Burundi Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
Burundi's urban population was 26.02% in 2025, ranked 204th globally. This represents a 4.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Burundi's urban population stood at 26.02% in 2025, a rise of +1.19% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 26.02% by 2025. Burundi ranked 204th globally.
Burundi’s urban population share has risen steadily from a trough of 1.84 percent in 1960 to an all‑time peak of 26.02 percent in 2025, placing the country at 204th in the world. Over the 66‑year coverage period the share increased by more than 24 percentage points, reflecting gradual rural‑to‑urban migration, modest urban‑centred economic activity and the expansion of small‑scale services in Bujumbura and Gitega. The current level is closely aligned with peers such as Tajikistan (26.18 percent) and Afghanistan (25.74 percent), which experience similar constraints in industrial diversification and infrastructure development. Despite the upward trajectory, Burundi’s urbanisation rate remains low relative to regional averages, indicating that a large proportion of the population continues to depend on subsistence agriculture. Continued investment in urban infrastructure, education and private‑sector incentives could accelerate the shift, while adverse climate impacts on rural livelihoods might also prompt faster migration to towns, sustaining the upward trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 28.47% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 27.25% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 26.02% | - | - |
| 2025 | 26.02% | +1.19% | #204 |
| 2024 | 24.83% | +1.28% | #12 |
| 2023 | 23.55% | +1.23% | #11 |
| 2022 | 22.32% | +1.21% | #10 |
| 2021 | 21.11% | +1.18% | #8 |
| 2020 | 19.93% | +1.14% | #7 |
| 2019 | 18.79% | +1.10% | #6 |
| 2018 | 17.68% | +1.06% | #5 |
| 2017 | 16.62% | +1.01% | #5 |
| 2016 | 15.62% | +0.95% | #3 |
| 2015 | 14.67% | +0.89% | #3 |
| 2014 | 13.78% | +0.82% | #2 |
| 2013 | 12.97% | +0.74% | #1 |
| 2012 | 12.22% | +0.66% | #1 |
| 2011 | 11.56% | +0.58% | #1 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Burundi matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2023. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Burundi's urban population was 26.02% in 2025. Ranked 204th globally. This represents a 4.8% increase from the previous year.
Burundi's urban population peaked at 26.02% in 2025.
The lowest urban population in Burundi was 1.84% in 1960.
Burundi ranks 204th globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Burundi's urban population is projected to reach 26.02% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of Burundi in 2025 was 26.02%. This ranks 204th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_burundi_urban-population,
title = {Burundi Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/burundi/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}