COUNTRIES

Each section of the museum houses artifacts, currency, national costumes and panels containing information of the country

Burundi


National Flag


Burundi, officially the Republic of Burundi, is a small country in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa bordered by Rwanda to its north, Tanzania to its south and east, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to its west. The Twa, Tutsi, and Hutu tribes have occupied Burundi since the country's formation. Presently, Burundi is run as a presidential representative democratic republic.


Emblem

Profile:

Official Name - Republic of Burundi


Nationality - Burundian


Chief City - Bujumbura


Location - East-Central Africa


Population - 7,548,0000 (94th)


Area - 27,830 km2 (145th)


Official Languages - Kirundi, French, Swahili


Government - Republic


Currency - Burundi franc (FBu) (BIF)


Independence - 1st July 1962


Map


national anthem

Kirundi Lyrics
Burundi bwacu, Burundi buhire,
Shinga icumu mu mashinga,
Gaba intahe y’ubugabo ku
bugingo. Warapfunywe ntiwapfuye,
Warahabishijwe ntiwahababuka,
Uhagurukana, uhagurukana,
uhagurukana, ubugabo urikukira.
Komerwamashyi n’amakungu,
Habwa impundu nabawe,
Isamirane mu mashinga, isamirane
mu mashinga,
Burundi bwacu, ragi

ry’abasokuru,
Ramutswa intahe n'ibihugu,
Ufatanije ishyaka n'ubu hizi;
Vuza impundu wiganzuye uwakuganza
uwakuganza.
Burundi bwacu, nkoramutima kuri
twese,
Tugutuye amaboko, umitima n’ubuzima,
Imana yakuduhaye ikudutungire.
Horana ubumwi n’abagabo n’itekane.
Sagwa n’urweze, sagwa n’amahoro
meza.

TRANSLATION

Our Burundi, gentle country,
Take your place in the concert of nations,
Acceding to independence with honorable
intentions.
Wounded and bruised, you have remained
master of yourself.
When the hour came, you arose,
Lifting yourself proudly into the ranks of free
people.
Receive, then, the congratulations of nations
And the homage of your sons.
May your name ring out through the
universe.

Our Burundi, sacred heritage from our
forefathers,
Recognized as worthy of self-government,
With your courage you also have a sense
of honour.
Sing the glory of liberty conquered again.
Our Burundi, worthy of our tenderest love,
We vow to your noble service our hands
and hearts and lives.
May God, who gave you to us, keep you
to us, keep you for us to venerate,
under the shield of unity,
In peace, joy and prosperity.



Traditional Drum



Coffee plantation

history

The country claimed independence on July 1, 1962, and legally changed names from Ruanda-Urundi to Burundi.

provinces, communes and collines

Burundi is divided into 17 provinces, 117 communes.

economy

Burundi's largest industry is agriculture, which accounted for 58% of the GDP in 1997. The nation's largest source of revenue is coffee, which makes up 93% of Burundi's exports. Other agro products include cotton, tea, maize, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc (tapioca); beef, milk, and hides.

geography

The smallest country in Africa, Burundi is landlocked and has an equatorial climate. Burundi is a part of the Albertine Rift, the western extension of the Great Rift Valley. The Nile is a major river in Burundi.

people

Burundi has an estimated population of 8,691,005 people. The largest religion is Roman Catholicism (62%0 followed by indigenous beliefs (23%) and a minority of Protestants (5%) and Muslims (10%).



Traditional Dance & Drum

Old Tutsi Man

Culture

Burundi's culture is based on local tradition typical Burundian meal consists of sweet potatoes, corn, and peas. Crafts are an important art form in Burundi and are attractive gifts to many tourists. Basket weaving is a popular craft for Burundian artisans. Other crafts such as masks, shields, statues, pottery are made in Burundi. Drumming is an important part of Burundian cultural heritage. The world famous Royal Drummers of Burundi, who have performed for over forty years, are noted for traditional drumming using the amashako, ibishikiso, and ikiranya drums. Some musical instruments of note are the flute, zither, ikembe, indonongo, umuduri, inanga, and the inyagara. Kirundi, French, and Swahili are spoken throughout Burundi. Basketball is a noted sport in Burundi. Football is a popular pastime throughout the country.




Great Rift Valley, Basket Ball, Nile River, Traditional Dance