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Tanzania

Capital:Dodoma; note - Dodoma was designated the national capital in 1996; Dar es Salaam, the original national capital, is the country's largest city and commercial center
Population:63.3M
Currency:Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Language:Kiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguju, English (official, Arabic, many local languages
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Tanzania.

Tanzania Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Tanzania is a culturally diverse country with over 120 ethnic groups, each with its unique traditions and customs. Here are some unique cultural attributes of Tanzania:

Traditional Maasai culture: The Maasai are one of Tanzania's most famous ethnic groups, known for their traditional pastoralist way of life and distinctive clothing, which includes brightly colored shukas (cloths) and beaded jewelry.

Music and dance: Tanzania is known for its vibrant music and dance scene, which draws from traditional tribal music, as well as modern influences. Tanzanian music often features the use of drums, xylophones, and other traditional instruments.

Swahili culture: Tanzania is home to a large Swahili-speaking population, and Swahili culture has had a significant influence on the country's history and traditions. Swahili culture is characterized by its unique blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences, as well as its rich poetry, literature, and art.

Art and handicrafts: Tanzania has a thriving arts and handicrafts scene, with traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and beadwork still practiced in many rural communities. Tanzanian art often features bright colors and bold patterns and is inspired by the country's wildlife and landscapes.

Traditional medicine: Tanzania has a long history of traditional medicine, with many traditional healers still practicing in rural areas. Traditional medicine in Tanzania often involves the use of herbs, roots, and other natural remedies, as well as spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation.

Food culture: Tanzania's food culture is influenced by the country's diverse ethnic groups, as well as its history as a center of trade and commerce. Traditional Tanzanian cuisine includes dishes such as ugali (a type of porridge made from maize flour), nyama choma (grilled meat), and pilau (spiced rice).

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Land of Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti

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Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation · Student Life

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Holidays

  • Union Day

    4/26

    Independence

    Tanganyika and Zanzibar

Dates of Interest

  • August 8th

    A harvest festival celebrated by the Chaga people in the Kilimanjaro region. It involves feasting, dancing, and the sharing of crops with neighbors and relatives.

How do people greet each other in Tanzania?

Greetings show politeness and respect, and the type used depends on the person's status and age. A common Swahili greeting among friends is "Hujambo, habari gani" (How are you? What is your news?).

Do

  • Use "Shikamoo" to greet respected persons
  • Adapt your greeting to the time of day and how long since you last met
  • Shake hands and kiss both cheeks with friends you haven't seen in a long time

Good to know

  • Young children greet older people by kissing their hands or kneeling down

What are the dining customs in Tanzania?

Tanzanians usually eat two main meals a day, and eating customs vary by cultural and religious group. Ugali (a flour porridge) with fish stew, vegetables or meat is very common, while coastal people often prefer rice.

Do

  • Wash your hands from the bowl of water passed before and after the meal
  • Try pilau (cinnamon-flavored rice) and mishikaki (barbecued meat)
  • On Zanzibar and Pemba, enjoy Swahili seafood seasoned with coconut milk and spices

Good to know

  • In some Muslim households men and women do not eat together
  • In some tribes a father-in-law may not eat at the same table as his daughter-in-law
  • In some families men are not allowed to enter the kitchen

What should I know about visiting and hospitality in Tanzania?

Visiting is an important custom and hospitality is highly prized; friends or relatives arriving from distant places are asked to stay overnight.

Good to know

  • Women often go visiting or receive visitors in the afternoons
  • Women gather to talk at homes, while men usually meet friends in public places

How do people dress in Tanzania?

Dress in the Iringa region is predominantly Western-style, mixed with khanga and kitenge clothes, which women regard as their most useful garment and wear for all occasions.

Good to know

  • Maasai women wear heavy bead jewelry made of silver, bronze or copper, and glass beads
  • Maasai men wear a light toga-like drape and smear ochre mixed with oils on their bodies and plaited hair
  • Young males approaching circumcision paint their faces white and dress in black calico

What gestures should I be aware of in Tanzania?

The right hand is considered "clean" and the left hand "unclean," so the right hand is used to eat or to give and receive gifts.

Do

  • Use your right hand to eat and to give or receive gifts
  • To politely accept a gift, place your left palm under your right palm so the right hand touches the gift first

What is family life like in Tanzania?

Most ethnic groups have a strict division of labor, with men considered heads of the household and women performing household chores, tending crops, and fetching firewood and water. Older people are respected and often asked for advice.

Good to know

  • Children are expected to listen to their elders
  • If both parents work outside the home, a close relative usually looks after young children
  • Adult women are often called by the name of their first child, such as Mama Juma

What do people do for fun in Tanzania?

Tanzanians enjoy visiting friends and relatives, chatting over tea or coffee, picnics, and the beach, while children play games like soccer, netball, hopscotch, and dodgeball.

Good to know

  • Try bao (mbao), a board game enjoyed by young and old where you capture an opponent's markers
  • Watch traditional dances such as "sindimba" and "mdundiko"

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Tanzania

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Currency
Tanzanian shilling (TZS)
Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
The coastal strip is tropical with high humidity; temperatures range from 80°F–95°F. The country’s annual rainfall averages 65 inches. The central plateau (altitude 3,000–4,000 feet; rainfall 2–30 inches), which covers much of the country, is hot and dry. The semi-temperate highlands (up to 6,000 feet; rainfall 40–100 inches) are fertile and cool. The islands of Zanzibar (rainfall 60-75 inches), 25 miles off the coast, are tropical and humid. Tanzania has two rainy and two dry seasons. During the long rains, from March through May, heavy downpours can occur daily (though it is not unusual to have as many as 2-3 days of sunny, pleasant weather between showers). The short rains come in November and December. Temperatures and humidity are high from November to April, and surface winds are moderate. June through September is pleasant and generally mild. Another weather phenomenon are the monsoon winds, or tradewinds, which blow in different directions during the year. From April to November, the winds can be quite cool.
Airports
123
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Coconut Bean Soup

Main Dish

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History

Historical Eras

  1. Early Peoples & Coast

    600 BCE – 1884

    Bantu-speaking migrants settled the interior from around 600 BCE, gradually displacing earlier click-language peoples. Arab traders arrived on the coast by the 8th century CE, establishing prosperous Swahili city-states; Persian and Indian merchants followed. The Portuguese briefly seized coastal control after Vasco da Gama's 1498 voyage, but Omani Arabs expelled them by 1699 and dominated the coast and Zanzibar's lucrative slave trade into the 19th century.

  2. German East Africa

    1884 – 1919

    Karl Peters and the German Colonisation Society secured treaties with interior chiefs beginning in 1884, and by 1891 the German government administered the territory directly from Dar es Salaam. Colonial rule brought cash crops, railways, and roads but provoked fierce resistance, most notably the Maji Maji Rebellion of 1905–07, in which an estimated 120,000 Africans perished. British, Belgian, and South African forces occupied German East Africa during World War I, ending German rule by 1916.

  3. British Mandate & Trust

    1919 – 1961

    The League of Nations awarded Tanganyika to Britain as a mandate in 1919, converted to a UN trusteeship after World War II in 1946. British administration developed infrastructure and introduced limited African participation in governance, but nationalist sentiment grew steadily. Julius Nyerere founded the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) in 1954, transforming it into the dominant vehicle for independence, which was achieved peacefully on December 9, 1961.

  4. Independence & Union

    1961 – 1985

    Tanganyika gained independence in 1961 with Nyerere as prime minister, and Zanzibar followed in 1963 before a 1964 revolution merged the two into the United Republic of Tanzania. Nyerere pursued an African socialist policy, Ujamaa, collectivizing agriculture and nationalizing industry, with mixed economic results. Tanzania's regional role expanded dramatically when its forces expelled Idi Amin's invading Ugandan troops in 1978–79 and helped overthrow Amin's regime.

  5. Multiparty Modern Era

    1985 – present

    Nyerere stepped down in 1985, and his successor Ali Hassan Mwinyi began liberalizing the economy, formally ending single-party rule in 1992. Subsequent multiparty elections have maintained relative stability, though challenges including poverty, corruption, and the absorption of refugees from regional conflicts persist. Tanzania has emerged as a significant East African economy, bolstered by tourism centered on Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and Zanzibar's historic Stone Town.

Overview

Tanganyika/Tanzania

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 600 BCE – 400 BCE

    Bantu-speaking peoples move into the area east of Lake Victoria.

    Bantu-speaking peoples move into the area east of Lake Victoria.

  2. 1498

    Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama visits Tanzanian coast.

    Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama visits Tanzanian coast.

  3. 1699

    Portuguese ousted from Zanzibar by Omani Arabs.

    Portuguese ousted from Zanzibar by Omani Arabs.

  4. 1867

    British campaign against Zanzibar slave trade starts.

    British campaign against Zanzibar slave trade starts.

  5. 1873

    The Sultan of Zanzibar is forced to close his slave market by the British.

    The Sultan of Zanzibar is forced to close his slave market by the British.

  6. 1884

    German Colonisation Society begins to acquire territory on the mainland.

    German Colonisation Society begins to acquire territory on the mainland.

  7. 1886

    Germany and Britain sign an agreement giving Germany control of a portion of East Africa.

    Germany and Britain sign an agreement giving Germany control of a portion of East Africa.

View full timeline (16 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest mountain in Africa.

  • Archaeological remains almost two million years old were found at Olduvai Gorge in the Serengeti Plain in northern Tanzania by Louis and Mary Leakey. They have given scientists many clues about how the earliest humans lived.

  • Jane Goodall, the famous zoologist, conducted her 30-year study of chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

  • Jane Goodall, the famous zoologist, conducted her 30-year study of chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

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Geography and Environment

Tanzania, the second largest country in East Africa, is just south of the Equator. The mainland stretches from north to south for 740 miles and from east to west for 760 miles with a 500-mile coastline on the Indian Ocean. It shares borders with Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. Including the islands of Unguja and Pemba that make up Zanzibar, Tanzania's total area is 362,820 square miles (with 20,600 square miles of lakes).
Terrain
plains along coast; central plateau; highlands in north, south
Climate
The coastal strip is tropical with high humidity; temperatures range from 80°F–95°F. The country’s annual rainfall averages 65 inches. The central plateau (altitude 3,000–4,000 feet; rainfall 2–30 inches), which covers much of the country, is hot and dry. The semi-temperate highlands (up to 6,000 feet; rainfall 40–100 inches) are fertile and cool. The islands of Zanzibar (rainfall 60-75 inches), 25 miles off the coast, are tropical and humid. Tanzania has two rainy and two dry seasons. During the long rains, from March through May, heavy downpours can occur daily (though it is not unusual to have as many as 2-3 days of sunny, pleasant weather between showers). The short rains come in November and December. Temperatures and humidity are high from November to April, and surface winds are moderate. June through September is pleasant and generally mild. Another weather phenomenon are the monsoon winds, or tradewinds, which blow in different directions during the year. From April to November, the winds can be quite cool.
Natural Hazards
flooding on the central plateau during the rainy season; drought
Current Environmental Issues
soil degradation; deforestation; desertification; destruction of coral reefs threatens marine habitats; recent droughts affected marginal agriculture; wildlife threatened by illegal hunting and trade, especially for ivory
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Kiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguju, English (official, Arabic, many local languages

  • Swahili
  • English

Population

Population
63,298,550
Population in Major Urban Areas
DAR ES SALAAM (capital) 3.588 million
Nationality Noun
Tanzanian(s)
Ethnic Groups
mainland - native African 99% (of which 95% are Bantu consisting of more than 130 tribes), other 1% (consisting of Asian, European, and Arab); Zanzibar - Arab, native African, mixed Arab and native African

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write Kiswahili (Swahili), English, or Arabic

The early traces of formal education were introduced by the German colonialists in the early days. The influence of these early education systems can still be felt although not to a great extent. The nature of class rooms vary a great deal depending on the location, it is much easier to find better class rooms in the urban areas. Aome rural schools may have less permanent structures due to the remote locations where electricity and other infrastructure are unavailable. The typical greeting between the children and teachers or their parents is usually in Kiswahili and the greeting is “Shikamoo” to which the kids respond “marahaba”. This greeting is similar in meaning to the common English greeting “how do you do”. The only difference is the fact that this greeting is only administered from the teacher or an older person to a younger person. The school class rooms are equipped with learning materials although some of the class rooms and learning materials may not be up to standard due to the economic situation. Computers and electronic learning materials are not a common feature in public primary schools since some of them especially in the rural areas do not have electricity to power the computers even if they were available. The only common electronics leaning equipment is the radio which the government uses to broadcast some educative programs during regular school lessons.

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Tanzania has shown meaningful improvement over recent decades, reflecting advances in public health infrastructure, disease control, and maternal and child health programs. As of the most recent estimates, the average life expectancy at birth in Tanzania stands at approximately 67 to 68 years overall, with women typically outliving men by several years — women averaging around 69 to 70 years and men around 65 to 66 years. This represents a significant gain compared to earlier periods. In the 1990s, Tanzania's life expectancy dipped sharply due to the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which pushed figures into the low 50s in some estimates. The subsequent rollout of antiretroviral therapy programs, increased access to HIV testing, and broader international health partnerships helped reverse this trend considerably through the 2000s and 2010s. Several factors continue to influence life expectancy in Tanzania. Malaria remains a leading cause of death, particularly among children under five, though national mosquito net distribution campaigns and artemisinin-based treatment programs have reduced mortality rates. Maternal mortality, while still elevated compared to global averages, has also declined as more women gain access to skilled birth attendants and prenatal care services. Infectious and communicable diseases account for a disproportionate share of deaths compared to high-income nations. Tuberculosis, pneumonia, and diarrheal diseases remain significant health burdens, especially in rural regions where healthcare facilities are sparse and access to clean water is not universal. Malnutrition also contributes to reduced resistance to illness, particularly among children in lower-income households. Tanzania's government, alongside international health organizations, continues to invest in expanding primary healthcare coverage, training medical personnel, and improving sanitation — all of which are expected to support further gains in life expectancy in the coming decades. Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and diabetes, are also receiving growing attention as Tanzania's health system matures and the disease burden gradually shifts. Despite ongoing challenges, the overall trend remains positive, and Tanzania's health outcomes reflect a country that has made measurable strides in improving the length and quality of life for its citizens.
Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
very high
Infant Mortality Rate
Tanzania's infant mortality rate has declined significantly over recent decades, reflecting ongoing improvements in public health infrastructure, maternal care, and access to essential medicines. As of the most recent available data, the infant mortality rate stands at approximately 32 to 35 deaths per 1,000 live births, a notable reduction from rates exceeding 90 per 1,000 live births recorded in the early 1990s. Despite this progress, Tanzania's infant mortality rate remains higher than the global average and substantially above the averages seen in high-income countries, where rates often fall below 5 deaths per 1,000 live births. The leading causes of infant death in Tanzania include neonatal complications such as birth asphyxia and prematurity, as well as preventable infectious diseases including malaria, pneumonia, and diarrheal illness. Malnutrition continues to be a compounding factor, weakening immune responses and increasing vulnerability in young children. Significant disparities exist between urban and rural areas. Infants born in rural regions face considerably higher mortality risks due to limited access to skilled birth attendants, functioning health facilities, and timely emergency obstetric care. The country's remote geography and underdeveloped road networks in certain zones can delay critical medical interventions during the perinatal period. The Tanzanian government, in partnership with international organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization, has implemented programs targeting these disparities. Expanded vaccination coverage, community health worker initiatives, improved antenatal care attendance, and efforts to increase facility-based deliveries have all contributed to the downward trend. Programs addressing malaria prevention — including the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets — have had a measurable impact on reducing infant deaths attributable to the disease. Continued progress will depend on sustained investment in rural health infrastructure, nutritional support programs for mothers and children, and further expansion of skilled birth attendance across all regions of the country. Tanzania's trajectory demonstrates that meaningful reductions in infant mortality are achievable with coordinated public health efforts, though significant work remains to meet internationally benchmarked targets.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Tanzania has shown meaningful improvement over recent decades, reflecting advances in public health infrastructure, disease control, and maternal and child health programs. As of the most recent estimates, the average life expectancy at birth in Tanzania stands at approximately 67 to 68 years overall, with women typically outliving men by several years — women averaging around 69 to 70 years and men around 65 to 66 years. This represents a significant gain compared to earlier periods. In the 1990s, Tanzania's life expectancy dipped sharply due to the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which pushed figures into the low 50s in some estimates. The subsequent rollout of antiretroviral therapy programs, increased access to HIV testing, and broader international health partnerships helped reverse this trend considerably through the 2000s and 2010s. Several factors continue to influence life expectancy in Tanzania. Malaria remains a leading cause of death, particularly among children under five, though national mosquito net distribution campaigns and artemisinin-based treatment programs have reduced mortality rates. Maternal mortality, while still elevated compared to global averages, has also declined as more women gain access to skilled birth attendants and prenatal care services. Infectious and communicable diseases account for a disproportionate share of deaths compared to high-income nations. Tuberculosis, pneumonia, and diarrheal diseases remain significant health burdens, especially in rural regions where healthcare facilities are sparse and access to clean water is not universal. Malnutrition also contributes to reduced resistance to illness, particularly among children in lower-income households. Tanzania's government, alongside international health organizations, continues to invest in expanding primary healthcare coverage, training medical personnel, and improving sanitation — all of which are expected to support further gains in life expectancy in the coming decades. Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and diabetes, are also receiving growing attention as Tanzania's health system matures and the disease burden gradually shifts. Despite ongoing challenges, the overall trend remains positive, and Tanzania's health outcomes reflect a country that has made measurable strides in improving the length and quality of life for its citizens.
Infant Mortality Rate
Tanzania's infant mortality rate has declined significantly over recent decades, reflecting ongoing improvements in public health infrastructure, maternal care, and access to essential medicines. As of the most recent available data, the infant mortality rate stands at approximately 32 to 35 deaths per 1,000 live births, a notable reduction from rates exceeding 90 per 1,000 live births recorded in the early 1990s. Despite this progress, Tanzania's infant mortality rate remains higher than the global average and substantially above the averages seen in high-income countries, where rates often fall below 5 deaths per 1,000 live births. The leading causes of infant death in Tanzania include neonatal complications such as birth asphyxia and prematurity, as well as preventable infectious diseases including malaria, pneumonia, and diarrheal illness. Malnutrition continues to be a compounding factor, weakening immune responses and increasing vulnerability in young children. Significant disparities exist between urban and rural areas. Infants born in rural regions face considerably higher mortality risks due to limited access to skilled birth attendants, functioning health facilities, and timely emergency obstetric care. The country's remote geography and underdeveloped road networks in certain zones can delay critical medical interventions during the perinatal period. The Tanzanian government, in partnership with international organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization, has implemented programs targeting these disparities. Expanded vaccination coverage, community health worker initiatives, improved antenatal care attendance, and efforts to increase facility-based deliveries have all contributed to the downward trend. Programs addressing malaria prevention — including the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets — have had a measurable impact on reducing infant deaths attributable to the disease. Continued progress will depend on sustained investment in rural health infrastructure, nutritional support programs for mothers and children, and further expansion of skilled birth attendance across all regions of the country. Tanzania's trajectory demonstrates that meaningful reductions in infant mortality are achievable with coordinated public health efforts, though significant work remains to meet internationally benchmarked targets.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Tanzania
Full Country Name
United Republic of Tanzania
Former Name
United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar

Government Structure

Government Type
republic
Legal System
based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Samia Suluhu HASSAN (since 19 March 2021); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government; President Hassan is the first woman to hold this office, having assumed the presidency following the death of President John MAGUFULI head of government: President Samia Suluhu HASSAN (since 19 March 2021); Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa MAJALIWA (since 20 November 2015) note: Zanzibar elects a president who is head of government for matters internal to Zanzibar; Hussein Ali MWINYI has served as President of Zanzibar since November 2020 cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly elections: president and vice president elected on the same ballot by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held on 28 October 2020 (next to be held in October 2025); prime minister appointed by the president election results: John MAGUFULI reelected president in 2020; percent of vote - John MAGUFULI (CCM) 84.4%, Tundu LISSU (CHADEMA) 13.0%; following MAGUFULI's death in March 2021, Vice President Samia Suluhu HASSAN was sworn in as president in accordance with the constitution
Legislative Branch
Tanzania's legislature consists of a unicameral National Assembly, known as the Bunge, which serves as the supreme legislative body of the United Republic of Tanzania. As of the most recent constitutional arrangements, the National Assembly comprises 393 seats: 264 members elected by popular vote from single-member constituencies, 113 seats reserved for women appointed by political parties on a proportional basis, 5 seats allocated to members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives, 10 seats for presidential appointees, and 1 seat for the Attorney General. Members serve five-year terms. The Assembly enacts laws applicable to the entire United Republic of Tanzania, as well as laws pertaining specifically to the mainland. Zanzibar retains its own semi-autonomous legislature, the Zanzibar House of Representatives, which enacts legislation specific to the Zanzibar archipelago. The Zanzibar House of Representatives comprises 85 seats, with members elected by universal suffrage to serve five-year terms, along with additional seats reserved for women and presidential appointees. Elections for the National Assembly are held concurrently with presidential elections every five years. The most recent general elections were held in October 2020, in which the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party secured a dominant majority in the National Assembly. The main opposition parties include Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) and the Civic United Front (CUF). In the Zanzibar House of Representatives, CCM similarly retained its majority following the 2020 elections. The next general elections are scheduled for 2025.
Judicial Branch
Permanent Commission of Enquiry (official ombudsman); Court of Appeal (consists of a chief justice and four judges); High Court (consists of a Jaji Kiongozi and 29 judges appointed by the president; holds regular sessions in all regions); District Courts; Primary Courts (limited jurisdiction and appeals can be made to the higher courts)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
25 April 1977; major revisions October 1984
Independence
26 April 1964; Tanganyika became independent 9 December 1961 (from UK-administered UN trusteeship); Zanzibar became independent 19 December 1963 (from UK); Tanganyika united with Zanzibar 26 April 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanziba
National Holiday
Union Day (Tanganyika and Zanzibar), 26 April (1964)

Capital City

Capital Name
Dodoma; note - Dodoma was designated the national capital in 1996; Dar es Salaam, the original national capital, is the country's largest city and commercial center
Capital - geographic coordinate
6 48 S, 39 17 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Dodoma, in the native Gogo language, means "it has sunk"; supposedly, one day during the rainy season, an elephant drowned in the area; the villagers in that place were so struck by what had occurred, that ever since the locale has been referred to as the place where "it (the elephant) sunk"

Military

Branches: Tanzania People's Defense Force (Jeshi la Wananchi la Tanzania, JWTZ): Army, Naval Wing (includes Coast Guard), Air Defense Command (includes Air Wing), National Service

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam

686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani

Dar es Salaam

Telephone: 255- (0)22- 229-4122

Facsimile: 255- (0) 22- 266-8247

Email: drsacs@state.gov (U.S. citizen services only)

Emergency after hours: U.S. citizen emergencies should call 255- (0)22- 229-4000 and select ‘1’ for an emergency operator.

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Economy

Tanzania has a mixed economy that has transitioned from socialist-oriented central planning, established under President Julius Nyerere's Ujamaa policies of the 1960s and 1970s, to a market-based system following liberalization reforms in the mid-1980s.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
GDP — official exchange rate
$12,120,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
5.5%
Gini Index
38.2
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News & Weather

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Latest News

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Climate Overview

The coastal strip is tropical with high humidity; temperatures range from 80°F–95°F. The country’s annual rainfall averages 65 inches. The central plateau (altitude 3,000–4,000 feet; rainfall 2–30 inches), which covers much of the country, is hot and dry. The semi-temperate highlands (up to 6,000 feet; rainfall 40–100 inches) are fertile and cool. The islands of Zanzibar (rainfall 60-75 inches), 25 miles off the coast, are tropical and humid.

Tanzania has two rainy and two dry seasons. During the long rains, from March through May, heavy downpours can occur daily (though it is not unusual to have as many as 2-3 days of sunny, pleasant weather between showers). The short rains come in November and December. Temperatures and humidity are high from November to April, and surface winds are moderate. June through September is pleasant and generally mild.

Another weather phenomenon are the monsoon winds, or tradewinds, which blow in different directions during the year. From April to November, the winds can be quite cool.

Videos

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Tanzania?
The population of Tanzania is approximately 63.3M.
How do people greet each other in Tanzania?
Greetings show politeness and respect, and the type used depends on the person's status and age. A common Swahili greeting among friends is "Hujambo, habari gani" (How are you? What is your news?). Do: Use "Shikamoo" to greet respected persons Adapt your greeting to the time of day and how long since you last met Shake hands and kiss both cheeks with friends you haven't seen in a long time Young children greet older people by kissing their hands or kneeling down
What are the dining customs in Tanzania?
Tanzanians usually eat two main meals a day, and eating customs vary by cultural and religious group. Ugali (a flour porridge) with fish stew, vegetables or meat is very common, while coastal people often prefer rice. Do: Wash your hands from the bowl of water passed before and after the meal Try pilau (cinnamon-flavored rice) and mishikaki (barbecued meat) On Zanzibar and Pemba, enjoy Swahili seafood seasoned with coconut milk and spices In some Muslim households men and women do not eat together In some tribes a father-in-law may not eat at the same table as his daughter-in-law In some families men are not allowed to enter the kitchen
What should I know about visiting and hospitality in Tanzania?
Visiting is an important custom and hospitality is highly prized; friends or relatives arriving from distant places are asked to stay overnight. Women often go visiting or receive visitors in the afternoons Women gather to talk at homes, while men usually meet friends in public places
How do people dress in Tanzania?
Dress in the Iringa region is predominantly Western-style, mixed with khanga and kitenge clothes, which women regard as their most useful garment and wear for all occasions. Maasai women wear heavy bead jewelry made of silver, bronze or copper, and glass beads Maasai men wear a light toga-like drape and smear ochre mixed with oils on their bodies and plaited hair Young males approaching circumcision paint their faces white and dress in black calico
What gestures should I be aware of in Tanzania?
The right hand is considered "clean" and the left hand "unclean," so the right hand is used to eat or to give and receive gifts. Do: Use your right hand to eat and to give or receive gifts To politely accept a gift, place your left palm under your right palm so the right hand touches the gift first
What is family life like in Tanzania?
Most ethnic groups have a strict division of labor, with men considered heads of the household and women performing household chores, tending crops, and fetching firewood and water. Older people are respected and often asked for advice. Children are expected to listen to their elders If both parents work outside the home, a close relative usually looks after young children Adult women are often called by the name of their first child, such as Mama Juma
What do people do for fun in Tanzania?
Tanzanians enjoy visiting friends and relatives, chatting over tea or coffee, picnics, and the beach, while children play games like soccer, netball, hopscotch, and dodgeball. Try bao (mbao), a board game enjoyed by young and old where you capture an opponent's markers Watch traditional dances such as "sindimba" and "mdundiko"
What is the capital of Tanzania?
Dodoma is the official national capital of Tanzania, having been designated as such in 1996. It is located in the country's geographic center and serves as the seat of government and the National Assembly. However, Dar es Salaam, the original capital on the Indian Ocean coast, remains Tanzania's largest city and its dominant commercial, financial, and cultural hub, and is still widely regarded as the country's de facto urban center.
Where is Tanzania located?
Tanzania is situated in East Africa, lying just south of the equator along the Indian Ocean coastline. It is part of the African Great Lakes region and encompasses both mainland Tanganyika and the semi-autonomous Zanzibar Archipelago off its coast. The country occupies a strategically significant position in sub-Saharan Africa, bordered by some of the continent's most ecologically and historically important landscapes, including the Serengeti Plain and the Rift Valley.
What countries border Tanzania?
Tanzania shares land borders with eight countries, making it one of the most extensively bordered nations in Africa. Its neighbors are Kenya and Uganda to the north; Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west; and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. The eastern coastline fronts the Indian Ocean, and Tanzania also borders three of Africa's largest lakes — Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Malawi — which form parts of its western and southern boundaries.
What religion is practiced in Tanzania?
Islam is the predominant religion on the Zanzibar Archipelago, where approximately 99% of the population is Muslim. On the mainland, the population is more evenly divided, with roughly 35% identifying as Muslim and 35% adhering to indigenous beliefs, while Christianity accounts for much of the remainder. This religious diversity reflects Tanzania's complex history of Arab trade influences, missionary activity, and deeply rooted traditional African spiritual practices, and religious coexistence is generally a defining feature of Tanzanian society.
What is the currency of Tanzania?
The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling, with the ISO currency code TZS. It has been the country's monetary unit since 1966, when it replaced the East African Shilling following Tanzania's move toward independent monetary policy after the dissolution of the East African Currency Board. The Tanzanian Shilling is issued and regulated by the Bank of Tanzania and is subdivided into 100 cents, though cent denominations are rarely used in everyday transactions.
What languages are spoken in Tanzania?
Kiswahili (Swahili) and English are both official languages of Tanzania, with Kiswahili serving as the primary language of government, education, and everyday communication across the country. Kiswahili functions as a powerful unifying lingua franca among Tanzania's more than 120 ethnic groups, each of which typically maintains its own local language. Arabic is widely spoken in Zanzibar, reflecting the archipelago's long history of Omani and Arab influence, while Kiunguju, a Zanzibar dialect of Swahili, is also recognized.
What is the geography of Tanzania like?
Tanzania encompasses a diverse and dramatic landscape that includes coastal lowlands along the Indian Ocean, the vast interior plateau of the mainland, and several towering peaks of the East African Rift System. Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), is the highest mountain in Africa and dominates the northeastern skyline. The country also contains portions of three of Africa's Great Lakes — Victoria, Tanganyika, and Malawi — as well as the iconic Serengeti Plain, the Ngorongoro Crater, and extensive savanna and woodland ecosystems.
What is Tanzania known for?
Tanzania is renowned for its extraordinary concentration of wildlife and some of Africa's most celebrated natural landmarks, including the Serengeti National Park, home to the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The country holds profound significance for human prehistory: Olduvai Gorge in the Serengeti Plain yielded hominid fossils nearly two million years old, excavated by Louis and Mary Leakey. Tanzania also gained global scientific attention as the site of Jane Goodall's landmark 30-year chimpanzee study at Gombe Stream National Park. Zanzibar's spice trade heritage, Stone Town architecture, and coral reefs add further cultural and ecological distinction.

Last reviewed 2026

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