Geography of Burundi

Geography of Burundi
Geography of Burundi
Burundi
Continent Africa[1]
Region Central Africa
Coordinates 3°30′S 30°0′E / 3.5°S 30°E / -3.5; 30
Area Ranked 153rd
27,830 km2 (10,750 sq mi)
92.2% land
12.8% water
Borders 974 km (DROC 233 km, Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km)
Highest point Mount Heha 2670 m
Lowest point Lake Tanganyika 772 m
Largest lake Lake Tanganika
Satellite image of Burundi
Topography of Burundi

Burundi is located in central Africa, to the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at the co-ordinates 3°30′S 30°0′E / 3.5°S 30°E / -3.5; 30.

Contents

Physical geography

Burundi occupies an area equal to 27,830 square kilometres in size, of which 25,650 km² is land. The country has 974 kilometres of land border: 233 km of which is shared with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 290 km with Rwanda and 451 km with Tanzania. As a landlocked country, Burundi possesses no coastline, although it straddles the crest of the Nile-Congo River watershed. The farthest headwaters of the Nile, the Ruvyironza River, has its source in Burundi.

Climate

Burundi in general has a tropical highland climate, with a considerable daily temperature range in many areas. Temperature also varies considerably from one region to another, chiefly as a result of differences in altitude. The central plateau enjoys pleasantly cool weather, with an average temperature of 20 °C (68 °F). The area around Lake Tanganyika is warmer, averaging 23 °C (73.4 °F); the highest mountain areas are cooler, averaging 16 °C (60.8 °F). Bujumbura’s average annual temperature is
23 °C (73.4 °F). Rain is irregular, falling most heavily in the northwest. Dry seasons vary in length, and there are sometimes long periods of drought. However, four seasons can be distinguished: the long dry season (June–August), the short wet season (September–November), the short dry season (December–January), and the long wet season (February–May). Most of Burundi receives between 1,300 and 1,600 mm (51.2 and 63.0 in) of rainfall a year. The Ruzizi Plain and the northeast receive between 750 and 1,000 mm (29.5 and 39.4 in).

Terrain

The terrain of Burundi is hilly and mountainous, dropping to a plateau in the east. The southern and eastern plains have been categorised by the World Wildlife Fund as part of the Central Zambezian Miombo woodlands ecoregion.

The lowest point in the country is at Lake Tanganyika, at 772 m, with the highest point being on Mount Heha, at 2,684 m.[2] Natural hazards are posed in Burundi by flooding and landslides.

Natural resources

Burundi possesses reserves of: nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum (not yet exploited) and vanadium. There is also arable land and the potential for hydropower. 140 km² of land in Burundi is irrigated. The table below describes land use in Burundi.

Land use
Use Percentage of Area
arable land 35.57
permanent crops 13.12
other 51.31

Environment

Current issues

Soil erosion is an issue for Burundi, and is as a result of overgrazing and the expansion of agriculture into marginal lands. Other issues include: deforestation, due to the uncontrolled cutting-down of trees for fuel; and habitat loss threatens wildlife populations.

International agreements

Burundi is a party to the following international agreements that relate to the environment: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes and Ozone Layer Protection. The following have been signed but not yet ratified by Burundi: Law of the Sea and Nuclear Test Ban.

Extreme points

This is a list of the extreme points of Burundi, the points that are farther north, south, east or west than any other location.

References

  1. ^ CIA World Factbook
  2. ^ Burundi, land and resources

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Geography of present-day nations and states — This is a list of articles on the Geography of contemporary countries, states and dependencies. * See List of extinct countries, empires, etc. and Former countries in Europe after 1815 for articles about countries that are no longer in existence …   Wikipedia

  • Geography of Sierra Leone — Continent Africa Region Western Africa Coordinates …   Wikipedia

  • Geography of Tunisia — Continent Africa Region Northern Africa Coordinates …   Wikipedia

  • Geography of Côte d'Ivoire — Continent Africa Region West Africa Sub Saharan Africa Coordinates 8°00 N, 5°00 W Area …   Wikipedia

  • Geography of Zimbabwe — Continent Africa Region Southern Africa Coordinates …   Wikipedia

  • Geography of Botswana — Continent Africa Region Southern Africa Coordinates …   Wikipedia

  • Geography of Western Sahara — Western Sahara Continent …   Wikipedia

  • Burundi — Burundian, adj., n. /boo roon dee/, n. a republic in central Africa, E of the Democratic Republic of the Congo: formerly the S part of the Belgian trust territory of Ruanda Urundi; gained independence on July 1, 1962. 6,052,614; 10,747 sq. mi.… …   Universalium

  • Burundi — Infobox Country native name = Republika y u Burundi République du Burundi conventional long name = Republic of Burundi common name = Burundi national motto = Ubumwe, Ibikorwa, Iterambere spaces|2(Kirundi) Unité, Travail, Progrès spaces|2(… …   Wikipedia

  • Burundi — <p></p> <p></p> Introduction ::Burundi <p></p> Background: <p></p> Burundi s first democratically elected president was assassinated in October 1993 after only 100 days in office, triggering… …   The World Factbook

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”