Tanzania Population
Population Distribution
As of 2023, the latest population of Tanzania is 58,552,845, based on our calculation of the current data from UN (United Nations).
| Total population | 58,552,845 |
| Population growth rate | 2.71% |
| Birth rate | 35.60 births per 1,000 people |
| Life expectancy | |
| Overall life expectancy | 60.76 years |
| Men life expectancy | 59.48 years |
| Women life expectancy | 62.09 years |
| Age structure | |
| 0-14 years | 43.40% |
| 15-64 years | 53.56% |
| 65 years and above | 3.04% |
| Median age | 17.50 years |
| Gender ratio (Male to Female) | 0.99 |
| Population density | 61.81 residents per km² |
| Urbanization | 35.40% |
| Ethnicities | |
| a total of 120 ethnic groups: approx. 60% Bantu groups (Haya, Makonde, Njamwesi, Sukuma, Chagga etc.); Maasai, Swahili and others | |
| Religions | |
| Mainland – Christians 30%, Muslims 35%, indigenous religions 25%; Zanzibar more than 99% Muslim | |
| Human Development Index (HDI) | 0.528 |
| HDI ranking | 159th out of 194 |
People in Tanzania
58 million people live in Tanzania, the Tanzanians. 95 out of 100 people belong to a Bantu people. A total of 130 Bantu peoples are native to Tanzania. The Sukuma are the largest population group in Tanzania.
12 out of 100 people are Sukuma. They live like the Nyamwezi (9 percent) on Lake Victoria. Hehe and Haya are the next largest groups. Swahili live on the coast and Chagga on Kilimanjaro. 3 percent are Maasai.
Maasai
Most Maasai are shepherds. Originally they were not settled and wandered through the country with their animals. Their wealth is based on the number of their cattle. Meanwhile, however, there are also Maasai who have settled down and live in small villages. But the Maasai men are still on their way to find better grazing grounds for their animals. The Maasai children already have tasks, because they have to look after the cattle’s calves.
Maasai live as nomads and roam the country with their herds of cattle. Cattle are also their main livelihood. Goats and donkeys also accompany the Maasai. You can also recognize them by their red clothing, which is typical of the Maasai. This is why they are particularly noticeable, even if they are not that many in number compared to the rest of the population. Their height – the Maasai are very tall – also contributes to this.
In Tanzania, the Maasai live in the north of the country, in the Serengeti. Most Maasai do not live in Tanzania, but in Kenya. The exact number is not known, it is spoken of half a million to a million people.
The population is growing
The population of Tanzania is growing rapidly every year. Each woman has an average of 5 children. But people’s life expectancy is low. At 62 it is higher than in many other African countries, but it is lower than in Europe.
19 out of 1,000 babies die in childbirth. 49 children die before they are 5 years old. That is quite high and is due to the poverty of the people. Diseases like malaria still cause many deaths. In addition, people in Tanzania are infected with the HI virus. 44 out of 100 people in Tanzania are under 14 years old.
Languages in Tanzania
There are 130 languages in Tanzania. But how should people communicate with one another? There is a language spoken by many people. It is called Swahili (sometimes the terms Kiswahili or Swahili are also found). Teaching in schools is also in Swahili. By the way, “Swahili” means “coastal residents” and the Ki stands for “language”, so Kiswahili means language of the coastal residents.
But there are also some Tanzanians who speak English. English is also taught in schools, so English is also an important language in Tanzania. In Zanzibar we mostly speak Arabic.
Religions in Tanzania
Most of the people who live in Tanzania are Christian or Muslim. It has been estimated that between 30 and 40 out of 100 people belong to these two religions. More recent figures assume 61 percent Christians and 35 percent Muslims. Only on the islands of Zanzibar live almost exclusively Muslims. But followers of the natural religions still live their traditional African beliefs.
Tanzania Overview
Tanzania, located on the eastern coast of Africa, is famous for its diverse wildlife and stunning natural landscapes. Home to the iconic Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers travelers unparalleled opportunities for safari adventures, mountain climbing, and tropical relaxation. The country’s rich cultural tapestry, with over 120 ethnic groups, contributes to its vibrant arts scene and warm hospitality. Tanzania’s commitment to conservation and ecotourism has made it a top destination for nature enthusiasts seeking unforgettable experiences in one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions.
- Capital City: Dodoma (official), Dar es Salaam (largest city)
- Population: Approximately 58 million
- Area: 945,087 square kilometers
- Full Country Name: United Republic of Tanzania
- Currency: Tanzanian shilling (TZS)
- Language: Swahili, English
- ISO Country Codes: ISO 3166-1 alpha-2: TZ, ISO 3166-1 alpha-3: TZA
Bordering Countries of Tanzania
Tanzania is a country located in East Africa and is bordered by 8 countries. To the north, Tanzania is bordered by Kenya and Uganda. To the east, Tanzania has a long border with Mozambique and Malawi. To the west, Tanzania shares a border with Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lastly, to the south, it shares its longest border with Zambia.
Kenya is a popular tourist destination due to its many attractions such as safaris, beaches and national parks. It is home to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve which attracts millions of tourists every year. Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa that shares Lake Victoria with Tanzania and Kenya. It has many natural attractions such as waterfalls, mountains and wildlife reserves. Mozambique is an African nation located on the Indian Ocean coast that was colonized by Portugal until 1975. It offers stunning beaches along its coast as well as islands that are great for fishing or diving trips. Malawi is another landlocked country in East Africa known for its lush green hillsides and crystal-clear lakes like Lake Malawi which hosts some of the world’s most diverse freshwater fish species making it an ideal destination for fishing enthusiasts or wildlife lovers alike.
Rwanda borders Tanzania on its western side and is well known for its mountain gorillas which can be found in Volcanoes National Park along with other species of primates such as chimpanzees and colobus monkeys making it an ideal destination for wildlife viewing safaris. Burundi also borders Tanzania to the west and has much to offer including beautiful landscapes consisting of rolling hillsides covered in lush vegetation as well as numerous lakes perfect for swimming or boating activities. The Democratic Republic of Congo also borders Tanzania on its western side offering visitors stunning jungle scenery filled with exotic animals like lowland gorillas, chimpanzees and forest elephants among others making it an excellent spot for ecotourism activities such as trekking or bird watching safaris. Lastly, Zambia borders Tanzania on its southern side offering visitors majestic waterfalls like Victoria Falls which attract millions of visitors every year due to their sheer size and beauty.