Tanzania

East Africa’s Safari Jewel and United Union Republic

Tanzania, located in East Africa, is famed for its wildlife safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the idyllic islands of Zanzibar. It is a nation formed through the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar in 1964, and is known for its stable politics, rich cultures, and natural wonders. With a coastline on the Indian Ocean, and borders with Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique — Tanzania is a key player in regional trade and tourism.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Formerly German East Africa, then a British mandate after World War I.

  • Tanganyika gained independence in 1961, followed by Zanzibar in 1963.

  • In 1964, both united to form the United Republic of Tanzania.

  • Founding father Julius Nyerere led with a socialist ideology (Ujamaa), later transitioning to multi-party democracy in the 1990s.

  • Zanzibar retains semi-autonomous status with its own president and parliament.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name United Republic of Tanzania
Capital Dodoma (official), Dar es Salaam (commercial hub)
Continent Africa (East Africa)
Official Languages Swahili and English
Currency Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Area Approx. 945,087 sq. km
Population Approx. 65 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone East Africa Time (UTC+3)
ISO Code TZ
Internet TLD .tz
Calling Code +255

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Samia Suluhu Hassan
Vice President Philip Mpango
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa
Government Type Unitary presidential republic with semi-autonomous Zanzibar
Legislature National Assembly (Bunge), Zanzibar House of Representatives
Judiciary Court of Appeal, High Courts of Mainland and Zanzibar

Administrative Divisions (Regions)

Tanzania is divided into 31 regions, including 26 in mainland Tanzania and 5 in Zanzibar.

Mainland Regions (26):

  1. Arusha

  2. Dar es Salaam

  3. Dodoma

  4. Geita

  5. Iringa

  6. Kagera

  7. Katavi

  8. Kigoma

  9. Kilimanjaro

  10. Lindi

  11. Manyara

  12. Mara

  13. Mbeya

  14. Morogoro

  15. Mtwara

  16. Mwanza

  17. Njombe

  18. Pwani (Coast)

  19. Rukwa

  20. Ruvuma

  21. Shinyanga

  22. Simiyu

  23. Singida

  24. Songwe

  25. Tabora

  26. Tanga

Zanzibar Regions (5):

  1. Mjini Magharibi (Urban West)

  2. Kusini Unguja (South Unguja)

  3. Kaskazini Unguja (North Unguja)

  4. Kaskazini Pemba (North Pemba)

  5. Kusini Pemba (South Pemba)

Each region is subdivided into districts, wards, villages, and streets/shehia (in Zanzibar).

Local Government Structure

  • Each region is administered by a Regional Commissioner.

  • Local governments are organized into:

    • City, Municipal, and Town Councils

    • District Councils

    • Ward-level and village-level governments

  • Zanzibar has its own President, House of Representatives, and ministries.

Leadership & Governance

  • Emphasis on:

    • Decentralization and grassroots development

    • Good governance and digital public services

    • Gender inclusivity (with the first female president in office)

  • Zanzibar has a separate political system, but foreign affairs and defense are managed by the union government.

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Security agencies include:

    • Tanzania Police Force

    • People’s Defence Force (TPDF)

    • Zanzibar Special Forces

  • Focus areas:

    • Anti-poaching and wildlife protection

    • Coastal and maritime security

    • Cybercrime and cross-border threats

Emergency Numbers:

  • 112 / 111 / 114 — Police, Ambulance, Fire (varies by region)

Economy & Industry

  • Key sectors:

    • Agriculture: coffee, tea, cashew nuts, tobacco, maize, sisal

    • Mining: gold, diamonds, tanzanite (unique to Tanzania)

    • Tourism: safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, Zanzibar

    • Energy: hydropower, natural gas, renewable investment

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 85 billion

  • Vision 2025 focuses on industrialization and middle-income transition

Education & Institutions

  • Free primary and lower secondary education

  • Key universities:

    • University of Dar es Salaam

    • Ardhi University

    • Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences

  • Swahili is the medium of instruction in early education; English in higher levels

Healthcare

  • Public healthcare system supported by international donors

  • Leading facilities:

    • Muhimbili National Hospital

    • Bugando Medical Centre (Mwanza)

    • Mnazi Mmoja Hospital (Zanzibar)

  • Priorities: maternal health, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and health infrastructure

Transport & Connectivity

  • Airports:

    • Julius Nyerere International (Dar es Salaam)

    • Kilimanjaro International, Abeid Amani Karume (Zanzibar)

  • Rail:

    • TAZARA (Tanzania–Zambia Railway)

    • Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) under development

  • Seaports: Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Mtwara, and Zanzibar ports

Tourism & Attractions

  • World-class wildlife destinations:

    • Serengeti National Park

    • Ngorongoro Crater

    • Tarangire and Lake Manyara

  • Adventure:

    • Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak

    • Zanzibar Archipelago – beaches, Stone Town (UNESCO)

  • Cultural routes:

    • Maasai, Chagga, Swahili coast heritage

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Over 120 ethnic groups, living in harmony

  • Major religions: Christianity, Islam, and traditional beliefs

  • Languages: Kiswahili (national), English (official), and tribal dialects

  • Celebrated for:

    • Tinga Tinga art

    • Traditional music (Taarab, Bongo Flava)

    • Ujamaa community spirit

National dishes include:

  • Ugali, Nyama Choma, Pilau, Chipsi Mayai

Summary

Tanzania stands as a beacon of peace and natural splendor in Africa. From the snow of Kilimanjaro to the turquoise shores of Zanzibar, and from wildlife-rich savannahs to bustling cities, it offers a rich mosaic of cultures, opportunities, and global appeal. With continued focus on economic transformation and unity, Tanzania is poised for a promising future.