About Tanzania
The United Republic of Tanzania comprises mainland Tanzania and the Indian Ocean islands of Pemba and Unguja that make up Zanzibar. Tanzania is found on the east coast of Africa between the great lakes of the rift valley in central Africa and the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar lies off the north eastern coast of Tanzania.
Land surface: 945,200 kilometers. Zanzibar covers 2,332 kilometers.
Population: 35 million people, with an annual growth rate of 3.0% approximately 20% live in urban areas. There are over 120 ethnic groups.
Official languages: Kiswahili and English. English is used for commerce.
Agriculture dominates the economy, accounting for 55% of GDP and 80% of total foreign exchange earnings. Despite the importance of agriculture in the Tanzanian economy, about 85% of the country’s arable land remains unutilised. Unpredictable weather conditions and inadequate transport infrastructure have hampered progress. Crop farming accounts for about 80% of total agricultural production. Major cash crops are coffee, cotton, tobacco, cashew nuts, tea, cloves, sisal, sugar, pyrethrum, cardamom and groundnuts. Small-scale farmers mainly grow coffee, cotton, tobacco and cashew nuts, while sisal and tea are grown predominantly on large estates. Animal husbandry is an integral part of the agricultural sector, making up 15%. Fisheries account for 5% and forestry for less than 1%.
The tourism industry has the potential to still be developed. Vast game reserves cover nearly one third of the country - attractions include the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti Plains, Mount Kilimanjaro and Lake Manyara. Tanzania also possesses an unspoilt coastline, as well as the ‘spice-islands’ of Zanzibar.