3 GeoFroggy

Country Name

Conventional long form: Republic of Burundi

Conventional short form: Burundi

Local short form: Burundi

Local long form: Republika y'u Burundi

Former: Urundi

Administrative Divisions

16 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Mwaro, Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi

Independence

1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Constitution

13 March 1992; provided for establishment of a plural political system; supplanted on 6 June 1998 by a Transitional Constitution which enlarged the National Assembly and created two vice presidents

Legal System

based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

International Law Organization Participation

Citizenship

Suffrage

NA years of age; universal adult

Executive Branch

Chief of state: President Pierre BUYOYA (a Tutsi, was sworn in as president of a transition government on 1 November 2001; he is scheduled to hold office for 18 months before transferring power to his vice president, a Hutu); Vice President Domitien NDAYIZEYE (since 1 November 2001)

Head of government: President Pierre BUYOYA (a Tutsi, was sworn in as president of a transition government on 1 November 2001; he is scheduled to hold office for 18 months before transferring power to his vice president, a Hutu); Vice President Domitien NDAYIZEYE (since 1 November 2001)

Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by president

Elections: NA; current president assumed power following a coup on 25 July 1996 in which former President NTIBANTUNGANYA was overthrown

Legislative Branch

Legislative branch: bicameral, consists of a National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (expanded from 121 to approximately 140 seats under the transitional government inaugurated 1 November 2001; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and a Senate (54 seats; term length is undefined, the current senators will likely serve out the three-year transition period)

Elections: last held 29 June 1993 (next was scheduled to be held in 1998, but were suspended by presidential decree in 1996; elections are planned to follow the completion of the three-year transitional government)

Election results: percent of vote by party - FRODEBU 71.04%, UPRONA 21.4%, other 7.56%; seats by party - FRODEBU 65, UPRONA 16, civilians 27, other parties 13

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Constitutional Court; Courts of Appeal (there are three in separate locations); Tribunals of First Instance (17 at the province level and 123 small local tribunals)

Political Parties and Leaders

Array

Political Pressure Groups and Leaders

Loosely organized Hutu and Tutsi militias, often affiliated with Hutu and Tutsi extremist parties or subordinate to government security forces

Flag Description

Divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and green panels (hoist side and outer side) with a white disk superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above, two stars below)

National Anthem

Year

Government Type

  • Republic

Capital

    Bujumbura

Diplomatic Representation in the US

  • Chief Of Mission
    Ambassador Thomas NDIKUMANA
  • Chancery
    Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
  • FAX
    [1] (202) 342-2578
  • Telephone
    [1] (202) 342-2574

Diplomatic Representation from the US

  • Chief Of Mission
    Ambassador James Howard YELLIN
  • Embassy
    Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura
  • Mailing Address
    B. P. 1720, Bujumbura
  • Telephone
    [257] 223454
  • FAX
    [257] 222926

International Organization Participation

  • ACCT
  • ACP
  • AfDB
  • CCC
  • CEEAC
  • CEPGL
  • ECA
  • FAO
  • G-77
  • IBRD
  • ICAO
  • ICRM
  • IDA
  • IFAD
  • IFC
  • IFRCS
  • ILO
  • IMF
  • Interpol
  • IOC
  • ITU
  • NAM
  • OAU
  • OPCW
  • UN
  • UNCTAD
  • UNESCO
  • UNIDO
  • UPU
  • WHO
  • WIPO
  • WMO
  • WToO
  • WTrO