Tanzania Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Tanzania, State of East Africa; 945,000 km², 56.3 million residents (2019).Tanzania borders in the north to Kenya, in the south to Mozambique, in the southwest to Malawi and Zambia, in the west to Congo (Kinshasa), Burundi and Rwanda and in the northwest to Uganda and to the east coast to the Indian Ocean. The capital is Dodoma (190 600 residents, 2012).

Country facts

Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania (Swahili)
United Republic of Tanzania /
United Republic of Tanzania
Country abbreviation: TZ
Area: 945 000 km²
Population (2019): 56.3 million residents
Capital: Dodoma
Main languages: English, Swahili
State: Republic
Head of State: John Magufuli (President)
Head of Government: Kassim Majaliwa
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 1,020
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 1,051
Currency unit: 1 shilling = 100 cents
Currency code: TZS
Country Number (Telephony): 255
Internet Domain Name: tz
Time difference compared to Sweden: +2
National Day: April 26 (State Formation, 1964)

Nature

Land use: forest (38%), agricultural land (10%), pasture land (52%)
Highest mountain: Kilimanjaro (5,895 m above sea level)
Largest lakes: Lake Victoria (69 800 km² ), Lake Tanganyika (32 900 km² ), Lake Malawi (31 000 km² )

Population

Population density (2019): 60 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 3.0%; birth rate 37 ‰, death rate 7 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (44%), 15-64 (53%), 65- (3%)
Life expectancy (2019): men 63 years, women 66 years
Infant mortality (2019): 42 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 129 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.538 (place 154 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 34%
Most populous cities (2012): Dar es-Salaam (3.4 million residents), Mwanza (640,600), Zanzibar (539,900)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (23%), industry (29%), service (48%)
Exports (2017): US $ 4,971 million
Main export products: gold, coffee, cashew nuts
Main exporting countries: India, South Africa, Kenya
Imports (2017): US $ 7,869 million
Main import products: consumables, machinery and transport equipment
Main importing countries: India, China
Railway network (2014): 4,600 km

Geography of Tanzania

Location and Borders

Tanzania is located in East Africa, bordering eight countries: Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Zambia and Malawi to the southwest, and Mozambique to the south. Additionally, Tanzania has a coastline along the Indian Ocean to the east. The country’s total land area is approximately 945,087 square kilometers (364,900 square miles), making it the largest country in East Africa.

Tanzania also includes the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, located off the eastern coast in the Indian Ocean. These islands, along with the mainland, contribute to the nation’s geographic diversity, which includes beaches, forests, mountains, savannas, and deserts. Its strategic position at the crossroads of the African continent and the Indian Ocean gives Tanzania significant geopolitical importance.

Terrain and Landscape

Tanzania’s landscape is diverse, consisting of coastal plains, fertile highlands, volcanic mountains, and large lakes. The eastern part of the country is largely made up of coastal plains that gently rise into the central plateau, which is primarily a savanna region. The central plateau is bordered by mountain ranges and cradles some of the country’s largest lakes, including Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, and Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi).

The Great Rift Valley runs through the western and northern parts of Tanzania and is a prominent geographical feature. The valley is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), located in the northeast near the border with Kenya. The Serengeti Plain, famous for its annual migration of wildebeest and other animals, is also located within the Rift Valley system, providing one of the most well-known wildlife reserves on the continent.

Water Bodies

Tanzania is home to several large lakes, including Lake Tanganyika, which is the second-deepest freshwater lake in the world. The country also borders Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, which is shared with Uganda and Kenya. These lakes, along with many smaller ones, serve as important sources of water for both human populations and wildlife.

Additionally, the country has significant river systems, including the Rufiji River, which drains into the Indian Ocean, and the Pangani River, which is important for irrigation and energy production. Tanzania’s lakes and rivers are crucial for transportation, agriculture, and the overall livelihood of its people.

Climate of Tanzania

Tropical Climate

Tanzania has a predominantly tropical climate, which varies by altitude and geography. The coastal regions are generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) year-round. The highlands experience cooler temperatures, with areas like the Ngorongoro Crater and the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro having milder, more temperate conditions due to their higher elevation.

Wet and Dry Seasons

Tanzania experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, depending on the region. The coastal areas, including Dar es Salaam, experience two rainy seasons: the long rains, which typically occur from March to May, and the short rains from October to December. These rainfalls are critical for agriculture, particularly for the growth of crops like rice, maize, and cassava.

In the central and northern parts of the country, including Arusha and Dodoma, the climate is generally drier, with most of the rainfall occurring between November and May. The southern regions, particularly the Ruvuma region, receive less rainfall overall, and the rainy season is often shorter.

Natural Disasters

Tanzania, like many other countries in East Africa, is prone to natural disasters, including droughts and floods, which can have significant effects on agriculture and infrastructure. The country is also susceptible to occasional earthquakes, particularly near the western Rift Valley, and the possibility of volcanic activity from Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Oldoinyo Lengai in the Great Rift Valley. However, Tanzania is not typically affected by major cyclones, as the Indian Ocean’s hurricane belt does not directly impact the country.

People of Tanzania

Population and Demographics

Tanzania has a population of approximately 61 million people, with the majority living in rural areas. The country’s population is ethnically diverse, with over 120 different ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group is the Bantu-speaking people, which includes groups such as the Sukuma, Chaga, and Zaramo. The Maasai, a well-known pastoralist group, live primarily in the northern part of the country, near the Serengeti.

Tanzania also has smaller populations of Arabs, Indians, and other African immigrants, particularly in urban centers. Swahili, or Kiswahili, is the national language, spoken by the majority of the population. English is also an official language, primarily used in government and business.

Religion

The majority of Tanzanians practice Christianity or Islam, with Christianity being the dominant religion in the southern, western, and central regions, and Islam being the predominant religion in the coastal areas, especially in Zanzibar and other islands. Traditional African religions, including animism and ancestor worship, are also practiced, particularly in rural areas, although the influence of these beliefs has been greatly reduced due to the spread of Islam and Christianity.

Religious tolerance is an important aspect of Tanzanian society, and people of different religious backgrounds often live together harmoniously. Religious festivals such as Christmas, Eid al-Fitr, and Islamic New Year are widely celebrated, with people from various communities participating in each other’s religious events.

Urbanization and Rural Life

While Tanzania’s urban population has been growing steadily, the majority of its people still live in rural areas, where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy. Cities like Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha are major urban centers, but they still represent only a small proportion of the population compared to the countryside. Rural communities tend to rely on subsistence farming, with crops such as maize, beans, and cassava being central to their livelihoods.

Urbanization, however, has been increasing in recent decades, with migration from rural areas to cities driven by better employment opportunities, educational prospects, and healthcare facilities. This shift has created both opportunities and challenges, as cities face pressure from rapid population growth, inadequate infrastructure, and high unemployment rates.

Economy of Tanzania

Key Economic Sectors

Tanzania’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, which employs the majority of the population. Agriculture is vital for both domestic consumption and exports, with key products including coffee, tea, cotton, tobacco, and cashew nuts. Tanzania is one of the world’s leading exporters of coffee, and the coffee industry plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy.

In addition to agriculture, Tanzania’s mining sector has been growing rapidly in recent years. The country is rich in natural resources, including gold, diamonds, and Tanzanite, a gemstone unique to the region. Mining contributes significantly to Tanzania’s GDP, and the country has attracted foreign investments in this sector.

Tourism is another important industry for Tanzania, particularly due to its famous national parks and wildlife reserves, including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. These natural resources, along with rich cultural heritage sites, draw millions of visitors annually.

Industry and Manufacturing

Manufacturing in Tanzania is underdeveloped compared to other sectors, but it has been expanding over the years. The industrial sector includes the production of processed foods, textiles, cement, and consumer goods. The government has been working to diversify the economy by investing in infrastructure and developing industrial zones to boost local production and reduce reliance on imports.

The energy sector, particularly hydropower, is another growing area. Tanzania has significant potential in renewable energy, and investments in solar, wind, and geothermal energy are increasing to meet the growing demand for electricity, especially in rural areas.

Economic Challenges and Development

Despite the growth in key sectors, Tanzania faces several economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and income inequality. The country is still heavily dependent on agriculture, and rural poverty remains widespread. In addition, Tanzania’s infrastructure, particularly in transport and healthcare, has not kept up with rapid population growth, which has resulted in regional disparities in development.

The government has been focused on addressing these issues through its long-term development plans, including Vision 2025, which aims to reduce poverty, improve education, and increase industrialization. However, challenges such as climate change, inadequate access to financing, and a reliance on foreign aid remain significant hurdles for achieving sustained economic growth.

Government and Politics

Political Structure

Tanzania is a unitary republic with a presidential system. The country is governed by the Constitution of 1977, which sets out the framework for a multi-party system, though the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party has maintained dominance since independence. The President of Tanzania is both the head of state and head of government and serves a five-year term, with the possibility of re-election for a second term.

The government consists of three branches: the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary. The President is elected by popular vote, and the Prime Minister is appointed by the President. The Parliament, called the National Assembly, consists of elected members and appointed representatives, including members of the clergy and women’s representatives. Tanzania’s political system has traditionally been stable, but opposition parties have faced challenges to gaining significant influence due to the dominance of the CCM.

Historical Political Development

Tanzania gained independence from British colonial rule in 1961 under the leadership of Julius Nyerere, who became the first President. Nyerere is remembered for his socialist policies, including the creation of Ujamaa, a system of collective farming and rural development. Nyerere led Tanzania from independence until his retirement in 1985, and his leadership was characterized by a strong commitment to African unity and Pan-Africanism.

Since Nyerere’s retirement, Tanzania has seen peaceful transitions of power. The country became a multi-party democracy in 1992, and despite some challenges, the political environment has remained relatively stable compared to many other African nations.

Recent Political Developments

Tanzania has faced significant political challenges in recent years, including accusations of repression and restrictions on opposition groups and media freedoms. President John Magufuli, who served from 2015 until his death in 2021, was known for his anti-corruption stance and efforts to reduce government waste. However, his government was criticized for limiting political freedoms and cracking down on dissent. His successor, Samia Suluhu Hassan, became the first female president of Tanzania and has worked to restore some of the political freedoms and international relationships that were strained under Magufuli’s leadership.

Culture of Tanzania

Arts and Music

Tanzanian culture is a blend of indigenous traditions, Arab influence, and colonial heritage. The arts in Tanzania are diverse, with traditional crafts, music, and dance playing significant roles in everyday life. Tanzanian music ranges from traditional drumming and singing to modern genres like Bongo Flava (a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and Tanzanian beats). The music scene is vibrant, and festivals celebrating music and dance, like the Sauti za Busara festival, are held regularly.

Traditional dance is integral to cultural ceremonies and celebrations. The Maasai, for example, perform elaborate dances as part of their rituals, while coastal communities have their own unique dance forms influenced by Swahili culture.

Festivals and Traditions

Tanzania hosts numerous cultural and religious festivals throughout the year. The most significant include the Swahili Festival in Zanzibar, the Mwaka Kogwa festival (celebrating the Persian New Year), and the Ngoma festivals, which highlight traditional music and dance. These festivals often feature performances, feasts, and community activities, providing a sense of unity and cultural pride.

Tanzanians celebrate a variety of religious holidays, including Christmas, Eid al-Fitr, and cultural holidays that mark agricultural seasons or historical events. These celebrations are marked by family gatherings, food, and traditional customs.

Cuisine

Tanzanian cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh, local ingredients. Staples include rice, maize, cassava, and bananas, as well as a variety of vegetables and fruits. Coastal cuisine, particularly in Zanzibar, is heavily influenced by spices and seafood. Dishes such as pilau (spiced rice) and samosa (fried pastries) are common in these regions.

The use of coconut milk and spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon adds depth to many dishes. Meat, particularly goat, chicken, and beef, is frequently eaten, often with starch-based side dishes like ugali (a dense porridge made from maize flour) or rice.

Language and Literature

Swahili is the most widely spoken language in Tanzania and serves as a national language uniting the country’s diverse ethnic groups. English is also an official language, used in government and education. Tanzanian literature has a strong oral tradition, with storytelling, poetry, and proverbs being integral parts of daily life.

Tanzania is home to notable writers, such as Shaban Robert, who is considered the father of Swahili literature. The literary tradition continues to thrive, with many contemporary writers exploring themes related to identity, post-colonialism, and social change.