ABOUT TANZANIA

Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa with a land area of 945,097 Square Kilometers – comprising both the mainland and the Zanzibar Archipelago.Tanzania is four times the size of Great Britain, seven times larger than England, or a little larger than Texas.

Tanzania People

Population 55.57 million; 99 percent African; 68 % live in rural areas Annual growth rate: 2.6 percent Major languages are Kishwahili, Chagga, Gogo, Ha, Haya, Luo, Maasai, English, others Religions: Christian (30%), Muslim (35%), indigenous beliefs (35%).

Tanzania Economy

Tanzania’s primarily agrarian economy is constrained by geography and environmental factors such as low and erratic rainfall, soil erosion and deforestation. Only 8 percent of Tanzania’s land is under cultivation, although about 80% of its population is employed in agriculture. The principal cash crops of coffee, cotton, sisal and tobacco have been affected by instability in the world market demand and rising costs of imported fuel, fertilizers, and equipment.
At 7%, in 2016, Tanzania’s economy is expanding quickly, putting it close to the top of the fastest growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. This expansion softened during the last quarter of 2016, however, and continued to do so into 2017.
Since entering office, President Magufuli has reoriented public expenditure toward development spending, reducing recurrent expenditure significantly, and intensifying efforts to mobilize domestic revenue. Government spending was cut back, and a cap put in place on the salaries of executive officers. New measures were also introduced to control tax exemptions.

Currency : GDP: $47.43 billion, GDP per capita: $879.19, GDP growth rate:7% Inflation rate: 5.17% Labor force: 80% agricultural; 20% services and industry

Africa’s Highest and deepest

Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa is considered the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, rising 4,600 meters from base to summit. Two of its three peaks—Mawenzi and Shira—are extinct while Kibo, the highest peak is dormant and could erupt again. Kilimanjaro’s last eruption was over 200 years ago.
The world’s second deepest lake, Lake Tanganyika is found in western Tanzania. Lake Tanganyika is home to over 250 cichlid fish species. African cichlid fish are the largest and most diverse radiation of vertebrate species in the world. Lake Tanganyika is also the longest fresh water lake in the world.

Tanzania Military

Tanzania spent $561.10 Million in 2016 on their military which amounted to approximately 1.1% of the country’s GDP that year.

Current disputes: boundary disputes with Malawi, and some civil strife.

Of dress and gems in Tanzania

Kitenge is an African garment similar to sarong, worn around the chest or waist, as a headscarf, or as a baby sling. Kitenges are found in striking patterns and bright colours and many of them have short messages printed onto their edges – usually messages relating to love or friendship. Kitenge make great gifts and are light and easy to pack when you are travelling.
Tanzania is the world’s only source of tanzanite, a semi-precious stone found in the Merelani Hills near Arusha. The deep blue of Tanzanite is magnificent, ranging from ultramarine blue to light violet-blue. The most coveted colour is a blue which shows a purplish hue shimmering around it. The Tanzanite stone is particularly highly prized as it is found in only one place in the world.

Top 10 destinations in Tanzania:-

  1. Mt. Kilimanjaro
  2. Ngorongoro Crater
  3. Serengeti National Park
  4. Zanzibar and Pemba
  5. Tarangire National Park
  6. Lake Manyara National Park
  7. Selous Game Reserve
  8. Ruaha National Park
  9. Mafia Island
  10. Mt. Meru