Burundi Overview

smber July 6, 2021

Africa

Burundi

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.