What is the capital of Burundi?

The capital of Burundi is Gitega. Located in the country’s central highlands, Gitega is the political capital and the seat of Burundi’s national government, while Bujumbura remains the country’s principal economic and commercial centre.

Gitega has deep historical significance. It was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Burundi until the monarchy was abolished in 1966, and the city preserves important royal sites, drum traditions, and the National Museum of Gitega. Its inland, central location also made it attractive as a place from which the government could serve more of the country.

Burundi formally approved the transfer of its political capital from Bujumbura to Gitega in January 2019. This is the source of a common quiz mistake: Bujumbura was the capital for decades and is still the largest, best-known city. The two cities therefore have different roles, but the country’s official political capital is Gitega.