Burundi Neighbouring Countries on the Map
Burundi’s Neighboring Countries
If you’ve ever checked out a map of Burundi—a small, landlocked nation in East Africa—you probably noticed it’s snuggled up against a couple of other countries. Wanna get the lay(n) of land? Let’s take a closer look at its borders and what’s shaping the vibes between these nations.
Rwanda: The Northern Border
On the northern side, you’ll find Rwanda, locked into a 196-mile border embrace with Burundi (World Atlas). These two hold some deep cultural ties that go way back. But like any old pals, they’ve had their share of squabbles, especially in politics. They’re working on their issues though, tackling those tricky cross-border challenges to make life better for everyone living there.
| Bordering Country | Direction | Border Length (miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Rwanda | North | 196 |
| Tanzania | East, South | 366 |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | West | 147 |
Tanzania: The Eastern and Southern Border
Swinging around to the east and south, Tanzania cozies up along a 366-mile stretch. Tanzania has been a true friend to Burundi, especially when things got rough during the Burundian Civil War (1993-2005). Not only did Tanzania open its doors to Burundian refugees—an act of compassion that won’t be forgotten—it’s also a solid trade partner, selling all kinds of goods to its neighbor.
For a peek at more neighborly action, check out Angola’s Neighboring Countries.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: The Western Border
Over to the west, you’ve got the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), sharing a 147-mile frontier with Burundi (World Atlas). Stretching over Lake Tanganyika, this border is more than a line in the sand—it’s a bustling trade route and a cultural bridge. Yet, life’s not all smooth sailing, as security headaches and people hopping across the border feed into ongoing tensions.
| Bordering Country | Border Length (miles) |
|---|---|
| Rwanda | 196 |
| Tanzania | 366 |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 147 |
| Lake Tanganyika | – |
Lake Tanganyika: The Southwest Boundary
Now, let’s not forget Lake Tanganyika, hugging Burundi’s southwest corner. It’s an oldie and a goodie in the lake world, known for its immense size and depth. Besides offering natural beauty, it’s a hot spot for fishing and a critical channel for trading. This massive waterbody is a source of both unity and little squabbles among bordering nations, notably the DRC.
Burundi’s Geography and Relations
Nestled strategically, Burundi’s position plays a big role in how it chums up with its neighbors Rwanda, Tanzania, and the DRC. These borders are defined by an intriguing combo of handshake deals and, well, a bit more of the cold shoulder. Whether it’s trade routes, cultural connections, or shared gems like Lake Tanganyika, each affects these inter-country dynamics.
If you’re curious to see how other nations hold their hands across lines, head over to Armenia’s Neighboring Countries.
Recent Tensions and Refugee Issues
Lately, the northern vibe with old mate Rwanda hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows, what with accusations creating ripples in trade waters and making life pricier for the locals. Tanzania and the DRC have picked up the slack, lending a hand to Burundian refugees when times were tough. Back in the Civil War days, at least 340,000 Burundians found refuge in Tanzania’s arms (World Atlas), echoing the spirit of neighborly love, even as the region occasionally tumbles into violence and displacement.
Got a curious mind for how other borders metrics shake out? Scope out the details at Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Neighboring Countries.
Keeping tabs on these bordering buddies unlocks a unique perspective on Burundi’s layout and the politics at play.
