Young Life Burundi

Burundi is an east-central country in Africa, one of the few countries whose borders were not determined by colonial rulers. Its neighbors are Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. With more than 12 million people living in Burundi, it is estimated that more than 70% of the population lives in poverty. 64% of the population is under 25. The vast majority of Burundians are Hutu, traditionally farming people. However, power rests with the Tutsi minority, who has historically controlled the army and most of the economy. Since Burundi gained its independence from Belgium in 1962, ethnic conflict between these groups has plagued this country. Genocides occurred in both 1972 and 1993, and the country is still rebuilding from such violence and ethnic strife. The principal languages are Kirundi and French. Swahili is also spoken.