by Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Situated in a region of rolling hills and mountains, the country has a predominan...

Capital

Gitega

Languages

French, Kirundi

UN-Member?

Yes

Major Cities

Bujumbura,Muyinga,Rumonge,Ruyigi,Cibitoke,Gitega,Ngozi,Rutana,Bururi,Makamba

Major Cities

What Expats Say About BurundiBETA

Research in Progress

We're currently analyzing expat perspectives for Burundi. Check back soon for insights from real experiences!

We're gradually rolling out this feature and continuously improving the insights. The data is based on real expat discussions and will become more comprehensive over time.

Demographics in Burundi

Life Expectancy

57.5

Population

11,890,781

Religions

Christianity

93.9%

Christianity (Catholic)

58.6%

Christianity (Protestant)

35.3%

Islam

3.4%

Non-religious

1.3%

Ethnic Composition

{{ublist |

N/A

~99% Barundi

N/A

Hutu

85%

Tutsi

14%

Twa

Climate & Weather in Burundi

Loading climate data...

Safety & Security in Burundi

Overall Safety Score

Calculated from crime, safety, and healthcare indices

POOR

/100

Worldwide Average

Moderate54/100

Africa Average

Low45/100

Crime & Safety Metrics

Index

Compare:

Burundi

Africa Average

Safety Index

Low

Safety from Crime

Concerning

Safe Alone (Day)

Moderate

Safe Alone (Night)

Low

Safety from Violent Crime

Moderate

Safety from Property Crime

Concerning

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Index

Healthcare Index

Limited

Healthcare Quality

Limited

Emergency Response

Limited

Emergency Services

• Emergency Number: 112 (universal)

• Ambulance Response: 15-30 minutes urban, up to 60 minutes rural

• Hospital Coverage: Limited public healthcare system with basic emergency services

• Trauma Centers: Limited specialized care in Bujumbura

• Language Support: French and Kirundi primary, limited English availability

Emergency Numbers:

• Universal Emergency: 112

• Medical: 112

• Police: 117

• Fire: 118

Response Times:

• Urban areas: ~20 minutes

• Rural areas: ~45 minutes

Hospital System:

Limited public healthcare system with minimal resources, concentrated in urban areas

Major Trauma Centers:

Bujumbura

Language Support:

Emergency services primarily operate in French and Kirundi

Data Completeness: complete

Entry Restrictions in Burundi

Summarizing data... just a few seconds

Visa Requirements for Burundi

Photo Gallery of Burundi

20 photos • Click any image to view larger

Living Costs in Burundi

Extremely low cost of living with very affordable housing and basic necessities, though limited economic opportunities exist.

Crime & Safety in Burundi

Moderate safety risks with elevated crime levels, primarily involving petty theft and property crimes in urban areas.

Safety Index: 43.40 | Crime Level: 56.60

Health System in Burundi

Limited public healthcare infrastructure with basic medical services, significant challenges in rural regions and low overall healthcare quality.

Quality Rating: 3.5/10

Advantages in Burundi

Rich cultural diversity with multiple ethnic traditions
Beautiful landscape with numerous natural attractions
Relatively stable political environment in recent years
Young population with potential for economic growth

Disadvantages in Burundi

High poverty rates limiting economic development
Weak infrastructure and limited technological access
Challenging job market with limited professional opportunities
Ongoing economic instability and external dependency

Government & Politics in Burundi

Loading data...

Economic Overview in Burundi

Index

GDP

$3.34B

HDI

0.4

Quality of Life

N/A

NYC baseline: 43

Purchasing Power

12/100

-30 vs NYC

Understanding the economic landscape is essential for evaluating living costs and opportunities in Burundi. This comprehensive overview covers key financial indicators including cost of living, housing markets, income levels, and fiscal policies that shape daily life and long-term financial planning.

Economic & Living Costs in Burundi

Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

0.97-5.08 BIF

Avg: 3.03 BIF

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

20.68-78.16 BIF

Avg: 49.42 BIF

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

3.69-4 BIF

Avg: 3.85 BIF

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

2-4.56 BIF

Avg: 3.28 BIF

Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

289.31-677.95 BIF

Avg: 483.63 BIF

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

29.06-168.76 BIF

Avg: 98.91 BIF

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

482.18-2372.81 BIF

Avg: 1427.49 BIF

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

289.31-338.97 BIF

Avg: 314.14 BIF

Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

N/A

Avg: N/A

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

7.03-13.56 BIF

Avg: 10.3 BIF

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

N/A

Avg: N/A

Gasoline (1 liter)

1.33-1.35 BIF

Avg: 1.34 BIF

Utilities & Communications Costs

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

20-68.81 BIF

Avg: 44.41 BIF

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

2.6-13.56 BIF

Avg: 8.08 BIF

Grocery Costs

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

0.48-1 BIF

Avg: 0.74 BIF

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

0.69-2 BIF

Avg: 1.35 BIF

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.19-4.88 BIF

Avg: 3.03 BIF

Local Cheese (1kg)

8.47-12.13 BIF

Avg: 10.3 BIF

Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

N/A

Avg: N/A

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

N/A

Avg: N/A

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

N/A

Avg: N/A

Last updated: 2025-06-24

Education System in Burundi

Research in progress... please wait a minute

Transportation & Infrastructure in Burundi

Burundi's transportation infrastructure faces significant challenges as a landlocked East African nation with limited connectivity. Road transport dominates, accounting for over 90% of goods and passenger traffic, though many routes remain in poor condition, particularly in rural areas where 90% of the population resides. Recent infrastructure initiatives, including World Bank-supported resilience projects and the East African Railway Master Plan, aim to improve regional connectivity and economic integration. The country's mobility landscape is characterized by ongoing development efforts to enhance climate-resilient roads, establish multimodal transport corridors, and reduce logistics costs that currently burden businesses and limit economic growth.

Public Transport

Below Average

Road Infrastructure

Below Average

Public Transport

2.5/10

Burundi has minimal formal public transport infrastructure. No metro or urban rail systems exist. Limited bus networks operate primarily in urban areas like Bujumbura. Most intercity transport relies on informal minibus services. No operational railway network currently functions, severely limiting bulk goods transport and passenger connectivity.

Road Infrastructure

3.8/10

Burundi's road network comprises approximately 12,300 km, with only about 10% paved. Recent reports indicate 95% of Northern Corridor roads are in good condition, but rural roads remain poorly maintained due to limited funding and weather damage. Road erosion from heavy trucks and elements creates dangerous conditions, particularly outside urban centers. Ongoing World Bank projects target climate-resilient infrastructure improvements.

Internet Speed

2.1/10

Burundi has limited broadband infrastructure with minimal fiber network deployment. Mobile phone subscriptions reached 57 per 100 people in 2019, below regional neighbors. Internet speeds remain slow with poor rural connectivity. Infrastructure investment is increasing but remains constrained by limited funding and geographic challenges.

Minimal fiber deployment; primarily concentrated in Bujumbura and major urban centers

Airport Connectivity

3.2/10

Burundi has 7 airports with 1 major facility (Bujumbura International Airport). Limited international route network with connections primarily to regional East African hubs. Domestic flight coverage is minimal. Airport infrastructure and accessibility remain basic compared to regional standards. Regional connectivity through Tanzania's Dar es Salaam port serves as primary international gateway.

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass: Not applicable - no metro system
Bus Trip: Data not available - informal pricing varies by route
Taxi: Data not available - informal negotiated rates
High-speed Train: Not available - no operational railway network

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: No 5G deployment; infrastructure remains focused on 4G expansion

4G Coverage: Limited 4G coverage concentrated in urban areas; rural coverage remains sparse

Mobile network coverage is limited compared to regional standards. 4G deployment focuses on major urban centers with significant rural connectivity gaps. Network reliability varies by provider and location. Infrastructure investment is ongoing but constrained by economic factors.

Driving License

IDP required

International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign nationals. Burundi drives on the right side of the road. Foreign licenses are accepted with valid IDP; conversion to local license not required for temporary visits. Visitors should obtain IDP before arrival and carry both original license and permit.

Loading transportation data...

Work & Business in Burundi

Burundi's economy is primarily agrarian, with agriculture contributing 40% of GDP and employing over 90% of the workforce. The country offers emerging business opportunities in coffee, tea, mining, and renewable energy sectors, supported by government investment incentives through the Agence de Promotion des Investissements (API). However, the business environment faces significant challenges including infrastructure deficits, high informality (93.5% of jobs), heavy tax burdens, and limited access to capital. Despite these obstacles, improving agricultural conditions, major infrastructure projects like the Tanzania-Burundi railway, and nickel mining expansion present growth potential for entrepreneurs and investors willing to navigate the complex regulatory landscape.

Employment Rate

35.0%

Low formal employment rate with 93.5% of jobs in the informal economy. Over 75% of formal employment concentrated in public sector. Private sector remains underdeveloped with limited job opportunities, though agricultural employment provides subsistence for majority of workforce.

Startup Ecosystem

35.0%

Emerging startup ecosystem with limited resources and support. Government initiatives and microfinance services for SMEs exist, but entrepreneurs face heavy tax burdens (18%), supply chain challenges, limited capital access, and skill gaps. Success stories in coffee, tea, and renewable energy demonstrate potential but remain exceptions.

Average Salary Range

BIF 1,200,000 - BIF 3,600,000 annually

Limited salary data available. Formal sector salaries significantly higher than informal economy. Public sector employment offers more stable compensation. Tech and specialized sectors command premium salaries. High inflation and cost of living pressures impact purchasing power.

Work Visa Requirements

EU Citizens:

EU citizens require a visa for entry and work authorization. Standard tourist visas available on arrival or through embassy. Work permits must be obtained separately through employer sponsorship.

Non-EU Citizens:

All non-EU citizens require visa for entry. Work permits require employer sponsorship and approval from Burundi's labor authorities. Investment visas available for business owners meeting capital requirements.

Burundi requires visa authorization for most foreign nationals. Work permits tied to specific employers and positions. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. Limited digital nomad or specialized work visa categories. Investors may access facilitated processes through API.

Business Registration

Timeline:

1-2 weeks

Business registration is straightforward but faces practical hurdles. Process involves registration with relevant authorities and obtaining necessary certifications. High 18% tax burden affects financial sustainability. Complex import/export procedures and reliance on personal networks required. Corruption and certification complexities present ongoing challenges despite simplified registration framework.

Remote Work Policies

Legal Status:

No specific remote work legislation identified. Remote work arrangements handled through individual employment contracts and employer policies.

Remote work culture underdeveloped due to limited broadband access and infrastructure constraints. Co-working spaces minimal outside major urban centers. Digital infrastructure improvements underway but adoption remains limited. Most employment remains location-dependent with traditional office-based work dominant.

Key Industries

Agriculture & Agro-processing

Coffee & Tea Production

Mining & Minerals

Renewable Energy

Microfinance & Banking

Telecommunications

Manufacturing

Tourism & Hospitality

Job Opportunities by Sector

Agriculture & Agro-processing:

Dominant employment sector employing over 90% of workforce. Opportunities in coffee and tea production, processing, and export. Growing mechanization and value-added processing creating new roles. Subsistence farming remains primary livelihood for rural population.

Mining & Extraction:

Expanding sector with nickel mining resuming January 2025 after 2021 suspension. USD 15 billion Russian contract signed for 10-year nickel operations. Mining activity hampered by energy shortages but improving with hydroelectric dam projects. High-skill technical positions available.

Renewable Energy:

Growing opportunities in solar and hydroelectric projects. Jiji-Mulembwe dam commissioning expected to boost energy sector. Government investment in electrification and hydroelectric infrastructure. Attracts both local and foreign investors with technical expertise needed.

Microfinance & SME Services:

Surge in microfinance institutions providing small loans to entrepreneurs. Growing banking services for SMEs. Opportunities in financial services, loan management, and business advisory. Sector supports informal economy formalization efforts.

Infrastructure & Construction:

Major projects including Tanzania-Burundi railway line financed by African Development Bank. Electrification and hydroelectric dam construction ongoing. Infrastructure development identified as key economic pillar. Significant employment potential in construction and project management.

Telecommunications & Technology:

Growing digital infrastructure with major telecom providers operating. Broadband expansion initiatives underway to support formalization. Limited but emerging tech sector with potential for digital services and innovation. Skills gap presents training opportunities.

Loading work & business data...

Retirement & Senior Living in Burundi

Upgrade to Premium to unlock this feature

Create an account to access:

✓District-level insights & personalization
✓Retirement planning module
✓Access to 3 continents
✓Enhanced filters & comparisons
✓Up to 10 comprehensive reports
✓API access (5000 req/month)

Get Started

Legal & Administrative in Burundi

Loading legal and administrative data...

Environment & Sustainability in Burundi

Burundi faces severe environmental challenges, with forest cover declining from 20% in 2000 to 10.8% today due to heavy reliance on firewood and charcoal for energy. The country experiences rapid soil degradation, losing 5.2% of land area annually to degradation since 2020, while contributing less than 0.02% of global greenhouse gas emissions despite ranking 22nd in climate vulnerability.

Air Quality Index

Moderate

5.5/10

Worsening trend

Air quality data for Burundi is limited, but deforestation and biomass burning for charcoal production contribute to air pollution. With 95% of households relying on firewood and charcoal, indoor and outdoor air quality is significantly impacted by smoke emissions from traditional energy sources.

Water Quality

Moderate

5.0/10

Burundi's water quality is threatened by soil erosion and deforestation, which increase sediment and pollution in water systems. The country has abundant freshwater resources from lakes and rivers including the Ruzizi and Nyabarongo, but these are increasingly vulnerable to degradation from land erosion and agricultural runoff.

Limited data available; water quality is compromised by soil erosion from deforestation and land degradation affecting both surface and groundwater systems.

Recycling System

No comprehensive recycling infrastructure data is available for Burundi. The country's waste management systems are underdeveloped, with limited formal recycling programs. Efforts focus primarily on addressing deforestation and land degradation rather than circular economy initiatives.

Green Spaces

Burundi's forest cover has critically declined from 20% in 2000 to 10.8% in 2024, with natural forests experiencing severe pressure. Between 2021 and 2024, 95% of tree cover loss occurred in natural forests, totaling 9.56 kha. The country's biodiversity is rich with endemic species, but ecosystems are increasingly threatened by deforestation and soil erosion.

Forest Coverage: 10.8%

Specific protected area data is limited; however, the country recognizes the need for forest conservation through initiatives like 'Ewe Burundi Urambaye' aimed at reforestation and strengthening forest cover.

Environmental Policies

Burundi submitted its revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in October 2021, committing to reduce emissions by 3.04% unconditionally by 2030, or 12.61% with international support. The NDC includes expanded adaptation ambition and a logical framework for monitoring implementation. Environmental policies address deforestation, land degradation, and climate resilience, with participation from women, youth, indigenous communities, and civil society.

Key Policies:

•Revised NDC (2021) with emission reduction targets
•National Development Plan targeting 16% restoration of degraded lands
•Forest governance and sustainable energy transition initiatives
•Climate resilience and landscape restoration programs

Renewable Energy: Shift to renewable energy is identified as crucial to reduce dependence on charcoal fuel; specific renewable energy percentage targets are not detailed in available sources.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

Burundi faces escalating natural disaster risk driven by climate change and environmental degradation. Soil erosion is the primary concern, with sediment loss projected to increase 69% by 2030 and 200% by 2050 from 2020 levels. Floods and water-related disasters are increasing due to deforestation and land degradation. The country loses 5.2% of land area annually to soil degradation since 2020.

Soil erosion and landslidesFloodsDroughtsWater pollution events

Climate Change Impacts: From 1979 to 2018, Burundi's mean temperature rose by 0.31°C per decade, indicating significant warming trends. Climate change is expected to increase land degradation by 200% by 2050. Between 2021 and 2024, tree cover loss in natural forests totaled 9.56 kha, equivalent to 4.85 Mt of CO₂-equivalent emissions. From 2017 to 2020, more than 33,000 ha (1.2% of land area) experienced acute degradation. The country's vulnerability is compounded by poverty and fragility, despite contributing less than 0.02% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainability Initiatives

Reforestation and Forest Restoration

The 'Ewe Burundi Urambaye' project aims to plant trees and strengthen the country's forest cover. The National Development Plan targets restoration of 16% of degraded lands to their former agricultural productivity. Youth-led groups like Greening Burundi are pushing for stronger community involvement in forest conservation and sustainable practices.

Sustainable Energy Transition

With 95% of households relying on firewood and charcoal, a shift to renewable energy is identified as crucial for reducing deforestation pressure. Initiatives focus on transitioning away from biomass energy dependence through sustainable energy alternatives, though specific renewable energy deployment programs are limited.

Climate Resilience and Land Restoration

The World Bank-Government of Burundi joint initiative 'Tackling Climate Change, Land Degradation and Fragility' aims to scale up climate resilience and landscape restoration. The program identifies 118 collines as hotspots for soil erosion and develops multi-sector investment plans to address compounded climate, poverty, and conflict vulnerabilities.

Deforestation-Free Supply Chain Certification

Coffee supply chain actors in Burundi are working toward deforestation-free certification and EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulation) compliance. Supply chains are being assessed, geotagged, and mapped to strengthen traceability and ensure sustainable practices, with collaboration between government bodies and NGOs.

Wildlife & Nature

African Forest ElephantVulnerable

Mountain GorillaVulnerable

Endemic Bird SpeciesVulnerable

Loading environment and sustainability data...

Geography in Burundi

Coastline

N/A

Highest Point

Mount Heha

Lowest Point

Lake Tanganyika

National Flag

Quick Facts for Burundi

Population

11,890,781

Currency

BIF

Timezone

UTC+02:00

Calling Code

+257

Week starts on

monday

Gini Coefficient

38.6 (2013)

Drives on the

right side

Location

Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.

All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.

Burundi

Capital

Languages

UN-Member?

Major Cities

Life Expectancy

Population

Religions

Ethnic Composition

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services

GDP

HDI

Quality of Life

Purchasing Power

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Gasoline (1 liter)

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

Eggs (regular) (12)

Local Cheese (1kg)

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Internet Speed

Airport Connectivity

Transportation Costs

Mobile Network

Driving License

Employment Rate

Startup Ecosystem

Average Salary Range

Work Visa Requirements

Business Registration

Remote Work Policies

Key Industries

Job Opportunities by Sector

Cultural Integration Score

Expat Community

Social Activities

Religious Facilities

Volunteer Opportunities

Dating & Relationships

Professional Networking

Upgrade to Premium to unlock this feature

Air Quality Index

Water Quality

Recycling System

Green Spaces

Environmental Policies

Natural Disaster Risk

Sustainability Initiatives

Wildlife & Nature

Coastline

Highest Point

Lowest Point

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure