What is the Capital of Burundi? Gitega

Capital City of Burundi: Gitega

City Overview

Gitega, located in the central part of Burundi, became the country’s capital in 2019, replacing Bujumbura after the government decided to move the political and administrative capital. Gitega, which lies about 120 kilometers east of Bujumbura (now known as Bujumbura Mairie), is situated in a mountainous region with a cooler climate compared to many other cities in Burundi. The move was part of a plan to decentralize power and development across the country.

Gitega is a small, yet rapidly developing city that is rich in cultural and historical significance. It is located near the Gitega province’s administrative seat and has long been an important location in the history of Burundi. Despite its new role as the capital, Gitega is still a modest city with much of its infrastructure under development. It has a slower-paced lifestyle compared to Bujumbura, with a focus on agriculture, trade, and local craftsmanship.

Gitega’s landscape is characterized by hills and fertile valleys, and it has a relatively cool, temperate climate due to its altitude. The city is home to several government buildings, including the president’s office, and has become a symbolic center of Burundi’s new direction following the political and economic changes in the country.

City Facts: Gitega

• Area: Approximately 100 square kilometers (39 square miles)
• Population: Around 130,000 (2021 estimate)
• Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT), UTC +2
• Highest Mountain: Mount Heha (2,670 meters or 8,760 feet), located in the southern part of the country.
• Longest River: The Ruzizi River – flowing from Lake Tanganyika to Lake Rweru, the Ruzizi is one of Burundi’s key rivers that plays a role in transportation and water resources.

Gitega, though smaller in size and less developed than Bujumbura, serves as the seat of government in Burundi. It has a slower pace of life, with its population primarily engaged in subsistence farming. Despite its humble size, it represents the political heart of the country and is strategically positioned to promote national unity and development beyond the country’s former capital.

Major Landmarks in Gitega

1. The Gitega National Museum: This museum is one of the most prominent cultural institutions in the city, showcasing Burundi’s history, including its pre-colonial past, colonial influences, and the country’s rich traditions. The museum is a valuable resource for both locals and tourists wishing to learn more about Burundian heritage.
2. Gitega Cathedral: Located in the city center, the cathedral is an iconic structure in Gitega. It stands as a prominent symbol of the country’s Christian faith, which is the predominant religion in Burundi. The architecture of the cathedral is a mix of traditional Burundian styles and Christian elements.
3. The Gitega Governor’s Office: A key administrative building, this office represents the governmental seat of Gitega Province. The Governor’s Office is one of the more important government buildings in the city and holds both local and regional significance.
4. Ruvubu National Park: Located on the outskirts of Gitega, Ruvubu National Park is one of the most important wildlife reserves in Burundi. The park is home to a variety of animal species, including elephants, buffalo, and various bird species. The park offers a more tranquil and untouched environment for eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts.
5. The Royal Palace of Gitega: The Royal Palace is an important landmark, reflecting Burundi’s monarchy history. Though the monarchy was abolished in 1966, the Royal Palace still stands as a symbol of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
6. Mount Heha: The highest point in Burundi, Mount Heha, is located to the south of Gitega. It offers hikers and adventurers a challenging climb, along with breathtaking views of the surrounding region. It is an important part of the country’s natural beauty.
7. The Source of the Ruzizi River: Near Gitega is one of the key sources of the Ruzizi River, which plays a vital role in Burundi’s economy and agriculture. The river and its basin have significant historical importance as well as being an important water source for the city and surrounding regions.
8. Bujumbura (Bujumbura Mairie) – Former Capital: Although Gitega is now the capital, Bujumbura remains an important city for its role as the former capital. The city, now a separate administrative region, is known for its lakeside location along Lake Tanganyika and its bustling urban life.
9. Bujumbura Mairie National Park: Though located in the former capital, this park continues to be an important recreational area that residents of Gitega visit.

Climate Overview

Gitega experiences a temperate tropical highland climate due to its altitude. The climate is cooler than that of the lowland areas of Burundi, particularly around Lake Tanganyika, and it enjoys moderate rainfall throughout the year.

Climate Table: Average Temperature, Precipitation, and Sunny Days

Month	Average Temperature (°C)	Precipitation (mm)	Sunny Days
January	22°C	98 mm	18
February	23°C	87 mm	19
March	22°C	131 mm	16
April	21°C	161 mm	12
May	21°C	100 mm	15
June	20°C	78 mm	16
July	19°C	66 mm	18
August	19°C	72 mm	18
September	20°C	95 mm	18
October	21°C	122 mm	16
November	22°C	134 mm	14
December	22°C	103 mm	15

Other Cities That Have Served as Capital in Burundi’s History

1. Bujumbura (Bujumbura Mairie)

• Period of Capital: Bujumbura served as the capital from 1962 to 2019, during both the colonial and post-independence periods. It was the commercial and political heart of the country for over five decades.
• Overview: Located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Bujumbura is Burundi’s largest city and was historically the seat of government and the center of economic activities. The city features a mix of colonial-era buildings, government offices, and vibrant markets. Today, Bujumbura (now Bujumbura Mairie) still plays a central role in Burundi’s economy, particularly in trade and tourism.

2. Gitega (Current Capital)

• Period of Capital: Gitega became the capital in 2019, and it replaced Bujumbura after the government’s decision to shift the capital to a more central location.
• Overview: Gitega, being in the heart of Burundi, holds significant cultural, historical, and political importance. It was chosen to better distribute resources and opportunities across the country, moving away from the coast and focusing on the inland regions.

Country Facts: Burundi

• Population: Approximately 13 million (2023)
• Area: 27,834 square kilometers (10,749 square miles)
• Largest City: Bujumbura (Bujumbura Mairie)
• Currency: Burundian Franc (BIF)
• Official Language: Kirundi, French, English
• ISO Country Codes: BI (Alpha-2), BDI (Alpha-3)
• Government Type: Presidential republic with a multi-party system
• Religion: Predominantly Christian (Roman Catholicism and Protestantism), with a significant Muslim minority
• Climate: Tropical with varying altitudes across the country; cooler in the highlands (e.g., Gitega) and warmer along Lake Tanganyika (e.g., Bujumbura)

Burundi is a landlocked country in East Africa, bordered by Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite its small size, it is one of Africa’s most densely populated countries. Burundi’s post-colonial history has been marked by ethnic conflict, civil war, and political instability, although the country is striving for peace and development in recent years. The country has a rich cultural heritage, and Gitega’s designation as the capital marks a new chapter for Burundi’s government and its focus on decentralization and national unity.