Tanzania
Subregion: Eastern Africa
Tanzania is a country located in Eastern Africa.The Capital City is Dodoma. The government is a Unitary dominant-party presidential republic. The official languages of the country are Swahili, English and Arabic. The national language is Swahili. The predominant religion is Christianity. The healthcare system in Tanzania has both public and private sectors. The private sector only covers about 1% of the population. The public sector is poor with only about 30% of the population having access to care.
Safety:
Tanzania, like any other country, has safety concerns that residents should be aware of. Petty theft, robbery, and mugging are common in Tanzania's urban areas, especially in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Travelers should take precautions to protect their belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Tanzania has a history of political instability, and demonstrations and protests can occur in response to political events or issues. Travelers should avoid these gatherings as they can turn violent quickly. Tanzania is home to some of the world's most famous wildlife reserves, but encounters with wild animals can be dangerous. Visitors should follow the instructions of their safari guides and avoid approaching wild animals. Tanzania is a tropical country with a high risk of diseases such as malaria and cholera. Travelers should take appropriate precautions, such as using insect repellent and drinking only bottled water. Tanzania is a country in East Africa with a developing road infrastructure. While efforts have been made to improve road safety, road accidents are still a common occurrence, particularly on rural and unpaved roads. Some of the factors that contribute to the high number of road accidents in Tanzania include poor road conditions, lack of proper vehicle maintenance, inadequate traffic laws enforcement, and insufficient road safety education for drivers and pedestrians. In major cities like Dar es Salaam, the roads are generally in better condition, but traffic can be heavy, and drivers are advised to be cautious and follow traffic laws. In rural areas, roads may be poorly maintained and lack proper signage, making them more hazardous to navigate.
Cultural Customs:
Tanzania is a diverse country with over 120 ethnic groups, each with its unique cultural customs and traditions. Tanzanians place great importance on greeting each other. It is customary to shake hands with someone when greeting them, and it is considered impolite to ignore or overlook someone when they greet you. Tanzanians often wear traditional clothing, such as the kanga, a colorful garment worn by women, and the kanzu, a long white robe worn by men. These garments are often worn during special occasions or cultural events. Tanzanian cuisine is diverse and varies depending on the region. Some popular dishes include ugali, a cornmeal porridge, and pilau, a spiced rice dish. It is also common for families to share a large meal together. Music and dance are integral to Tanzanian culture. There are many different types of traditional music and dance styles, such as ngoma, which is a traditional drumming and dance performance. Tanzanians place great respect for elders and often seek their advice and guidance. It is considered impolite to speak to an elder in a disrespectful manner. Tanzania is a religiously diverse country, with Christianity, Islam, and traditional African religions being the most commonly practiced. Religion often plays an important role in people's lives, and it is not uncommon for religious practices to be intertwined with cultural traditions. Family is highly valued in Tanzanian culture, and extended families often live together. It is common for family members to help each other out, and children are often raised by the entire family. Tanzanians are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature. It is customary to offer guests food and drink, and visitors are often treated with great respect.
Geography & Weather:
The climate in Tanzania differs based on the region’s altitude. The plateau has a sub-tropical climate and the coast has a tropical climate. The rainy season also is different based on where you are in the country.
In Dar Es Salaam, on the coast of the country, the average temperature ranges from 77 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is June with a median temperature of 77 degrees F and February being the hottest month with a median temperature of 84 degrees F. It’s very humid on the coast. The rainy season in this area occurs twice a year. October - December then again March - May. The sun shines about 8 hours daily, all year.
In Dodoma, in the middle of the country on the plateau, the average temperature ranges from 69 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 69 degrees F and December is the hottest month with a median temperature of 77 degrees F. The rainy season is December - April.
On Kilimanjaro, in the northeast, there is permanent snow. The mountain area has two rainy seasons: October - December and March - May.
In Mbeya, in the south, the average temperature ranges from 58 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 58 degrees F and November being the hottest month with a median temperature of 69 degrees F. The rainy season in this area is December - April.
Economy:
Tanzania has a mixed economy with agriculture, mining, and tourism being the major sectors. The economy has been growing steadily over the past few years, with an average GDP growth rate of 6-7% per year. Agriculture is the backbone of the Tanzanian economy, employing over 70% of the population. The country is known for its production of coffee, tea, cotton, tobacco, and cashew nuts. Tanzania is also one of the largest producers of maize and cassava in Africa. Tanzania is rich in mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, and gemstones. The mining sector contributes about 4% to the country's GDP and employs about 1% of the population. Tanzania is home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and Zanzibar. The tourism sector is a major source of foreign exchange for the country, contributing about 17% to the GDP. Tanzania has been investing heavily in infrastructure development in recent years, including building new roads, airports, and ports. This has helped to improve transportation and logistics, making it easier for businesses to operate and trade. Tanzania still faces several challenges in its economy, including high levels of poverty, unemployment, and income inequality. The country also struggles with corruption and a lack of skilled labor, which can hinder economic growth. Tanzania's economy has been growing steadily, and the country has made significant progress in recent years. However, there is still much work to be done to address the challenges facing the economy and to ensure that growth is inclusive and sustainable.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
TZS 1.00 = USD .00043
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
59,734,218
Median Age:
18
Life Expectancy:
66.39
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes
Cost: Tourist Visa, multiple entry, 12 months $100
*Electronic Visas are available for US Citizens prior to arrival*
*Additional Informtion*
Yellow fever vaccination required if you traveled thru: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’lvoire, DRC, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Niger, Togo.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - No
Naturalization - Tanzanian citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Tanzania for at least seven consecutive years, is of good character, have no physical or mental disabilities, have the ability to contribute to the country, and is at least 21 years of age. The person must also prove competency in Swahili or English. You must publish your intent to naturalize in two consecutive issues of the registered newspapers.
Residency Requirements:
A Class B residence permit is available for people looking to relocate into Tanzania as expats. You must have your tourist visa and apply in English at the Ministry of Home Affairs. The cost is $620 USD.
Resources:
Access Microfinance Bank Tanzania
Tanzania Immigration Residence Permits
Expats in Dar Es Salaam Facebook Group
Expats in Tanzania Facebook Group
U.S. Embassy Dar Es Salaam
686 Old Bagamoyo Road,
Msasani
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Telephone: +(255) 22-229-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(255) 22-229-4000, dial '1' for an emergency operator
Fax: +(255) 22-229-4721
Email: drsacs@state.gov