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Tanzania

Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania, is a country in East Africa.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania, is a country in East Africa. It includes the mainland and island territories such as Zanzibar, and its capital is Dodoma. The country was formed in 1964 through the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

History

Modern Tanzania emerged in 1964 when Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the United Republic of Tanzania. The mainland had previously been under German rule and later British administration after World War I.

Geography

Tanzania lies just south of the Equator and borders eight countries as well as the Indian Ocean. Its geography includes major lakes, highlands, and prominent natural landmarks such as Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti.

Government and administration

Tanzania is a unitary presidential republic with Dodoma as the designated capital. Dar es Salaam remains the largest city and an important administrative and economic centre.

Economy and society

Tanzania’s economy is based largely on agriculture, with tourism, minerals, and natural gas also important. The country has more than 120 identifiable ethnic groups and uses Swahili and English as official languages.

Key facts

  • Tanzania is located in East Africa and borders the Indian Ocean.
  • It includes mainland Tanzania and island territories including Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia.
  • Dodoma is the capital, while Dar es Salaam remains the largest city and a major commercial centre.
  • Tanzania was formed in 1964 from the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
  • Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, is in Tanzania.
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Canadian context

Tanzania is relevant to Canadian readers through travel, development cooperation, wildlife conservation, and trade links, especially in tourism, education, and agricultural or mineral sectors.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tanzania?
Tanzania is a country in East Africa, officially called the United Republic of Tanzania.
What is the capital of Tanzania?
Dodoma is the capital of Tanzania, although Dar es Salaam remains the largest city and a major government and commercial centre.
When was Tanzania formed?
Tanzania was formed in 1964 through the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
What languages are official in Tanzania?
Swahili and English are the official languages.
What is Tanzania known for geographically?
It is known for Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and major lakes including Victoria, Tanganyika, and Nyasa.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanzania
    Supports: General geography, population, capital, area, government type, and formation from Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Tanzania
    Supports: Formation in 1964, capital, geography, government, economy, and major physical features.
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Tanzania
    Supports: Official name, official languages, currency, population estimate, and general country profile.
  4. CIA World Factbook — https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2023/countries/tanzania/
    Supports: Geographic location and population estimate.
  5. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/tanzania
    Supports: Location, islands, borders, Kilimanjaro, major lakes, and 1964 union.
  6. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14095776
    Supports: Capital, area, population, and languages.