What is Tanzania?
Tanzania is a country located in East Africa, bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south, and the Indian Ocean to the east. Known for its diverse landscapes that include savannas, highlands, and the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania is also home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. The country has a rich cultural history and was formed from the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar in 1964.
Administrative Divisions
Tanzania is divided into 31 regions, which are further subdivided into districts. The regions are:
- Arusha
- Dar es Salaam
- Dodoma
- Geita
- Iringa
- Kagera
- Katavi
- Kigoma
- Kilimanjaro
- Lindi
- Manyara
- Mara
- Mbeya
- Morogoro
- Mtwara
- Mwanza
- Njombe
- Pwani
- Rukwa
- Ruvuma
- Shinyanga
- Singida
- Songwe
- Tabora
- Tanga
- Zanzibar Urban/West
- Zanzibar North
- Zanzibar South/West
- Zanzibar Central/South
- Zanzibar North
- Zanzibar South
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
- Symbol: TSh
- Subunit: 1 Tanzanian Shilling = 100 cents
- Central Bank: Bank of Tanzania
Type of Government
Tanzania is a unitary, multiparty, and presidential republic. The President is both the head of state and government. The country operates under a system of democratic elections, and the government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judiciary.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch
- President: The head of state and government, responsible for overseeing the executive functions, national defense, and foreign relations.
- Vice President: Assists the President and steps in as acting President if needed.
- Prime Minister: Leads the government and is appointed by the President.
- Cabinet Ministers: Heads of government ministries, responsible for specific sectors such as health, education, and finance.
Legislative Branch
Tanzania has a unicameral parliament known as the National Assembly, which is responsible for passing laws and scrutinizing the work of the government. It has 393 members, some of whom are elected while others are appointed.
Judicial Branch
Tanzania’s judiciary is independent and consists of several courts, including:
- The Court of Appeal: The highest court in the country.
- High Court: Handles serious criminal and civil cases.
- Magistrate Courts: Deal with less severe cases.
- Customary Courts: Deal with traditional legal matters and disputes.
International Memberships
Tanzania is a member of several international organizations, including:
- United Nations (UN)
- African Union (AU)
- East African Community (EAC)
- Commonwealth of Nations
- Southern African Development Community (SADC)
Military Structure
Tanzania’s military includes the following branches:
- Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF): The main military body, responsible for the defense of the country.
- Tanzania Police Force: Responsible for internal security and law enforcement.
- National Service (JKT): A youth service program aimed at fostering national unity and discipline.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 112
- Medical Emergency: 999
- Fire: 999
SWOT Analysis of Tanzania
Strengths
- A stable government with a long history of peaceful transitions.
- Rich natural resources, including minerals, agriculture, and wildlife.
- Strategic location with access to the Indian Ocean, boosting trade and tourism.
- A well-known tourist destination, especially for safaris and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Weaknesses
- Economic dependence on agriculture, which makes the economy vulnerable to climatic changes.
- Infrastructure challenges, especially in rural areas.
- Poverty and inequality persist despite efforts to improve living standards.
Opportunities
- Expansion of the tourism sector, focusing on eco-tourism and adventure tourism.
- Potential growth in mining and manufacturing industries.
- Regional integration within the East African Community (EAC) and with other neighboring countries.
- Investing in education and healthcare to improve human capital.
Threats
- Environmental challenges, such as droughts and deforestation.
- Health crises, including the spread of diseases like malaria and HIV/AIDS.
- Political instability in neighboring countries, which could affect security.
Additional Information
- Official Language: Swahili, English
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT) – UTC +3
- National Anthem: “Mungu ibariki Afrika” (God Bless Africa)