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Burundi is a minute country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although the country is non-coastal, much of the western border is adjoining to Lake Tanganyika. Burundi is known as one of the ten poorest countries in the world. Due to civil wars, Burundi has a low gross domestic product, an unbalanced population expansion, and sparse resources. Cobalt and copper are among Burundi's natural resources. Some of Burundi's main exports include coffee and sugar. Respect: The respect for the Burundian Elders is very, very great. The younger peoples of the many villages and kinships show respect to parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even to unknown peoples. The Burundians also show reverence to younger and of equal ages.

Culture: Burundi is not different from any other youthful nation and anxiously keeps all the rudiments that comprise its very rich culture: dances, musical rhythms, handicrafts. Its aim is to ensure the transmission of the inheritance from the forefathers and ancestors evidenced by belongings and objects they liked, they dances they composed. Drumming is an vital part of Burundian cultural heritage. The world-famous Royal Drummers of Burundi, who have performed for over forty years. Sports: Basketball and track and field are noted sports in Burundi. Football is a popular pastime throughout the country, as are mancala games. In Burundi most Christian holidays are celebrated, with Christmas being the largest. Burundian Independence Day is celebrated annually on July 1. In 2005, the Burundian government declared Eid al-Fitr, an Islamic holiday, to be a national holiday.

Talk: Kirundi, French, and Swahili are verbal throughout Burundi. Burundi's literacy rate is low, due to low school attendance. Ten percent of Burundian boys are permitted a secondary education. Burundi's oral tradition is strong and relays history and life lessons through storytelling, poetry, and song. Although most travelers will find that they can get around passing well with a working knowledge of French (and increasingly, English), some familiarity with Swahili, or the related local language, Kirundi, is helpful particularly in rural areas. The problem may be that Kirundi is extremely difficult to learn. Kirundi and Kinyarwanda (the authorized language in Rwanda) are to some extent same.

Buy: Burundi is gifted with very prosperous craftsmanship, with inimitable delicate and beautiful shapes. Burundi has developed plastic arts only very recently. The visitor will be able to find Gitega and Bujumbura talented artist able to carve sceneries on wooden boards and paint landscapes with beautifully shaded bluish backgrounds. Food: For the international traveler, Burundi offers some culinary surprises -- fresh fish from Lake Tanganyika and produce from the nation's rich volcanic soil are particularly notable. There is a sizable South Asian community, offering curried dishes alongside the more traditional rice and beans, and french-inspired European offerings. For lighter meals, samosas and skewered meats are common, and bananas and fresh fruit are often served as a sweet snack.