Burundi: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Burundi

Burundi is a small, landlocked country in east-central Africa, between the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania. It is very hilly, and its southwest borders the long, deep Lake Tanganyika. It is known for its powerful drumming traditions and its coffee and tea.

About Gitega

Gitega sits on a high plateau in the hilly centre of Burundi. It is home to the country's National Museum and lies near the Gishora drum sanctuary, linked to the famous royal drums.

Fun facts about Burundi

1. Lake Tanganyika, on Burundi's western border, is the second-deepest lake in the world.
2. The ritual dance of the royal drum of Burundi was added to UNESCO's cultural heritage list in 2014.
3. Burundi's drummers play in groups, with a dozen or more drums arranged around one central drum.
4. Burundi sits on the line dividing the Nile and Congo river basins, so its rain flows to both.
5. A small stone pyramid in southern Burundi marks one of the most distant sources of the Nile.
6. The three red stars on Burundi's flag stand for unity, work and progress.