A great hindrance to Burundi's economic development is lack of adequate transportation. The country is landlocked, and there are no railroads. Roads total 14,480 km (8,998 mi) on 2002, and only about 7% of them remain open in all weather; the rest are classed as local roads or tracks. In 2000, there were 7,000 passenger cars and 9,300 commercial vehicles.
Burundi is dependent on Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and the DROC for its imports. Through Bujumbura, Lake Tanganyika serves as a link with Kigoma in Tanzania for rail shipment to Dar es Salaam. In 1987, the African Development Bank awarded a 50-year loan of CFA Fr218 billion to finance the construction of a shipyard in Bujumbura.
Air service is maintained by Air Burundi, which operates domestic service and flies to Rwanda, Tanzania, and the DROC. International service is also provided by Air Zaïre, Sabena, and other airlines. Bujumbura has an international airport, and there are six smaller airports as well as a number of helicopter landing strips. In 1997, 11,000 passengers traveled on international and domestic flights.