The Major Ethnic Groups in Burundi

Several different ethnic groups can be found in the calm East African country of Burundi. Burundi is home to the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa peoples. These communities are characterized by great historical contributions and cultural and linguistic diversity.

The Hutu are the most numerous people in Burundi, making up at around 85% of the total. They make their homes in the heartland and the south, and their main occupation is farming. The native language of the Hutu is Kirundi, Burundi’s national tongue. They have a long history of folklore, music, and dance that contributes to their unique culture.

The Tutsi are the country’s second-largest ethnic group, making up over 14% of the total. Cattle herding is their main occupation, and they make their home in the north and east of the country. The Tutsi are fluent in Kinyarwanda, a language spoken in both Rwanda and its surrounding countries. They’ve been at odds with the Hutu for quite some time, and their relationship with them has been fraught with bloodshed and political unrest.

The Twa are the least numerous of Burundi’s ethnic groups, accounting up fewer than one percent of the country’s total population. They have always been a forest-dwelling, hunter-gathering people. Different from Kirundi and Kinyarwanda, the Twa have their own language. Their traditional way of life is endangered by deforestation and other environmental causes, and they have been the target of prejudice and marginalization in Burundi.

These communities are characterized by great historical contributions and cultural and linguistic diversity. Although there have been disagreements in the past, there are now initiatives to bring the various communities in Burundi together and work for peace. A successful and peaceful future for Burundi requires an appreciation of the country’s many ethnic groupings.