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Burundi lies in Central Africa situated between Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania. During the 18th century, Tutsi royalty gained control of the region and provided the people protection in exchange for tribute and land. In 1899, German East African administration began, but in 1923 the League of Nations gave control of the Ruanda-Urundi territory, today Rwanda and Burundi, to Belgium, who continued to administer the region in some capacity until 1962. Since independence, tension between the Hutu majority and the politically dominant Tutsi minority has led to political turmoil and violent conflict, but the official end to civil war in 2006 led to the rebuilding of infrastructure and relations with neighboring countries.

While the conflict may have officially concluded, many of the provisions of the cease-fire have yet to be implemented and Burundi remains one of the poorest countries in the world. The U.S. Embassy restricts travel of its personnel in the country with even certain areas of the capital, Bujumbura, off-limits. For those who do visit, the scenery around Lake Tanganyika and the Parc National de la Kibira offer some of the country’s natural beauty. However, tourist facilities are limited, especially outside of the capital.