About Tanzania
Shortly after achieving independence from Britain in the early 1960s, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the nation of Tanzania in 1964. Tanzania is located close to the equator in East Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenya and Mozambique. Tanzania is most famous for its national parks, Africa’s tallest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar Island.
With a population just over 41 million, Tanzania is ethnically made up of 99% African(tribal roots) and a 1% mix of Asian, European and Arab. The official language spoken is Swahili, however English is widely spoke. Religion is split 3 ways 30% Christian, 35% Muslim and 35% indigenous beliefs.
Like many other African nations, Tanzania has been engulfed by HIV/AIDS. In 2007 it ranked #6 in the world for people living with HIV/AIDS at a count of approximately 1.4 million. 2/3rds of that number are orphan children aged infant – 17. Tanzania also has a high risk for malaria, hepatitis and typhoid fever. The life expectancy age for Tanzania is 52 (Canada is 81).
Tanzania is in the bottom ten percent of the world’s economies in terms of per capita income. The economy depends heavily on agriculture, which accounts for more than 40% of GDP, provides 85% of exports, and employs 80% of the work force. Some of Tanzania’s agricultural products include coffee, sisal (used for making twine), tea, cotton, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums), cashew nuts, tobacco, cloves, corn, wheat, cassava (tapioca), bananas, fruits, vegetables; cattle, sheep, and goats. Tanzania’s industrial side includes diamond, gold, and iron mining, salt, soda ash; cement, oil refining, shoes, apparel, wood products, and fertilizer. 36% of the population live below the poverty line.
Tanzania has managed to remain politically stable despite the civil unrest in neighbouring countries over the years. Tanzania still hosts more than a half-million refugees, more than any other African country, mainly from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite the international community’s efforts at repatriation. Tanzania has more than 120 ethnic groups, mostly of Bantu origin. About twelve of these groups make up half the population of Tanzania, and of these the Sukuma are the largest. A remarkable characteristic of Tanzania is that despite the disproportionate representation of some of the tribes, no single ethnic group dominates with regard to power or political influence. Regardless of the culture or ethnic origins of the tribes, ancient customs and family unit values are still widely adhered to. Rituals and feasting still mark the events of time from birth, coming of age and marriage until death.
