Years of civil war, land shortages, high fertility rates, insufficient agricultural production and the return of Burundian refugees have placed Burundi near the bottom of the UN Human Development Index, ranking 180 out of 187 countries.

However, there is great potential for Burundi's development. 

Catholic Relief Services continues to help Burundians rebuild their lives after years of civil war. Burundi, the second most densely populated country in Africa, has experienced recurrent periods of violence since its independence in 1962.

As Burundi moves toward peace and democracy, CRS has worked hand in hand with Burundians in areas such as agriculture, access to safe and nutritious food, microfinance, peacebuilding and health, including HIV.