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Where is Tanzania located? Tanzania is a country located in East Africa, situated in the eastern part of the African continent. It is one of the largest countries in East Africa.
Tanzania is positioned on the eastern coastline of East Africa, with the Indian Ocean to the east. It shares its borders with several neighboring countries. To the north, it is bordered by Kenya and Uganda. To the west, it shares a border with Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To the south, it is bounded by Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. To the southwest, it shares a border with Zimbabwe.
Where is Tanzania located: Africa.
Location of Tanzania on the World Map
Tanzania World
Map of Tanzania.
Tanzania Profile – Where is Tanzania located
Here are 10 of the most important facts about Tanzania:
- Official Name: United Republic of Tanzania
- Capital City: Dodoma (although Dar es Salaam is the largest city and major economic center)
- Population: Approximately 61.5 million (as of 2021)
- Official Language: Swahili and English
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
- Major Religion: Christianity (predominantly, with significant Muslim and indigenous beliefs)
- Government: Unitary presidential republic
- Area: Approximately 947,300 square kilometers
- GDP (Gross Domestic Product): $92.9 billion (as of 2021)
- Main Exports: Agricultural products (coffee, tea, cotton), minerals (gold, diamonds, tanzanite), and tourism.
Borders of Tanzania
Tanzania shares land borders with eight countries.
| Bordering Country | Approximate Length of Border (in kilometers) |
|---|---|
| Kenya | 769 km |
| Uganda | 396 km |
| Rwanda | 169 km |
| Burundi | 451 km |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 459 km |
| Zambia | 338 km |
| Malawi | 475 km |
| Mozambique | 756 km |
Tanzania Map
Navigate over this map with your mouse to discover the Tanzania map location.
Tanzania
Most Extreme Points of Tanzania
Tanzania has several extreme points in different directions:
- Northernmost Point: Located near the border with Kenya, to the northeast of the city of Arusha.
- Southernmost Point: The tripoint border shared with Mozambique and Malawi, in the southern reaches of Lake Malawi.
- Easternmost Point: Situated on the Indian Ocean coastline, close to the town of Tanga.
- Westernmost Point: Found on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, near the town of Kigoma.
Highest Points of Tanzania
The highest point in Tanzania is Mount Kilimanjaro, reaching an elevation of approximately 5,895 meters above sea level. It is part of the Eastern Rift mountain range.
| No. | Mountain | Elevation (meters) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Kilimanjaro | 5,895 |
| 2 | Mount Meru | 4,566 |
| 3 | Mount Kenya | 5,199 |
| 4 | Mount Elgon | 4,321 |
| 5 | Mount Hanang | 3,417 |
How big is Tanzania?
Tanzania spans an approximate area of 945,087 square kilometers, ranking as the 31st largest country globally.
Comparison with Neighboring Countries
Here is a comparison of Tanzania with its neighboring countries based on approximate size and population as of 2021:
| Country | Approximate Size (sq. km) | Approximate Population | Tanzania’s Size Compared to Neighboring Country | Tanzania’s Population Compared to Neighboring Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | 580,367 | 54 million | 1.33 times bigger | 0.78 times smaller |
| Uganda | 241,038 | 47 million | 3.20 times bigger | 0.85 times smaller |
| Rwanda | 26,338 | 12.6 million | 29.56 times bigger | 2.96 times bigger |
| Burundi | 27,834 | 11.6 million | 28.11 times bigger | 3.00 times bigger |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 2,345,410 | 89.6 million | 0.34 times smaller | 0.52 times smaller |
| Zambia | 752,612 | 18.9 million | 1.06 times bigger | 2.88 times smaller |
| Malawi | 118,484 | 19.1 million | 6.78 times bigger | 2.83 times smaller |
What to Visit in Tanzania?
Tanzania offers a rich blend of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and historical sites. Here are the top 10 tourist attractions:
- Zanzibar: This picturesque archipelago is known for its stunning beaches, historic Stone Town, and vibrant spice markets. Explore the narrow streets of Stone Town and relax on the pristine shores of Zanzibar’s beaches.
- Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro offers an iconic trekking experience. Hike through diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to snow-capped summits, for breathtaking views.
- Serengeti National Park: Witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the vast plains. This park also boasts an abundance of wildlife, making it a prime safari destination.
- Ngorongoro Crater: A natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site, this crater is home to a unique ecosystem and a high concentration of wildlife. It’s often called the “eighth wonder of the world.”
- Zanzibar’s Spice Plantations: Take a tour of spice plantations to learn about the cultivation of cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and other spices that have been integral to Zanzibar’s history and economy.
- Stone Town, Zanzibar: Explore the historic and cultural heart of Zanzibar, known for its ancient architecture, bustling markets, and cultural diversity. Visit landmarks like the Sultan’s Palace and the House of Wonders.
- Mikumi National Park: Located in southern Tanzania, this park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes. It’s a great option for a safari experience without the crowds.
- Lake Victoria: The largest lake in Africa, Lake Victoria provides opportunities for fishing, boat trips, and cultural experiences with the local communities living around its shores.
- Olduvai Gorge: This archaeological site is often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind” because of its significance in the study of human evolution. Explore the museum and the gorge itself to learn about our ancient ancestors.
- Bagamoyo: A coastal town with a rich history, Bagamoyo was a center of the East African slave trade. Visit the historical sites and museums to gain insight into this dark period.
These Tanzania destinations offer a wide range of experiences, from wildlife safaris and mountain adventures to cultural immersion and historical exploration. Be sure to check for any specific entry requirements or regulations, especially for national parks and cultural sites, before planning your visit to Tanzania.
More About Tanzania
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