Burundi

I

Introduction

Burundi, landlocked republic, eastern Africa, bordered on the north by Rwanda, on the east and south by Tanzania, and on the west by Lake Tanganyika and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With an area of 27,834 sq km (10,747 sq mi), it is one of the smallest countries on the African continent. The capital of Burundi is Bujumbura. Since October 1993 the nation has suffered from massive ethnic-based violence that has resulted in the death of perhaps 250,000 people and the displacement of 1 million others.

II

Land and Resources

Burundi is mostly a hilly plateau region, with an average elevation of about 1,520 m (5,000 ft). Elevations decrease gradually to the east and south-east. The narrow western margin of the country, bordering the Ruzizi River and Lake Tanganyika, lies in the trough of the Rift Valley. The main rivers are the Ruzizi , the Malagarasi, and the Ruvuvu.

A

Climate

The climate is tropical equatorial, moderated in most places by altitude. The average annual temperature is 21.1° C (70° F) on the plateau and 24.4° C (76° F) in the Rift Valley. The dry season lasts from May to August, and the country is subject to droughts.

B

Plants and Animals

Savannah vegetation, a grassland interspersed with trees, predominates in most of the country. Eucalyptus, acacia, and oil palm are the most common trees. Wildlife is diverse. Elephant, hippopotamus, crocodile, wild boar, leopard, and antelope are common, as are the guinea hen, partridge, duck, goose, quail, and snipe.