Burundi, Bujumbura Cost of Living April 2010

Country Full Name: Republic of Burundi.

Location: Burundi is in Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Country Climate: Equatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude variation (772 m to 2,670 m above sea level); average annual temperature varies with altitude from 23 to 17 degrees centigrade but is generally moderate as the average altitude is about 1,700 m; average annual rainfall is about 150 cm; two wet seasons (February to May and September to November), and two dry seasons (June to August and December to January).

Country Terrain: Hilly and mountainous, dropping to a plateau in east, some plains.

Major Languages: Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili.

Major Religions: Christianity, indigenous beliefs.

Country Population: 7.9 million (2008 est.) 8.1 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Burundi is one of the poorest in the world, owing in part to its landlocked geography, poor legal system, lack of access to education, and the proliferation of HIV/AIDS. Approximately 80% of Burundi's population lives in poverty.

Currency: Burundi Franc (BIF).

Country Inflation: 24.4% (2008 est.) 12.9% (2009 est.).

City: Bujumbura is the capital city and main port of Burundi.

City Economy: Bujumbura's port ships most of the country's chief export, coffee, as well as cotton, skins, and tin ore.

Cost of Living: Bujumbura has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Bujumbura is currently ranked 248 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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