Country Profile: Tanzania

Tanzania, located in Eastern Africa along the Indian Ocean, is characterized by a diverse geography that includes iconic national parks and the highest point in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. The nation has a population of approximately 69 million, predominantly composed of various Bantu tribes. Its economy is emerging as a resource-rich lower middle-income one, bolstered by tourism and natural resource sectors. Tanzania operates as a presidential republic, with a multi-party political system dominated by the Chama Cha Mapinduzi party.

Geography

Tanzania is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east and shares land boundaries with eight countries. Its total land area is approximately 947,300 square kilometers, making it the largest and most populous country in East Africa. The terrain includes coastal plains, a central plateau, and highlands, with Mount Kilimanjaro at its highest point. The climate ranges from tropical along the coast to temperate in the highlands.

4,161 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries.
1,424 km: Length of the coastline.
61,500 sq km: Area of water bodies, including lakes and rivers.
50.1%: Percentage of land used for forests (2023).
44.6%: Percentage of agricultural land in Tanzania (2023).

People and Society

Tanzania has an estimated population of 69,145,464 in 2025, with a fairly balanced gender ratio. Most of the population is composed of over 130 Bantu tribes, with Kiswahili and English as the principal languages. The society exhibits a rich cultural heritage influenced by various ethnic groups and religions, predominantly Christianity and Islam. The median age is 18.8 years, pointing to a youthful demographic.

2.85%: Population growth rate (2025 est.).
37.4%: Urban population as of 2023.
70.8 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
33.45: Births per 1,000 population (2025 est.).
78.2%: Literacy rate (2022 est.).

Economy

Tanzania's economy is classified as an emerging lower middle-income economy, with a significant recovery post-pandemic, driven by strong performance in tourism and other sectors. The GDP is projected to grow by 5.5% in 2024. Agriculture plays a vital role, contributing 23.4% to the GDP, while services and industry are also significant contributors. However, challenges such as poverty and gender-based violence remain.

$246.706 billion: Real GDP (PPP) for 2024.
2.6%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
$78.78 billion: GDP at official exchange rates (2024 est.).
$3,700: Real GDP per capita (2024 est.).
26.4%: Population below the poverty line (2018 est.).

Government

Tanzania operates as a presidential republic with a legal system based on English common law. The President serves as both head of state and government. The nation has an active legislative body known as the National Assembly, which is unicameral, and elections are held every five years. Samia Suluhu Hassan is the current President, having assumed office in March 2021.

31: Total administrative regions.
403: Seats in the National Assembly.
18 years: Age of suffrage in Tanzania.
5 members: Joint and several appointed positions (from political parties).
April 1977: Current Constitution adopted.

Military and Security

The Tanzania People's Defense Forces (TPDF) consist of land, naval, and air forces, with a focus on maritime security and combating terrorism. The military has been active in international peacekeeping missions and has approximately 25,000 active personnel. Military expenditures account for 1.3% of the GDP.

520: Personnel deployed in Central African Republic for peacekeeping (2025).
1.3%: Military expenditure as a percent of GDP (2024 est.).
25,000: Active personnel in the military (2025).
2.039 billion kWh: Electricity transmission/distribution losses (2023).

Energy

Tanzania's energy sector is developing, with approximately 45.8% of the population having access to electricity. The majority of electricity generation comes from fossil fuels, while there is a growing emphasis on renewable sources. The installed capacity as of 2023 is approximately 1.818 million kW.

9.109 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
2.341 million metric tons: Coal production (2023).
85,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023).
4.091 million Btu/person: Total energy consumption per capita (2023).

Environment

Tanzania faces various environmental challenges, including water pollution and deforestation. The country is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements aimed at biodiversity and climate change. The government is working towards sustainable land use and pollution management.

96.27 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022).
28%: Percentage of urban population with improved drinking water sources (2022).
9.277 million tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.).
1: Global geopark (Ngorongoro Lengai) in Tanzania.

Transportation

Tanzania has a comprehensive transportation network, including roads, railways, and an extensive airport system. The country has 206 airports and a total railway length of 4,097 km. The merchant marine fleet includes 381 vessels.

4: Total ports with oil terminals.
381: Total vessels in the merchant marine (2023).
206: Number of airports (2025).
4,097 km: Total railway length (2022).

Communications

Communication infrastructure includes a growing mobile cellular network with approximately 86.8 million subscriptions in 2024. Internet access is expanding, though only 29% of the population is estimated to use the internet.

1.66 million: Total fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
76,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).
2: Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).
45: TV stations operating in the country.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	69,145,464 (2025 est.)
Area	947,300 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$246.706 billion (2024)
Energy Consumption per Capita	4.091 million Btu	(2023 est.)
Birth Rate	33.45 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	70.8 years	(2024 est.)
Electricity Access	45.8%	(2022 est.)
Urban Population	37.4%	(2023 est.)
Literacy Rate	78.2%	(2022 est.)