Capital: Bujumbura
Administrative divisions: 15 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura, Bururi,
Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba,
Muramvya, Muyinga, Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi
Independence: 1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian
administration)
National holiday: Independence Day, 1 July (1962)
Constitution: 13 March 1992; provides for establishment of a plural
political system
Legal system: based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary
law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: universal adult at age NA
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Sylvestre NTIBANTUNGANYA (since September
1994)
note: President Melchior NDADAYE, Burundi's first democratically
elected president, died in the military coup of 21 October 1993 and
was succeeded on 5 February 1994 by President Cyprien NTARYAMIRA, who
was killed in a mysterious airplane explosion on 6 April 1994
head of government: Prime Minister Antoine NDUWAYO (since February
1995); selected by President NTIBANTUNGANYA following the resignation
of Anatole KANYENKIKO on 15 February 1995
cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by prime minister
Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale): elections last held 29 June 1993 (next to be held NA); results - FRODEBU 71%, UPRONA 21.4%; seats - (81 total) FRODEBU 65, UPRONA 16; other parties won too small shares of the vote to win seats in the assembly note: The National Unity Charter outlining the principles for constitutional government was adopted by a national referendum on 5 February 1991
Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)