Country Profile: Tanzania
Tanzania, located in Eastern Africa along the Indian Ocean, is characterized by its diverse geography, which includes the iconic Kilimanjaro mountain and rich national parks. With a population of approximately 69.1 million as of 2025, the country is home to a plethora of ethnic groups and languages, notably Swahili, which serves as a unifying national language. The economy is classified as an emerging lower middle-income market, driven by sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and mining, alongside a stable governance framework led by a presidential republic. The political landscape has evolved from a one-party system to a multi-party system while retaining significant influence from the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
Geography
Tanzania covers a total area of 947,300 sq km, making it the largest and most populous country in East Africa. Its geographic diversity features coastal plains, central plateaus, and highland regions, with the highest point being Kilimanjaro at 5,895 m. The climate varies from tropical along the coast to temperate in the highlands, and the country is rich in natural resources, including precious minerals and fertile agricultural land.
- Area: 947,300 sq km (larger than California)
- Coastline: 1,424 km along the Indian Ocean
- Major lakes: Lake Victoria (world's second-largest freshwater lake), Lake Tanganyika (second-deepest lake)
- Natural resources: Diamonds, gold, coal, natural gas
People and Society
The population of Tanzania is approximately 69.1 million in 2025, with a youth-dominated demographic where about 41.2% are aged 0-14. A rich tapestry of ethnic groups exists, predominantly made up of over 130 Bantu tribes, and the country has a significant proportion of both Christians and Muslims. Urbanization is on the rise, with 37.4% of the population living in urban areas.
- Languages: Swahili (official), English (primary for commerce and education)
- Life expectancy: 70.8 years (2024 est.)
- Literacy rate: 78.2% (2022 est.)
- Population growth rate: 2.85% (2025 est.)
Economy
Tanzania's economy is classified as an emerging lower middle-income economy, with a GDP of $78.78 billion estimated for 2024. The country has seen recovery in tourism and other sectors following the pandemic, with an expected real GDP growth rate of 5.5% in 2024. Agriculture remains a significant part of the economy, yielding products like maize, bananas, and coffee.
- GDP (PPP): $246.706 billion (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 2.6% (2024 est.)
- Poverty rate: 26.4% below the national poverty line (2018 est.)
- Exports: $13.98 billion (2023 est.), primarily gold and refined petroleum
Government
Tanzania operates as a presidential republic with a multi-party political system, where the president serves as both head of state and government. The current president, Samia Suluhu HASSAN, has been in office since March 2021 following the death of her predecessor. The country has a unicameral legislature, the National Assembly, which comprises 403 seats.
- Capital: Dodoma
- Suffrage: Universal at age 18
- Constitution: Last adopted in 1977
- National holiday: Union Day (April 26)
Military and Security
The Tanzania People's Defense Forces (TPDF) is structured into land, naval, and air forces and remains active in regional peacekeeping missions. Military expenditures account for 1.3% of GDP in 2024, with approximately 25,000 active personnel.
- Military service age: 18-25 (voluntary)
- Major deployments: Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Military concern: Borders security, combating terrorism, and wildlife poaching
Energy
Tanzania's energy sector is evolving, with an installed electricity capacity of 1.818 million kW as of 2023. The country relies heavily on fossil fuels for electricity generation, although there is a significant presence of hydropower.
- Electricity access: 45.8% of the total population (2022)
- Energy consumption per capita: 4.091 million Btu (2023 est.)
- Natural gas production: 2.016 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Environment
Tanzania faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at combating these issues.
- Total water withdrawal: 96.27 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- Biodiversity agreements: Parties to climate change and endangered species agreements
- Municipal solid waste generated: 9.277 million tons (2024 est.)
Transportation
The transportation infrastructure of Tanzania is developing, with 206 airports and a railway network extending 4,097 km. Dar es Salaam serves as the primary port, handling a significant portion of imports and exports.
- Merchant marine: 381 vessels (2023)
- Major ports: Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar
- Railways: 4,097 km, including standard and narrow gauge
Communications
Telecommunications in Tanzania are growing, with widespread mobile phone usage and an increasing number of internet users, currently at 29% of the population.
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 86.8 million (2024)
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 76,000 (2023)
- Internet users: Approximately 29% of the population (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 69,145,464 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 947,300 sq km | Total area |
| GDP | $78.78 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Energy Consumption | 4.091 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 33.45 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.6% | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 70.8 years | 2024 estimate |
| Military Expenditures | 1.3% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Urban Population | 37.4% of total population | 2023 |
| Inflation Rate | 3.1% | 2024 estimate |
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