Burundi Population
Burundi (06/05)
At 206.1 persons per sq. km., Burundi has the second-largest population density in Sub-Saharan Africa. Most people live on farms near areas of fertile volcanic soil. The population is made up of three major ethnic groups--Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. Kirundi is the most widely spoken language; French and Kiswahili also are widely spoken. Intermarriage takes place frequently between the Hutus and Tutsis. Although Hutus encompass the majority of the population, historically Tutsis have been politically and economically dominant. ... [Read More]
Burundi
There were numerous reports of civilians killed as a result of the conflict. For example, according to press reports, on January 12, after an ambush that killed two soldiers, the FAB killed nine civilians suspected of collaborating with rebels. Two soldiers were arrested and were tried by a military court. One soldier was sentenced to life imprisonment and another to a term of 20 years. Both sentences were under appeal at year's end. On January 19 and 20, in Ruyigi province, FAB soldiers killed between 32 and 89 civilians, including children, the leader of Esebu church, and several church members who were conducting a prayer vigil; the soldiers reportedly suspected them of collaborating with rebels. The soldiers also looted and burned at least 400 homes, raped women and girls, and denied humanitarian aid agencies access to the population displaced by fighting, according to numerous NGO and humanitarian agency reports. Several of the victims were ki ... [Read More]
Burundi
The Transitional Government's human rights record remained poor, and the Transitional Government continued to commit numerous serious human rights abuses. Citizens did not have the right to change their government. Security forces, including the CNDD-FDD, continued to commit numerous arbitrary and unlawful killings, including killings of unarmed civilians, many of whom were killed during reprisal attacks on those suspected of cooperating with the PALIPEHUTU-FNL. There were credible reports of disappearances, and security forces continued to torture, beat, rape, and otherwise abuse persons. Prison conditions remained harsh and sometimes life threatening. Impunity and the continuing lack of accountability for those who committed past abuses remained serious problems. Arbitrary arrest and detention, and lengthy pretrial detention were problems; there were also credible reports of incommunicado detention. The court system did not ensure due process or provide citizens with fair trials. The ... [Read More]
Burundi
The country has a total area of 10,747 square miles and its population is approximately 6.5 million. Although reliable statistics on the number of followers of various religions are not available, a Roman Catholic official has estimated that 60 percent of the population is Catholic, with the largest concentration of adherents located in the center and south of the country. A Muslim leader has estimated that up to 10 percent of the population is Muslim, a majority of whom live in urban areas. The remainder of the population belongs to other Christian churches, practices traditional indigenous religions, or has no religious affiliation. In recent years, there has been a proliferation of small indigenous groups not affiliated with any major religion, some of which have won adherents by promising miracle cures for HIV/AIDS and other ailments. ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Burundi’s population is 5.5 million, with a growth rate of 3%, increasing population pressure in this already densely populated country. The population density is 550 people per square mile. ... Bujumbura has a population of about 300,000, half of whom are foreign. The principal groups of foreigners are Zairian (24%), Rwandan (18%), and Asian (8%). Europeans number 3,500. The other significant urban center is Gitega, with a population of 35,000. Three ethnic groups comprise the indigenous population: Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. All three share a common language, Kirundi. There are more than 200,000 refugees in Burundi, mainly Rwandan Tutsis and Zairians fleeing instability or civil war. On the other hand, more than 200,000 Burundian Hutus live in nearby countries as a result of past ethnic clashes. In 1972 an estimated 100–250,000 Hutus were killed, and ethnic tensions continued despite a government program of national reconciliation. ... [Read More]
Burundi
The country has a total area of 10,745 square miles, and its population is approximately 6.3 million. Although reliable statistics on the number of followers of various religions are not available, a Roman Catholic official has estimated that 60 percent of the population is Catholic, with the largest concentration of adherents located in the center and south of the country. A Muslim leader has estimated that up to 10 percent of the population is Muslim, a majority of whom lives in urban areas. The remainder of the population belongs to other Christian churches, practices traditional indigenous religions, or has no religious affiliation. In recent years, there has been a proliferation of small indigenous groups not affiliated with any major religion, some of which have won adherents by promising miracle cures for HIV/AIDS and other ailments. A good proportion of persons who have access to formal religious services attend them. ... [Read More]
Burundi: Massacre at Gatumba Refugee Camp
The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the attack that took place on Gatumba refugee camp in Burundi on August 13, 2004. Armed elements, including the National Liberation Front of the Party for the Liberation of the Hutu People, participated in this vicious attack on an already vulnerable population of refugees, many of them women and children. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims and to the Congolese government and people. ... [Read More]
DOS/International Information Programs: Public Diplomacy Calendar
11 Currently Underway Mar. 25-Sept. 25 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan 11 July 6 - 8 G-8 Summit, Gleneagles, Scotland 11111 This Week 11 July 8 - 13 ... [Read More]
Press Releases
1111--09/22/04 Travel to Chad and Sudan by Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Arthur E. Dewey ... [Read More]
|