Burundi is an original small state located on the northeast coast of Lake Tanganyika, in East Africa. The capital of Burundi is Bujumbura. This is the largest city in the country. Read more about Bujumbura in the article.
Geography of Bujumbura
Geographically, Bujumbura is adjacent to Lake Tanganyika from the northeast side. The terrain is defined as flat with an average height of about 900 m above sea level. The foot of the Zairo-Nile Range is also located here.
Thus, the relief changes from west to east - from flat to plateau. The climate of the country of Burundi (the capital of Bujumbura is no exception) is tropical savannah, that is, dry summers and plenty of precipitation in winter.
The location of Bujumbura on the shores of the longest lake in the world gives reason to consider the capital of Burundi a major port of inland Africa. The port is the economic center of the city.
From it comes transport links with such large African countries as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania. The main markets and some of the financial centers of the city are concentrated in the port area of Bujumbura.
History of Bujumbura
Scientists suggest that the capital of Burundi was first settled by pygmies who founded a small village here. At the end of the 19th century, this village, where they were still engaged in fishing, was discovered by Europeans. The process of colonization of the continent also affected Burundi. The German pioneers chose the site of modern Bujumbura for a military post. Germany at that time owned many lands of East Africa, so the post near Tanganyika became of strategic importance. Usumburoy city began to be called under the Belgian domination since the First World War. Burundi, whose capital is Bujumbura, is a state where from time to time there are clashes of interests between the two main ethnic groups - Tutsi and Hoodoo. Bujumbura has been under siege more than once, and the overthrow of power has occurred more than once.
Color and culture of the capital of Burundi
The life of the population of Bujumbura is inextricably linked with the port and markets. Even the toponym Bujumbura has the meaning "a market where potatoes are sold." The city is indeed an important trading center in Tanganyika, but the main commodity is not potatoes, but cotton.
Cultivation of this crop is not traditional for Tutsi and Hutu: Europeans began to sow it at the end of the 19th century in Burundi. The capital contains many fish processing enterprises, which is also due to the proximity of the lake.
About 80% of the population is employed in the service sector, in the agricultural and fishing industries. Social inequality in Burundi, and incapital in particular, explains the fact that the country is among the least developed countries in the world.
The necessary attention is paid to education in Burundi. The capital of Bujumbura is the educational center of the country, where the National University of Burundi is located. Thousands of students have chosen to study at the Institute of Journalism, the Higher Commercial School and the Agricultural Institute. The Natural Museum was opened at the Cultural Center of Bujumbura. A visit to the museum, which occupies a decent area in the open air, makes it possible to imagine the way of life of the peoples of Burundi. The capital and its Natural Museum on especially important holidays greet guests with traditional dances and drumming.
Burundi. Capital. A photo. Attractions
There are no widely known man-made sights in Bujumbura. On the central square, you can see a stele depicting crafts traditional for the peoples of Burundi. Of the architectural monuments, the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is a square building with an adjacent tower, and the university building are noted. However, there are many natural attractions in the city and the suburbs. For example, the national park "Rusizi", where you can meet hippos in natural conditions, as well as huge crocodiles, monkeys, antelopes and many birds.
Near the Park is the Belvedere - a hill that offers a great view of Bujumbura. Kibira Park is located a few kilometers from the capital. It is known for the origin of the largestAfrican rivers - Nile and Congo. About 650 plant species are represented here. Servals, families of primates - colobuses and chimpanzees are found in the Park. On the territory of the Park there are tea plantations - one of the symbols of Burundi.
