Burundi has experienced significant hardship and conflict. It gained independence from Belgium in 1948 and its flag represents its three main tribes. However, it remains one of the poorest countries in the world with high rates of starvation, HIV/AIDS, and unemployment outside the army or government. Ongoing civil war between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes has led to over 2.9 million deaths to date, though the UN helped establish democracy in 2006. Charitable efforts have still struggled to reverse the effects of drought, dirty water, and the humanitarian crisis.