Burundi

Where the name comes from

Burundi means “land of the Rundi”, the Kirundi-speaking people; Burundi, Kirundi and Rundi share one root.

First people

The Twa were among the first people here; Hutu, Tutsi and Twa later shared a Kirundi-speaking kingdom under its mwami, or king, before colonial racial labels hardened identities.^1,2

Known for

Burundi is known for its royal drummers, whose thundering performances still carry the memory of the monarchy.³

Outside contact

Germany imposed a protection treaty in 1903, and Belgian rule began in 1916, joining Burundi with Rwanda.¹

The modern country

The two became separate states in 1962, and Burundi became a republic in 1966.²