Burundi

Mother and child in a health care centre in Burundi.

Health care centre for children - Burundi.

Since gaining independence from Belgium in 1962, small, land-locked Burundi has suffered long periods of ethnic conflict. More than half a million people were killed and many more fled to neighbouring countries. Poverty worsened, incomes shrank, inequality widened and the government's ability to deliver basic services, particularly in health and education, was almost completely destroyed.

Burundi has been classified by the World Bank as the fourth least-developed country in the world. Its government faces huge problems but, following elections in 2005, has made a good start.

 

Key facts

Population: 8.5 million
Average life expectancy: 49 years
Average per capita income: US$330
Total UK aid received (2008/09): £10.4m

Find out more in Key facts: Burundi

Major challenges

DFID’s main challenges in Burundi are:

  • governance
  • education
  • health.

Find out more in Major challenges: Burundi

How We Have Helped

Burundi's vulnerable children vote for home helps

Burundi's vulnerable children vote for home helps

In Burundi, a DFID-backed scheme gives disadvantaged children the chance to vote for the home visitors who will help to look after them

Orphans get a helping hand in Burundi

Orphans get a helping hand in Burundi

When Maurice's parents died, he inherited a debt he had no hope of paying. Eviction for him and his brothers soon followed ...