The Burundi people migrated to North America from one of the smallest countries in Africa, bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. It is also sometimes considered part of Central Africa.

Burundi mother tongue is Rundi. However, the national trade language is French. As a result, due to the ethnic diversity among Burundi people in North America, they tend to communicate with one another in French.

In Burundi, the general populous on a daily basis deals with such issues as poverty, corruption, weak infrastructure, poor access to health and education services, and hunger. Coming to the United States brings similar yet other challenges. Consequently, they suffer other social issues.

The vast majority of Burundi people adhere to Roman Catholicism. However, many are often Roman Catholic in name only and seek to live a more secular way of life.