Introduction: Burundi Download PDF

After the 1993 assassination of the first president to be elected democratically, ethnic fighting broke out between the Hutu and the Tutsi groups in Burundi; many Burundians sought refuge in neighboring countries. The 2003 agreement between the Tutsis and Hutus, which was internationally negotiated, allowed for a new constitution to be created and the Hutu government to take form in 2005. The country continues to face many problems, even though a ceasefire was signed in 2006 between President Pierre NKURUNZIZA and the last rebel group in the country.

Capital City: Bujumbura (+2 GMT)  
Chief of State: President Pierre NKURUNZIZA  
Head of Govt.: President Pierre NKURUNZIZA  
Currency: Burundi franc  
Main Cities: Cibitoke, Muyinga, Ngozi  
Major Languages: Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area)  
Calling Code: 257  
Voltage: 220  
Primary Religions: Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs 23%, Muslim 10%  

Main Airports

Bujumbura International (BJM)

U.S. Embassy

Avenue des Etats Unis (Boite Postale 1720), Bujumbura
tel. [257] 22-34-54

Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA
$400 (2008 est.)
Inflation Rate
24.1% (2008 est.)
Population
8,988,091
Country Risk Ratings
D
Ease of Doing Business
177/181
Global Competitiveness
132/134

Statistics

Labor force:
4.245 million (2007)
Exports:
$79 million (2008 est.)
Exports - partners:
Japan 22.3%, Germany 14.4%, Pakistan 7.5%, Rwanda 4.7%, Sudan 4.4% (2008)
Imports:
$350 million (2008 est.)
Imports - partners:
Saudi Arabia 18.3%, Kenya 10.7%, Belgium 7.9%, France 5.8%, Uganda 5.1%, China 4.9%, India 4.5%, Germany 4.3% (2008)
Major Industries:
light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imported components; public works construction; food processing

Rankings

Corruption Perceptions Index
2.4 out of 180
 
The Corruptions Perception Index (CPI) is reported annually by Transparency International, an international civil society organization. The CPI ranks countries in terms of the degree to which corruption exists in the misuse of public power for private benefit among public officials and politicians. CPI is a composite index determined by expert assessments and opinion surveys. The highest ranked country is the country with the least amount of perceived corruption. Index units, 10=least corrupt, 0=most corrupt.

Data collected in 2006

Source: Transparency International

E-readiness Rankings
-
 
The E-readiness Ranking is reported yearly by the Economist Intelligence Unit, a research and advisory firm. The E-readiness Ranking evaluates the technological, economic, political and social assets of countries to assess the information and communications technology infrastructure, and the infrastructures benefits on the country's consumers, businesses and governments. The higher ranked countries have a better ability to leverage digital channels for communication, commerce, and government in order to further development.

Data collected in 2007

Source: EIU

Freedom of the Press
74 out of 191
 
The Freedom of the Press Survey is an annual report by The Freedom House, an organization that promotes and researches advocacy of freedom across countries. The Press Survey assesses the degree of print, broadcast, and internet freedom in every country in the world. Ratings are determined by examining three broad categories: the legal environment in which media operate (0-30 points), political influences on reporting and access to information (0-40 points), and economic pressures on content and the dissemination of news (0-30 points). The highest ranked country has the greatest degree of press freedom. Index units, 1-30: Free, 31-60: Partly Free, 61-100: Not Free.

Data collected in 2006

Source: Freedom House

Global Enabling Trade Report
117 out of 118
 
The Global Enabling Trade Report is published yearly by the World Economic Forum, an independent international organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. The Global Enabling Trade Report analyzes which countries around the world enable trade from country to destination by measuring market access, border administration, transport and communications infrastructure, and the business environment. The highest ranked countries have the best factors, policies, and services facilitating the free flow of goods across borders.

Data collected in 2008

Source: World Economic Forum

Global Services Location Index
-
 
The Global Services Location Index is published annually by A.T. Kearney, a global management consulting firm. The Global Services Location Index measures the viability of countries as a potential offshore destination for services, based on their financial attractiveness (0-4 points), people and skills availability (0-3 points), and business environment (0-3 points). The highest ranked country is the most attractive as a potential offshoring destination. Index units, 0=location does not provide offshore support, 10=location does provide offshore support.

Data collected in 2007

Source: A.T. Kearney

Index of Economic Freedom
145 out of 155
 
The Index of Economic Freedom is reported annually by the Heritage Foundation, a research and educational institute. The Index of Economic Freedom analyzes a wide range of issues including trade barriers, corruption, government expenditures, property rights, and tax rates to generate an overall ranking of economic freedom. The highest ranked country is the country with the least number of restrictions and constraints on businesses.

Data collected in 2008

Source: Heritage Foundation

Tax Misery & Reform Index
-
 
The Forbes Tax Misery Index is annually compiled by Forbes, an American publishing and media company. The Tax Misery Index reflects the sum of corporate income, personal income and wealth taxes plus employer social security, employee social security and VAT/sales taxes at the highest marginal rate in each locale. The highest ranked countries impose the harshest taxes while those at the bottom are the most tax friendly.

Data collected in 2007

Source: Forbes

The Globalization Index
-
 
The Globalization Index is compiled annually by A.T. Kearney and Foreign Policy. The Globalization Index ranks the major developed and developing countries in the world by analyzing key components of global integration, such as economic, personal, technological, and political integration. The highest ranked country is the most globalized.

Data collected in 2007

Source: Foreign Policy