Its Geography
- Comprising mainland and the islands of Zanzibar & Pemba
- Area is 364,900 square miles. About twice the size of California.
- Has highest mountain in Africa: Mt. Kilimanjaro - 19,340 feet
- Borders three of Africa's great lakes: Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Malawi (Nyasa). Eastern Border is the Indian Ocean.
- Average elevation is about 4,000 feet above sea level.
Its People
- Population in 2002 was 37.2 million -- forecasts for 2010 is 42.2 and for 2025 is 57.9 million. Rapid population growth: 2.6%
- 160+ ethnic groups with some ethnic group distinctions being obscured due to wide use of Swahili.
- Average population density: 32 persons per square mile.
- 135 languages spoken. Official languages: 2, Swhaili and English
- Literacy: 68%, Male: 79%, Female 57%
- Life expectancy: men - 51 years, women - 53 years.
- Average annual income: US$210.00 (0.7% of USA)
- 74% of the population live in rural areas. More than 50% of population is age 15 and under.
Its Political System
- Independence from Britain: Tanganyika in 1961, Zanzibar in 1963.
- United into a one-party federal socialist republic in 1964.
- Multi-party democracy instituted in 1992.
- Tanzania's three presidents: Julius Nyerere (1964 - 1985), Ali Hassan Mwinyi (1985 - 1995), Benjamin Mkapa (1995 to present).
- Tanzania has been an "island of peace" in a war-torn continent.
- Its people enjoy great freedom of thought, expression, and religion.
Its Problems
- During the 1990's the government made steady improvements to its economic policy. Poverty still remains a huge problem facing the country and a challenge for government and non-governmental agencies alike.
- Health care and public health programs continue to be a big need. AIDS/ HIV infection rates also remains a major public health concern. 8.1% of the population is living with AIDS / HIV. 1.3 million infected.
Its Religions
- Christians: 51.42%, Muslims: 31.8%, Traditional: 15.15%
- Major Christian Groups: Roman Catholic 24.76%, Protestant 16.86%, Anglican 7.91%. (Evangelical Christians of all groups are 17.0 %)
- Foreign Christian missionaries in Tanzania: 1,272 (375 Americans)
- Tanzanian Christian missionaries working in other coutries: 232
Word of the Tanzanian National Anthem
God Bless Africa.
Bless its leaders.
Let Wisdom Unity and
Peace be the shield of
Africa and its people.
Chorus
Bless Africa,
(repeat)
Bless the children of Africa.
God Bless Tanzania.
Grant eternal Freedom and Unity
To its sons and daughters.
God Bless Tanzania and its People.
Chorus
Bless Tanzania,
(repeat)
Bless the children of Tanzania.
Flag of Tanzania
