Tanzania at a Glance

Tanzania is East Africa's large, farming-based economy, rich in gold, gas and wildlife, and a lower-middle-income country of over 60 million people.

Tanzania was formed in 1964 through the union of mainland Tanganyika and the islands of Zanzibar, and it has one of the fastest-growing populations in the world.

Structure

Agriculture employs most people, while gold, tourism and services earn the most foreign currency.

Stability

It has been politically stable compared with many neighbours, and Swahili unites its many ethnic groups.

Challenges

Low productivity, a young population needing jobs, and dependence on a few exports.

A Swahili nation

Swahili, taught in schools, helped Tanzania avoid the ethnic divisions seen elsewhere.

Assuming Tanzania is only a safari destination

Farming and mining matter greatly.

Key takeaways

Tanzania is a union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
Farming employs most people.
Gold and tourism earn dollars.
Its population is young and growing.