As of 2024, the top 1% in Burundi earned 14.49% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 14.40%. Burundi’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 11.09%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Burundi in 2024
In 2024, income in Burundi was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 14.49% of total national income, which is slightly lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 14.40% of income, roughly on par with the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Burundi | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 14.49% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 47.10% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 14.40% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Burundi?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Burundi’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 11.09% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 3.40 percentage points to 14.49%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Burundi has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 42.83% while the bottom 50% received 16.19%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 47.10% and 14.40% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 11.09% | 42.83% | 16.19% | 26.64 pp |
| 1986 | 11.09% | 42.83% | 16.19% | 26.64 pp |
| 1992 | 11.09% | 42.83% | 16.19% | 26.64 pp |
| 1998 | 17.48% | 50.42% | 12.82% | 37.60 pp |
| 2004 | 14.04% | 46.48% | 14.99% | 31.49 pp |
| 2010 | 13.95% | 47.00% | 14.74% | 32.26 pp |
| 2016 | 14.63% | 47.83% | 14.18% | 33.65 pp |
| 2022 | 14.49% | 47.10% | 14.40% | 32.70 pp |
How Burundi Compares Globally
Burundi vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, Burundi’s top 1% income share of 14.49% is slightly lower than the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in Burundi receives 14.40% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where Burundi Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Burundi ranks 112th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Burundi ranks 100th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Burundi include Romania, income distribution in Tajikistan, income distribution in Lesotho.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Burundi?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Burundi earned 14.49% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Burundi?
Income inequality in Burundi has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 11.09% in 1980 to 14.49% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Burundi?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Burundi received 14.40% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 47.10%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.