Burundi
Africa · Eastern Africa
One of Africa's most densely populated, with extreme poverty and political repression.
At a Glance
📈Burundi's Human Development Index
0.420
Low human development#185 of 191 countries worldwide, #48 of 54 in Africa.
Higher than 3% of countries with data. UNDP Human Development Report.
UNDP builds the index from three dimensions: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable, and a decent standard of living. They are measured by life expectancy at birth, mean and expected years of schooling, and gross national income per capita.
Closest indicators in this dataset
World Bank, own vintages. UNDP’s own component values are not carried here, so these are related measures rather than the index inputs.
Nearest countries by HDI
Full HDI ranking, all 191 countries →Burundi
Burundi is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in Africa, set in the Great Lakes region with beautiful lake scenery along Lake Tanganyika and lush green hills in the interior. The culture has a rich tradition of drumming that is genuinely unique and recognised by UNESCO. It remains one of the least visited countries on the continent, best suited to those with real experience of East Africa and a spirit of independent exploration.
- One of the poorest countries on earth, yet consistently ranks high for social stability in surveys.
- Coffee — which made Ethiopia famous — is actually Burundi's primary export earner.
- Has three sacred royal drums, considered national treasures and symbols of sovereignty.
Quick Facts
Capital
Gitega
Languages
French, Kirundi
Currency
Fr BIF
Area
25,680 km²
Nomad Hub
GDP / Capita
$234
PPP / Capita
$1K
Inflation
34.1%
Unemployment
0.9%
Innovation (GII)
15.8
GNI / Capita
$240
Tax Revenue
12.7%
FDI Inflows
1.0%
Education Spend
4.5%
Price Level Index
98th pct
20-Year Trend + IMF Forecast
Income & inflation over time
HDI since 1990
0.285 → 0.420 (+0.135)Year by year →UNDP Human Development Report, 2023-24 edition. 33 annual values, none interpolated; hover any point for its year.
Twenty years here
Year by year →The world report →World Bank observations, first to last available year per indicator (roughly 2005–2024; each series has its own window).
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💬Quick answers
What is Burundi's Human Development Index?
Burundi's Human Development Index is 0.420 (UNDP Human Development Report), ranked #185 of 191 countries.
Is Burundi safe?
Burundi scores 2.42 on the Global Peace Index (lower is more peaceful), ranked #128 of 160 countries by the Institute for Economics & Peace. That measures national-level peace, not street crime; both are covered below.
What is life expectancy in Burundi?
Life expectancy at birth in Burundi is 63.8 yrs (World Bank), ranked #174 of 195 countries.