Tanzania

12th Century (exact date unknown): The rise of Swahili city-states along the coast of East Africa

1498 (April 25, Monday): Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reaches the coast of East Africa

1698 (exact date unknown): Oman controls Zanzibar, establishing it as a major slave and spice trading center

1884–1919 (exact dates unknown): German colonial rule in Tanganyika (mainland Tanzania)

1961 (December 9, Saturday): Tanganyika gains independence from Britain

1964 (April 26, Monday): Zanzibar joins with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania

1979 (June 1, Friday): Tanzania intervenes in Uganda, supporting the overthrow of Idi Amin

1983 (October 3, Monday): A significant drought in Tanzania, leading to widespread crop failure and famine

2004 (December 26, Sunday): Indian Ocean tsunami impacts coastal areas of Tanzania, resulting in fatalities and significant damage

2014 (March 28, Friday): Severe floods in Dar es Salaam cause damage and displacement of people

2020 (March 17, Tuesday): COVID-19 pandemic begins to affect Tanzania, leading to health and economic challenges

2022 (May 8, Sunday): Earthquake hits the island of Zanzibar, resulting in minor damage

2023 (April 19, Wednesday): Flooding in northern Tanzania displaces thousands and damages infrastructure

Continent: Africa
Location: East Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique
Capital: Dodoma (official), Dar es Salaam (commercial and largest city)
Language: Swahili (official), English (widely spoken)
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Population: ~67.6 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT) / UTC +3

Borders: Kenya (north), Uganda (northwest), Rwanda (west), Burundi (west), Zambia (south), Malawi (south), Mozambique (southeast)
Landscape: Coastal plain, mountains, savannahs, forests, and lakes
Major Rivers: Rufiji, Pangani, and Wami
Major Mountains: Mount Kilimanjaro (highest point in Africa), Mount Meru
Deserts: None significant
Lakes: Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, Lake Nyasa
Volcanoes: Mount Kilimanjaro (active), Mount Meru (active)
Highest Point: Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m / 19,341 ft)
Lowest Point: Lake Tanganyika (at 353 m / 1,158 ft below sea level)
Climate: Tropical along the coast, temperate in the highlands, and arid in the interior
Geological Features: The East African Rift Valley runs through the country, creating volcanic activity and rich mineral deposits

Ethnic Groups: Over 120 ethnic groups including Sukuma, Chaga, Makonde, and Maasai
Religion: Christianity (approx. 60%), Islam (approx. 35%), indigenous religions (approx. 5%)
Urban Population: ~33% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~3.6% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, rich ethnic traditions
Cuisine: Ugali (maize porridge), fish, fruits, pilau, chapati
Arts: Traditional dance, music (especially taarab and bongo flava), and craftwork
Sports: Football (soccer), athletics (track and field), boxing, and rugby

Economy Type: Mixed economy (with a large informal sector)
GDP: Approx. $75 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Agriculture (coffee, tea, cashew nuts), mining (gold, diamonds), tourism, manufacturing
Key Exports: Gold, coffee, tobacco, cotton, tea
Unemployment Rate: ~9% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Coastal region (agriculture, tourism), inland areas (mining, agriculture)

Government Type: Presidential republic
Head of State: President Samia Suluhu Hassan (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral (National Assembly)
Constitution: In effect since 1977

Mount Kilimanjaro: The highest peak in Africa, a major destination for trekking and mountaineering
Serengeti National Park: Known for its annual migration of wildebeest and zebras
Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in wildlife
Zanzibar: Famous for its beaches, historic Stone Town, and spice plantations
Lake Tanganyika: One of the deepest lakes in the world, known for its biodiversity