A small landlocked country in East Africa, Burundi boasts an exceptionally rich natural environment and a remarkable culture. From the lakes that dot its landscape, including the most mythical, Lake Tanganyaka, to its hills, wild savannah and primary forests, Burundi has a wealth of resources.

But Burundi remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with two-thirds of its population living below the poverty line. Violent conflicts, notably the civil war of 1993-2005, have left deep scars, and the very high population density, among the highest in Africa, is putting pressure on farmland and natural resources.

Household food security is alarming:

• Nearly 16% of the population, or 2 million people, suffer from hunger.
• 32.1% of children aged between 2 and 5 are underweight, mainly due to hunger and malnutrition.

In terms of employment, the country's main source of income is agriculture:

It is practised by over 90% of the population, on almost one million family farms averaging around 0.50 ha per household.

Concerning health:

• Only 10% of the population is covered by formal social protection.
• 40% of Burundians suffer from psychological problems.
• 334 maternal deaths per 100,000 births.

Regarding natural resources:

Burundi's environment is undergoing a process of severe degradation, including severe hill erosion, rapid deforestation, reduced biodiversity and deteriorating water quality.