Tanzania is among the largest countries in Africa. It is located in east Africa and consists of large mainland and the isles of Zanzibar. It has a population of almost 30 million. It is a country with many natural spectacles including Africa’s tallest peak (Mt. Kilimanjaro) and the world’s largest game conservation (The Serengeti national park).
Climate
The country enjoys tropical climate with slight variations in the coastal region which is typically hot and humid. The country has two rainy periods; long rains from March to May and short rains from October to November. In addition to this, the central plateau also has semi arid regions while the highlands have relatively cooler temperatures.
The People and Language
Tanzania is home to over 100 ethnic groups, none of which contribute to over 10% of the population. Though there are many local languages, Swahili is the national language and its use in the education system has caused its use to prevail across the country.
{adselite}
Other Facts
The country’s capital is Dodoma (the former capital was Dar Es Salam) and some of the major cities in the country include Dar Es Salam, Arusha and Mwanza. The country’s economy is growing slowly and suffers a shortage in foreign exchange. However, Tanzania produces significant amounts of coffee, sisal, tea and diamonds. Zanzibar is also the world’s leading producer of cloves. Tanzania also has natural gas, oil, iron, diamond, gold, coal and several other mineral deposits. The majority of the people are subsistence farmers with a few elite composed mainly of Arabs and Indians. The country’s first President introduced an African version of socialism which has since been relaxed by successive regimes. The country still relies heavily on foreign aid and receives in excess of $1 billion annually to offset balance of payment deficits. (0% of the energy demand is met by wood and hydroelectric plants account for 70% of electricity consumed. It is possible that this is due to the large rural population in the country.
