Overview of Tanzania
An East African federal republic home to Africa's highest peak, Kilimanjaro, and world-class safari destinations.
Profile
Tanzania is a multi-ethnic nation comprising mainland Tanganyika and the Zanzibar archipelago in the Indian Ocean, known for abundant wildlife and Swahili culture. The capital is Dodoma, but Dar es Salaam is the largest city and economic hub. Swahili, an African language, serves as the national language promoting ethnic unity. The economy depends on agriculture, tourism, gold, tanzanite, and other mining, with recent growth in natural gas development. The country hosts UNESCO World Heritage sites including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Kilimanjaro, attracting over one million tourists annually. Zanzibar maintains strong autonomy and is famous for spices and the historic Stone Town.
- Official name
- United Republic of Tanzania
- Common name
- Tanzania
- Numeric code
- 834
- Alpha-3 code
- TZA
- Alpha-2 code
- TZ
- Population
- 63 million (2023)
- Population density
- Approximately 70 people/km²
- Primary languages
- Swahili, English
- Major religions
- Christianity, Islam, Traditional religions
- National anthem
- Mungu ibariki Afrika (God Bless Africa)
- Calling code
- +255
- Internet TLD
- .tz
History
Tanganyika gained independence from Britain in 1961 and united with Zanzibar in 1964 to form the current nation.
Following Swahili civilization from the 7th century, the Zanzibar Sultanate in the 19th century, and German and British colonial rule, Tanganyika gained independence in 1961. After the 1964 revolution, Zanzibar united with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. First President Nyerere promoted Ujamaa socialism, popularized Swahili, and advanced Pan-African diplomacy. Since the late 1980s, the country has transitioned to a market economy with growth in mining and tourism. In 2021, Samia Suluhu Hassan became the first female president, accelerating economic reforms and infrastructure development.
Geography & climate
Coastal plains along the Indian Ocean to the east, high plateaus in the center, deep lakes along the Great Rift Valley in the west, and volcanic mountains including Kilimanjaro in the northeast.
Tropical savanna (highlands temperate), coastal tropical monsoon
- Area
- Africa / 945087 km²
- Capital
- Dodoma
- Largest city
- Dar es Salaam
- Coastal status
- Yes
- Major lakes
- Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Nyasa
- Bordering countries
- Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique
Politics
Government: Presidential republic (Federal system)
Economy
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
GDP (nominal): 854 hundred million USD (2023)
GDP (PPP): 2,110 hundred million USD (2023)
Language & timezone
Primary languages: Swahili, English
Time zone: East Africa Time (EAT)
Culture & customs
Ethnic groups
Sukuma, Nyamwezi, Chaga, Haya, Gogo, Makonde, Maasai, Hehe, Iraqw
Life expectancy
66.0 years
Literacy rate
79%
National sports
Football (Soccer), Marathon, Long-distance running, Netball, Basketball
Flag
Emblem
