Introduction
GeographySocial AspectsLanguageReligionEducation |
Situated in the "heart of Africa," Burundi is surrounded by Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania. Although Burundi is one of the smallest countries of Africa, it has a population of approximately 10.5 million, making it one of the most densely populated countries per square mile (Burundi, 2010). There are three main social groups in the country, the Hutu (85 percent), the Tutsi (14 percent), and the Twa (1 percent). Although these social groups may also mistakenly be called ethnic groups, all three groups have shared the same values and language for years. Although the social classes originally started as different tribes, any member of the society can become a Hutu or a Tutsi depending on social class. There has been continuous warfare as the Tutsi and the Hutu fight for political power in the country, causing many to flee and seek refuge in neighboring Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Irakoze: 2014). The majority of the population lives in rural areas with a very small population living in urban areas (13 percent). The people live off of their own agriculture and livestock by growing beans, bananas, sweet potatoes, and maiz, while others grow major cash crops which include coffee, tea, and cotton (Burundi: 2010). The people share the common language of Kirundi for expressing themselves amongst each other and interacting with friends and family from day to day. The country also has three other officially recognized languages. French became the first foreign language with an administrative use from the time of Belgian rule. Swahili is a trade language and used commonly in the cities or along the border to Tanzania. Lastly, English recently became an official national language in 2014 due to its international trade benefits (English: 2017). Many Burundians are practicing Christians (67 percent), while approximately 23 percent practice indigenous religions, and the remaining 10 percent are Muslim (Burundi: 2010). Burundi offers free education for its citizens and makes attendance mandatory for children ages 7-13. French had been the language of instruction since Belgian rule, but with the recent implementation of English as an official language, English is now taught alongside French (Nag: 2017). |