Tanzania
Tanzania is a sovereign presidential republic in Eastern Africa, celebrated for its vast protected wilderness and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Current estimates show a population of approximately 73 million and a GDP per capita of 1,322 USD.
Where is Tanzania?
Tanzania
- Continent
- Africa
- Country
- Tanzania
- Coordinates
- -6.00°, 35.00°
Population Details
- Population
- 73M
- Area
- 947,303 km²
- Density per km²
- 77 / km²
- Growth rate
- +2.87%
- Annual growth
- +2.1M people
- Daily growth
- +5.7K people
- World population share
- 0.89%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Tanzania
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Dodoma
- Region
- Africa
- Area
- 947,303 km²
- Languages
- English, Swahili
- Currency
- Tanzanian shilling (Sh)
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Economy
The economy demonstrates robust momentum with a recent annual GDP growth rate of 5.5%, driven by the agriculture, mining, and tourism sectors. Recent data indicates a total GDP of approximately 78.8 billion USD, which ranks 83rd globally and 11th in Africa. While the GDP per capita ranks 185th globally and 7th in Eastern Africa, the unemployment rate remains very low at approximately 1.6%, ranking 175th out of 186 countries when ordered by the highest unemployment rates.
Society
Social indicators reflect ongoing development, with a life expectancy at birth of 67.2 years, which ranks 174th globally. The adult literacy rate stands at approximately 78.2%, placing the nation at 123rd in the latest global rankings. Digital connectivity is expanding across the country, with internet users accounting for 31.2% of the population, a figure that currently ranks 185th globally.
Climate & Environment
Tanzania experiences a tropical climate, characterized by hot and humid conditions along its 1,424 km (885 mi) coastline and more temperate weather in the northern and southern highlands. The country features two distinct rainy seasons, which support its diverse ecosystems and agricultural output across an area of 947,303 km² (365,756 sq mi).
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- presidential republic
- Independence
- 1964-04-26 (United Kingdom)
Tanzania is a presidential republic where the President serves as both the head of state and head of government. The political system is unique due to the 1964 union between mainland Tanganyika and the Zanzibar archipelago. While the central government in Dodoma oversees national affairs such as defense, foreign policy, and currency, Zanzibar maintains a semi-autonomous status with its own president, cabinet, and House of Representatives to manage local matters. The National Assembly, or Bunge, is the primary legislative body, consisting of members elected through various channels, including reserved seats for women to ensure gender representation. Since the transition to multi-party democracy in the early 1990s, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has remained the dominant political force. The legal system is a hybrid of English common law, Islamic law in Zanzibar, and customary law, reflecting the nation's diverse heritage. Current administration efforts emphasize anti-corruption measures, infrastructure expansion, and regional integration within the East African Community.
History
The history of Tanzania is defined by its role as a crossroads for global trade and its path-breaking post-colonial political philosophy. For centuries, the coast and the islands of Zanzibar were vital hubs in the Indian Ocean trade network, connecting Africa with Arabia, Persia, and India. In the late 19th century, the region became part of German East Africa before transitioning to British control as a League of Nations mandate following World War I. Tanganyika gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1961, followed by the Zanzibar Revolution in early 1964. On 26 April 1964, the two entities merged to form the United Republic of Tanzania under the leadership of Julius Nyerere, the nation's founding father. Nyerere’s 'Ujamaa' policy, a form of African socialism based on collective farming and self-reliance, shaped the country's social fabric for decades and fostered a strong sense of national identity among more than 130 ethnic groups. While the socialist economic model faced significant challenges in the 1970s and 1980s, it succeeded in maintaining exceptional political stability in a volatile region. Since the 1990s, Tanzania has moved toward a market-oriented economy and multi-party politics. Modern development is characterized by large-scale infrastructure projects and a growing role in regional diplomacy, continuing the legacy of peace and unity established at the time of independence.
Notable Facts
- Tanzania is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa, which rises to 5895 m (19341 ft) above sea level.
- The country is the only place in the world where Tanzanite, a rare blue-violet gemstone, is mined commercially.
- The Serengeti National Park hosts the largest terrestrial mammal migration on Earth, involving millions of wildebeest and zebras.
- Zanzibar’s Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European architectural influences.
- With a coastline of 1424 km (885 mi) and borders with 8 different countries, Tanzania serves as a critical maritime gateway for landlocked nations in Central and Southern Africa.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m)
- Lowest Point
- Indian Ocean (0 m)
- Coastline
- 1,424 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in TanzaniaExplore weather and climate data for cities in Tanzania
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Dodoma
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C / 20°C | 31°C / 22°C | 18days (157 mm) Wet | 10.2h Excellent | 73% Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| February | 29°C / 19°C | 32°C / 21°C | 13days (106 mm) Wet | 10.4h Excellent | 73% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| March | 29°C / 20°C | 32°C / 21°C | 14days (118 mm) Wet | 10.8h Excellent | 73% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| April | 29°C / 19°C | 30°C / 21°C | 11days (62 mm) Wet | 10.7h Excellent | 71% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| May best | 29°C / 18°C | 29°C / 18°C | 1days (4 mm) Excellent | 10.4h Excellent | 62% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| June best | 28°C / 16°C | 27°C / 16°C | 0days (0 mm) Excellent | 10.7h Excellent | 57% Moderate | Excellent | View Details |
| July best | 27°C / 16°C | 26°C / 15°C | 0days (1 mm) Excellent | 10.9h Excellent | 54% Moderate | Excellent | View Details |
| August best | 28°C / 16°C | 27°C / 15°C | 0days (0 mm) Excellent | 11.1h Excellent | 52% Moderate | Excellent | View Details |
| September best | 30°C / 17°C | 30°C / 16°C | 0days (0 mm) Excellent | 11.3h Excellent | 51% Moderate | Excellent | View Details |
| October | 31°C / 18°C | 31°C / 18°C | 1days (3 mm) Excellent | 11.7h Excellent | 50% Moderate | Excellent | View Details |
| November | 32°C / 20°C | 32°C / 20°C | 4days (25 mm) Good | 11.7h Excellent | 54% Moderate | Excellent | View Details |
| December | 30°C / 20°C | 32°C / 21°C | 9days (86 mm) Wet | 11.4h Excellent | 62% Muggy | Good | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 28°C / 20°C . Feb: 29°C / 19°C . Mar: 29°C / 20°C . Apr: 29°C / 19°C . May: 29°C / 18°C . Jun: 28°C / 16°C . Jul: 27°C / 16°C . Aug: 28°C / 16°C . Sep: 30°C / 17°C . Oct: 31°C / 18°C . Nov: 32°C / 20°C . Dec: 30°C / 20°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 157 mm. Feb: 106 mm. Mar: 118 mm. Apr: 62 mm. May: 4 mm. Jun: 0 mm. Jul: 1 mm. Aug: 0 mm. Sep: 0 mm. Oct: 3 mm. Nov: 25 mm. Dec: 86 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Tanzania is approximately 73M (2024).
The capital of Tanzania is Dodoma.
Tanzania's GDP per capita is $1.3K (2024).
Life expectancy in Tanzania is 67.21 years (2024).
Tanzania covers 947,303 km² (365,756 sq mi).
Tanzania has a moderate population density of 77 people per km², close to the global average of 60.
Tanzania's population is growing rapidly at 2.9% per year — among the fastest in the world.
Based on GDP per capita, Tanzania falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $1.3K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Tanzania's intentional homicide rate is 3.7 per 100,000 people, close to the global average.
Tanzania has 2 official languages: English, Swahili.
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian shilling (Sh) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Tanzania are May, June, July, August, September, based on climate data for the capital.
Current estimates place the population of Tanzania at approximately 73 million. According to the latest data, the country ranks 22nd globally in population size and 5th within the African continent. This growth is sustained by an annual population growth rate of approximately 2.9% and a fertility rate of 4.5 children per woman.
Tanzania has one of the largest economies in Eastern Africa, with a total GDP of approximately 78.8 billion USD. The latest ranking places the nation 83rd globally and 11th in Africa for nominal GDP. Recent estimates show a GDP per capita of 1,322 USD, which ranks 185th globally and 30th within Africa.
The average life expectancy at birth in Tanzania is currently 67.2 years. This figure ranks the country 174th globally according to the latest available data. Over the last few decades, improvements in healthcare access and the management of infectious diseases have contributed to steady gains in the overall longevity of the population.
The adult literacy rate in Tanzania is approximately 78.2% based on recent data. This places the nation 123rd globally out of 170 countries ranked. The government has prioritized primary and secondary education, resulting in a significantly higher literacy rate compared to many of its regional neighbors in sub-Saharan Africa.
Approximately 31.2% of the Tanzanian population currently uses the internet. This connectivity level ranks the country 185th globally for internet penetration. While urban centers like Dar es Salaam have high access, rural areas are catching up as mobile network infrastructure expands across the country's vast geography.
The unemployment rate in Tanzania is notably low, with recent data indicating a rate of approximately 1.6%. In global comparisons, the country ranks 175th out of 186 nations when sorted from highest to lowest unemployment. This low figure is largely attributed to high labor force participation in the agricultural and informal economic sectors.
Tanzania currently ranks 22 of 215 countries globally in terms of total population. On a regional level, it is the 5th most populous country in Africa and ranks 2 of 16 within Eastern Africa. This high ranking highlights Tanzania's role as a major demographic leader on the continent.
The estimated 2026 population density in Tanzania is 81.9 people per km² (212 per sq mi). This places the country 129th in the world and 26th in Africa. Population distribution is most concentrated in Zanzibar, coastal regions, and the highlands surrounding Lake Victoria and Lake Nyasa.
The population of Tanzania is growing rapidly, with an annual growth rate of 2.87%. Every day, the population increases by approximately 5,399 people, driven by a high birth rate of 34.8 per 1,000. This sustained growth makes it one of the most demographically dynamic countries in the world.
The current fertility rate in Tanzania is 4.54 children per woman, which is the 12th highest fertility rate in the world. This high rate is a significant factor in the country's rapid population expansion. It reflects a large youthful population that will continue to drive growth for decades.
Recent data indicates that 36.2% of Tanzania's population lives in urban areas, ranking it 180th globally for urbanization. While the majority of the nation remains rural, major cities like Dar es Salaam and the capital, Dodoma, are experiencing rapid development as migration from the countryside continues to increase.
All Indicators
Explore Tanzania's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
Health
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Environment
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Geography
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