Burundi
Republic of Burundi
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.87%
Burundi is a Eastern Africa landlocked nation of around 12.3 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. This landlocked territory spans 27,834 km² with a density of 443 people per km². Its capital is Gitega, and official languages include French and Kirundi, while the Burundian franc serves as the national currency.
Population
12,332,788
Area
27,834 km²
Density
443/km²
World Rank
#79
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 33.7 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 6.7 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 44.7% of the population is under 15, while only 2.5% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Gitega
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Eastern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- French, Kirundi
- Currencies
- Burundian franc (Fr)
- Calling Code
- +257
- Top-Level Domain
- .bi
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 12,332,788
- Land Area
- 27,834 km²
- Population Density
- 443 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.87%
- Annual Growth
- +353,951 people
- Daily Growth
- +970 people
- World Population Share
- 0.15%
- Coordinates
- -3.50°, 30.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $219 classifies Burundi as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 0.9%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 37.5 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
63.6 years
GDP per Capita
$219
Birth Rate
33.7 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.7 per 1,000
Urban Population
24.8%
Fertility Rate
4.88 births/woman
Infant Mortality
31.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
0.9%
Literacy Rate
71.4%
Internet Users
11.1%
Under 15
44.7%
Over 65
2.5%
Health Spending
9.1% GDP
Gini Index
37.5
Age Distribution
0-14 years
5.5M
15-64 years
6.5M
65+ years
312K
Urbanization
Only 24.8% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. The capital, Gitega, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 34727.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
3.1M
24.8%
9.3M
75.2%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 63.6 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 31.5 per thousand live births, roughly in line with the global average. The literacy rate of 71.4% is below the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Burundi
Burundi has 1 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Burundi is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Burundi participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 12,332,788 |
| 2030 | 13,729,976 |
| 2035 | 15,514,554 |
| 2040 | 17,329,732 |
| 2045 | 19,165,795 |
| 2050 | 21,015,869 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Burundi.
Largest Cities in Burundi
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Burundi by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Burundi?
The population of Burundi is approximately 12.3 million as of 2026, making it #79 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Burundi?
The capital of Burundi is Gitega.
What languages are spoken in Burundi?
The main languages spoken in Burundi are French, Kirundi.
How big is Burundi?
Burundi covers an area of 27,834 km² with a population density of 443 people per km².
Is Burundi growing or shrinking?
Burundi is growing at a rate of 2.87% per year, adding approximately 353,951 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Burundi?
The average life expectancy in Burundi is 63.6 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Burundi?
The GDP per capita of Burundi is $219.