Burundian

Burundian refers to something of Burundi, a landlocked country in the African Great Lakes region of East Africa, or to its people. The Burundian population is composed mainly of ethnic groups known as the Hutu and Tutsi, with a smaller Twa minority. The language landscape centers on Kirundi, the national language, with French as an official language; Swahili is widely spoken in commerce and regional affairs, and English is increasingly taught in schools. The majority of Burundians are Christians, with Roman Catholicism and various Protestant denominations being most prominent; traditional beliefs are also present in some communities.

Geographically, Burundi is bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, with Lake Tanganyika forming part of its western boundary. It is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in Africa, featuring a highland landscape, hills, and a temperate to subtropical climate. The economy is primarily agricultural, with coffee and tea as major exports; many people rely on subsistence farming, and development challenges include poverty and vulnerability to climate shocks.

Historically, Burundi emerged as the Kingdom of Burundi before becoming a Belgian-ruled territory and gaining independence in 1962. The late 20th and early 21st centuries were marked by ethnic conflict and political tension, culminating in peace accords and a transition toward more inclusive governance. Since 2020, the presidency has been held by Evariste Ndayishimiye.

Notable cultural elements include the traditional royal drummers and other performing arts, crafts, and cuisine reflecting local and regional influences.