In 1993 Burundi seemed poised to enter a new era when, in their first democratic elections, Burundians chose their first Hutu head of state, Melchior Ndadaye, and a parliament dominated by the Hutu Front for Democracy in Burundi (Frodebu) party.
Burundi's government is behind systematic human rights abuses, including executions.Location of Burundi (dark blue). – in Africa – in the African Union (light blue). Capital and largest city, Bujumbura · 3°30′S 30°00′E / 3.500°S 30.000°E.
Burundi covers 27,834 km² with an estimated population of almost 8.7 million. Although the country is landlocked, much of the south-western border is adjacent to Lake Tanganyika, one of the deepest lakes in the world.