Burundi is a small landlocked country in East Africa. It became independent in 1962. The official languages are Kirundi (a Bantu language that is most widely spoken), and French.

In 1993, Burundi’s first democratically elected president was assassinated, triggering years of conflict between Hutu and Tutsi factions during which more than 200,000 Burundians died. Hundreds of thousands of Burundians were internally displaced or became refugees in neighbouring countries.

The Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, signed in August 2000, brokered a power-sharing agreement between the Tutsis and Hutus and led to the signing of a new constitution in 2005.

Australia’s diplomatic representation to Burundi is from the High Commission in Kenya.

Economic and trade information

Burundi economic fact sheet [PDF]

Travel information

• Before you travel, visit smartraveller.gov.au
  • Read the travel advice for Burundi
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  • Get the right travel insurance
  • For how we can help Australians overseas, see the Consular services charter
• Australian Passports Office
• Visa information

Heads of Government

Includes Heads of State, Prime Ministers, Foreign, Trade and Aid Ministers