GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Burundi.
Capital
Bujumbura.
Geography
As a country located in Africa according to searchforpublicschools, Burundi is located on the northern tip of Lake Tanganyika, which, together with the narrow river plain of the Ruzizi, delimits the country to the west. The interior consists of highlands that slopes down to Tanzania and the Malagarasi valley in the east. The landscape is hilly and covered with eucalyptus trees, banana fields, arable and pasture land. In the east the fertile landscape turns into savannah.
Government
Presidential republic since 1966. Constitution of 1992. 1996 military coup; a transitional constitution has been in force since 1998. Parliament (Assemblée Nationale) with 140 members; Election every 5 years. Since the military coup of 1996 transitional parliament made up of members of parliament and representatives of all political and social groups. Independent since 1962 (former Belgian trust territory).
Head of state
Pierre Nkurunziza, since August 2005.
Head of government
Pierre Nkurunziza, since August 2005.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz. Euro plug.
Time zone
Central Africa Time: CET +3
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official languages are French and Kirundi. Swahili and English are widely spoken.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Burundi duty-free:
1,000 cigarettes or 1 kg of tobacco;
1 liter of alcoholic beverages;
Perfume for personal use.
A deposit can be requested for cameras, laptops, recording devices, etc. Foreign exchange and cameras should be declared.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Light suits or costumes are appropriate for business meetings. The months April to October or December and January are the best for business trips.
Business hours: Mo-Fr 7.30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2.00 p.m.-5.30 p.m.
Economy
Chambre de Commerce et de l’Industrie du Burundi (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
BP 313, BI-Bujumbura
Tel: 22 22 80.
Business contacts
Chambre de Commerce et de l’Industrie du Burundi (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
BP 313, BI-Bujumbura
Tel: 22 22 80.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct dialing. Calls abroad must be made by the Office National des Telecommunications (0NATEL), hotels or telephone centers.
Cellphone
GSM 900. Network operators: Telcel Burundi (Internet: www.telecel.com), SAFARIS and Spacetel. The network coverage is limited to the west of the country.
Internet
The main provider is CBI Network (Internet: www.cbinf.com). There are some internet cafes in Bujumbura.
Post Office
Opening times of the main post office in Bujumbura: Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Local arts and crafts, especially basketry, are recommended. Shop opening times: i. General Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3.00 p.m.-6 p.m., Sat 8.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
There are night clubs, restaurants and bars in Bujumbura.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
Almost all hotels are in Bujumbura. There are few accommodations in the rest of the country, with the exception of a few hotels in Gitega, Ngozi and Kirundo. Information is available from the Office National du Tourisme (see addresses) or NITRA, PO Box 1402, 7 Place de l’Indépendence. (Tel: 22 23 21)
Camping
Camping is not popular, especially near cities, and is dangerous. Permission from the local authorities should be obtained.
CULTURE
Religion
Predominantly Roman Catholic (62%); Protestant (5%) and Muslim (10%) minorities, as well as natural religions (23%).
Social rules of conduct
The usual forms of social politeness apply. Local customs and traditions should be respected. The clothes shouldn’t be too casual. Tips are not calculated automatically, around 10% is appropriate.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Hot equatorial climate on Lake Tanganyika and in the Ruzizi river plain. At the lake it is often windy, in the highlands it is mild and pleasant with average temperatures around 18 ° C (1000-2000 m). Short rainy season from October to December, long rainy season from February to May. Long dry season from May to October.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +257 Area (sqkm) 27816 Population 10742276 Population density (per sqkm) 386 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No
