Burundi

Population- 10.2 million (CIA July 2011 est.)

GNI- US$170 (World bank 2010)

Size- 27,816 sq km

Major religions- Christianity, Indigenous beliefs

Poverty headcount ratio at national poverty line- 66.9% (World Bank 2006)

Life Expectancy- 49 (World Bank 2009)

Literacy rate- 67% (World Bank 2009)

Corruption statistics (Transparency International rating /10 (world ranking in brackets))- 1.8 (170)

Unemployment- 0.5% (World Bank 1990)

Percentage primary school enrolment- 146.6% (World Bank 2009)

Percentage of population with access to improved water source- 72% (CIA 2008)

Infant mortality rate (deaths of children under 1 year of age per 1,000 of the population)- 61.82 (CIA 2011 est.)

HIV/Aids- 3.3% (CIA 2009 est.)

Physicians/ 1,000 population- 0.03 (CIA 2004)

Summary Profile

Throughout the 1990s, Burundi experienced civil war. Like in Rwanda tension, here, is caused by the domination of just two ethno-linguistic groups: the Hutus and the Tutsis. Following 2005 elections and a new constitution, the future is looking more positive but much work is needed. The country has been left torn down the middle and nation building must now be a priority. Corruption is rife. Life expectancy at birth is just 49. Economically the country is terribly weak. Moreover, violence continues sporadically. Burundi remains one of the world’s poorest countries and any international help is gravely needed.