Tanzania
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 70
Currency
💱 Tanzanian shilling
Languages
🗣️ English, Swahili
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Discover Tanzania, a land of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From the iconic plains of the Serengeti, teeming with wildlife, to the majestic peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa, adventure awaits. Explore the spice-scented streets of Zanzibar's Stone Town, relax on pristine white-sand beaches, and immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of its diverse peoples.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
United Republic of Tanzania
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Tanzanian
Independence
April 26, 1964 (from the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar)
Top-Level Domain
.tz
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+255
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+03:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Dodoma
ISO Alpha-2
TZ
ISO Alpha-3
TZA
UN Code
834
Geographic Coordinates
-6,35
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
945,087#32 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
70,038,850#21 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
75.21
Highest Point (m)
5,895 meters (Mount Kilimanjaro)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Indian Ocean)
Land Use
Agricultural land: 44.8%; forest: 47.9%; other: 7.3% (2018 est.)
Irrigated Land
2,420 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
1,424 km
Climate
Tropical; varies with altitude; humid along the coast, semi-arid in the interior.
Natural Resources
Tin, phosphates, iron ore, coal, gemstones, gold, natural gas, nickel.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia
Major Rivers
Rufiji, Pangani, Ruvuma, Malagarasi.
Major Lakes
Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Nyasa.
Government Type
Presidential republic
Administrative Divisions
31 regions
Legal System
Based on English common law, customary law, and Islamic law.
Chief of State
President Samia Suluhu Hassan
Head of Government
President Samia Suluhu Hassan
Cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the President.
Elections
President and National Assembly elected every 5 years.
Judicial Branch
High Court; Court of Appeal.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly or Bunge.
Major Political Parties
Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Chadema, ACT Wazalendo.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Tanzanian shilling
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
90.14#84 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
305.6#68 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,318.82#184 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
22.91
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
29.79
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
28.76
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.33#85 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
34,052,654
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.57#174 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Approximately 40% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
The Tanzanian government's budget details are available on its official website.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
17.11#95 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
18.02#96 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Approximately $6 billion (2022 est.)
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found at major banks and online services.
GDP by Sector
Agriculture, services, and industry are the main sectors.
Major Industries
Mining (gold, diamonds), tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Major Export Partners
India, Switzerland, and South Africa.
Major Import Partners
China, India, and South Africa.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
78.21#122 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
34.8
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.7
Net Migration Rate
Approximately -1 migrant(s) per 1,000 population (2021 est.)
Median Age
Approximately 18 years (2021 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
36.88#178 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 4% annual rate of change (2021 est.)
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
67.2#173 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Approximately 4.6% (2021 est.)
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
3.05
Ethnic Groups
Diverse groups including Sukuma, Nyamwezi, and Chagga.
Religions
Christianity, Islam, and indigenous beliefs.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English, Swahili
Education
Education System
Tanzania's education system follows a 7-4-2-3 structure: 7 years of primary, 4 years of secondary, 2 years of advanced secondary, and 3+ years of higher education.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
9.1
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education in Tanzania is around 4% of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include the University of Dar es Salaam, Sokoine University of Agriculture, and the University of Dodoma.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Tanzania's culture is a rich blend of indigenous traditions, influences from Arab traders, and European colonization, reflected in its music, art, and cuisine.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- Mwaka mpya (2026-01-01)
- Sikukuu ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar (2026-01-12)
- Ijumaa Kuu (2026-04-03)
- Jumatatu ya Pasaka (2026-04-06)
- Siku ya Karume (2026-04-07)
- Sikukuu ya Muungano (2026-04-26)
- Sikukuu ya Wafanyakazi (2026-05-01)
- Saba Saba (2026-07-07)
- Nane Nane (2026-08-08)
- Siku ya Nyerere (2026-10-14)
- Siku ya Uhuru (2026-12-09)
- Krismasi (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Popular music genres include Bongo Flava, a Swahili hip-hop, as well as traditional styles like Taarab.
Traditional Food
Traditional food includes ugali (cornmeal porridge), nyama choma (grilled meat), and various stews and vegetable dishes.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport, followed by basketball and other athletics.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) and the Serengeti Cultural Festival.
Famous People
Famous people include Julius Nyerere (first president), musicians like Diamond Platnumz, and athletes.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Tanzania is rich in cultural heritage sites, including ancient ruins and traditional villages.
UNESCO Sites
Tanzania has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Stone Town of Zanzibar.
Annual Tourist Visits
Around 1.5 million annual tourist visits pre-pandemic.
Tourism Overview
Significant tourism sector, known for wildlife safaris and beaches.
Top Tourist Attractions
Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar beaches.
Famous Cities
Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar City.
National Parks
Abundant, including Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ruaha.
Protected Areas
Extensive network of national parks and reserves.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Tanzania depends heavily on your planned activities. For game viewing in popular parks like the Serengeti and Maasai Mara (though technically Kenya, it's part of the Great Migration route), the dry seasons from June to October and again from December to February are best. The Great Migration itself typically reaches the Serengeti plains between January and March, offering spectacular calving events. For beach holidays on Zanzibar or the mainland coast, the cooler, dry months from June to October are pleasant, avoiding the heavy rains of April and May. Kilimanjaro climbs are best undertaken during the drier months of January to March and June to October, with clear skies offering excellent visibility. If you're interested in cultural festivals, check local calendars; the Kilimilanjaro Marathon is usually in March.
Tourist Visa Info
Visas typically required; e-visas available for many nationalities.
Visa Requirements Overview
Tourist visa requirements for Tanzania vary significantly based on your nationality. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at major entry points, such as Kilimanjaro International Airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), and Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. However, it is highly recommended to check the latest regulations with the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in your home country before your trip, as policies can change. Some nationalities may need to apply for a visa in advance. There's also an online e-visa application system available for most nationalities, which can expedite the process. Tourist visas typically allow for stays of up to 90 days within a 12-month period, but this can also be nationality-dependent.
Travel Advisory
Exercise caution due to potential petty crime and health concerns.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index for Tanzania varies depending on the region.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the facility and services provided.
Number of Hospitals
There are many hospitals throughout Tanzania, both public and private.
Universal Healthcare
Tanzania aims to provide universal healthcare, but access and quality vary across the country.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services range from public to private facilities.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, but access can be limited in rural areas.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
Emergency number for police: 112.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
Emergency number for ambulance: 112.
Emergency Number (Fire)
Emergency number for fire: 112.
Crime Rate
The crime rate index is moderate, with petty theft and property crime being more common than violent crime.
Safety Index
The safety index is moderate, with varying levels of safety depending on the region.
Military Expenditure
Military expenditure is approximately 1.5% of GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are available, but response times and resources may vary depending on location.
Safety Overview
Tanzania is generally a safe country for tourists, but like any destination, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in busy urban areas like Dar es Salaam and tourist hubs. It's advisable to avoid walking alone at night in these areas, especially in poorly lit streets. Common scams might involve overly friendly touts offering unsolicited tours or assistance, so be polite but firm in declining if you're not interested. Keep valuables secure and out of sight. When on safari, always follow your guide's instructions for safety. For Zanzibar, beach touts can sometimes be persistent; a firm 'no thank you' usually suffices.
Military Branches
The military branches include the Tanzania People's Defence Force (TPDF), comprising the army, navy, and air force.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access is improving, but remains limited in rural areas; approximately 70% of the population has access.
Water Access
Access to improved water sources varies significantly by region, with ongoing efforts to expand access.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is a challenge, particularly in rural areas; around 25% of the population have access to improved sanitation facilities.
Railways
Tanzania has a railway network connecting major cities, primarily used for freight transport.
Roadways
The road network is extensive, but many roads are unpaved, particularly in rural areas.
Transportation System
The transportation system includes road, rail, air, and sea transport, but infrastructure quality varies.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Mwanza International Airport (MWZ), Arusha Airport (ARK), Dodoma Airport (DOD)
Ports
Major ports include Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Mtwara.
Public Transit
Public transit options include buses (dala dala) and taxis in urban areas, with informal shared transport common.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
31.16#182 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Approximately 77 subscriptions per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup scene, particularly in fintech and agriculture.
Innovation Index
Generally low, but showing signs of improvement.
ICT Development Index
Moderate, with room for improvement in infrastructure and access.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited number of national and regional stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio stations, including community and commercial.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type D and G, 230V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.31#170 of 202
Air Quality Index
Air quality varies, with urban areas often experiencing poorer air quality due to vehicle emissions and industrial activity.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution is a concern, stemming from industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and inadequate sanitation.
Renewable Energy Usage
Significant potential for renewable energy, with increasing solar, hydro, and geothermal projects.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, desertification, and wildlife conservation are key issues.
Natural Hazards
Droughts, floods, and occasional earthquakes are common.
Waste Management
Waste management is developing; challenges include inadequate collection, disposal, and recycling infrastructure.
Environmental Agreements
Party to major international environmental agreements, including climate change, biodiversity, and ozone depletion.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains diplomatic missions globally.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth, African Union
Major Treaties
Participates in numerous international treaties relating to trade, environment, and human rights.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free travel agreements with several countries.