Living in Tanzania guide for expats

All the information you need to relocate and live in Tanzania.

Our selection of articles for expatriation in Tanzania

Banking in Tanzania

If you are moving to Tanzania, it is likely that you are going to want to set up a bank account, especially if you are locally ...

Finding work in Tanzania

If you are relocating to Tanzania, you are likely going to be looking for a job sooner or later! This article outlines the ins ...

The Tanzanian labour market

If you are planning on relocating to Tanzania, it is a good idea to read up on relevant information around the Tanzanian labour ...

Accommodation in Tanzania

Where you stay in Tanzania will likely depend on the combination of your budget, length of stay, and personal preferences. One ...

Leisure activities in Tanzania

Whether in Tanzania for a day or a year, you will find a variety of things on offer to do in your leisure time. It doesn't matter ...

Food in Tanzania

Whether you are traveling to Zanzibar or Tanzania's mainland, you will not find a shortage of unique and mouth-watering food that ...

Family activities in Tanzania

If you are going on holiday to Tanzania with your kids, or are living in the country as a family, there are plenty of activities ...

Tanzania's history - A trip through the ages

Wherever you go in the world, it is important to learn the history of the places, as this provides a critical context for your ...

The Tanzanian lifestyle

Traveling or moving to a foreign country can be a daunting task. Once the practical elements of the move are complete, you have ...

Phones and Internet in Tanzania

Whether you are traveling to Tanzania for a day, month, or decade, in this day and age you are going to want to be able to ...

Getting around Tanzania

There are many ways in which you can get around the country. Deciding on what mode of transport you will use to travel will ...

Relocating to Tanzania

If you are considering or planning on relocating to Tanzania, this article will be a good and informative read. A general ...

Setting up a business in Tanzania

If you are traveling or moving to Tanzania, you might be interested in setting up a business in the country. According to various ...

Internships in Tanzania

Completing an internship in Tanzania can be an incredibly personally and professionally rewarding experience. This is an ...

General visa requirements for Tanzania

If you are planning a trip to either mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar, it is important to familiarize yourself with the various visa ...

About Tanzania

Demography

Tanzania has a population of over 45,000,000 people, with a highly uneven distribution. The majority of inhabitants live on the northern border of the country's eastern coast; the remainder of the country being quite sparsely populated. The majority of the population is rural, at around 70%, however, this figure has been declining over time. The largest city and commercial capital is Dar es Salaam. The country's capital is Dodoma which is located more towards the centre of Tanzania.

Economy

As of 2018, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Tanzania was estimated to be $56.7 billion (nominal), and GDP per capita (PPP) was $3,457. In the past decade, this figure has been climbing at a rate of 3.5% per year. This is higher than any other member of the East African Community (EAC).

Unfortunately, despite this recent economic growth, the majority of the population have seen no real benefit. Tanzania's 2013 Global Hunger Index was worse than any other country - bar Burundi - in the EAC. Approximately 68% of the country's citizens live below the poverty line of $1.26 a day. Children in rural areas suffer particularly high rates of malnutrition and chronic hunger.

The country's largest trading partners in exports are typically South Africa, Switzerland, and China. For imports, its largest trading partners are the UAE, Switzerland and China.

Politics

Tanzania is what is called a one-party dominant state, with the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party currently in power. This was the only legally permitted party in the country until 1992, after which the constitution was amended. The main opposition party is called Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (this is Swahili for 'Party for Democracy and Progress'). Another opposition political party is based in Zanzibar, called the Civil United Front (CUF).

As a country, Tanzania has some conservative human rights views with the legislature to enforce this. Sex acts between men are illegal and carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. There is no such ban on such relations between women. According to the 2007 Pew Global Attitudes Project, Tanzania rated seventh-highest of non-acceptance out of 45 countries surveyed - it was found that 95% of Tanzanian residents believe that homosexuality is a way of life that society should not accept. One does also not have the right to change their legal gender.

Climate

Tanzania has two rainy seasons: the short rains are typically between the months of October and December, whilst the long rainy period lasts from March to June. The coastal areas of Tanzania are mostly affected by these fluctuations, whilst the central plateau is more dry and arid throughout the year.

The best time to travel to the mainland is in the dryer period from June to October. The best wildlife viewing is during these months. If you are hoping to see the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, then June and July is the best time to go. If you are planning a trip to Zanzibar however, December and January is also a popular time of year with pleasant weather during this holiday period.

Useful links:

Britannica article on Tanzania
Tanzania Tourism official site - fact sheet
Information on parks, attractions, beaches and more

Quick Information

Official Languages : English , Arabic
Currency : Shilling
Area : 945087 Km2
Population : 41892895
Calling Code : +255
Timezone : Africa/Dar_es_Salaam

Tanzania city guide