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Country Profile

Population 46,2 million 

(2011 estimate)

Surface Area 883.749 km2

Capital City Dodoma; political capital (population 1.699.000)

Dar es Salaam

Business capital 

(population 2.498.000) 

National Income per Capita USD 523 (2011 estimate)

Growth Rate 6,7 % (2011 estimate)

Exchange Rate (End of 2011) TSh: USD=1.626

 

Going on safari and climbing to Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain of Africa have been a symbol of Tanzania. Europeans and Americans choose Tanzania for safari. The reason is also remarkable. Tanzania is the most reliable and consistent country of Africa. There is no war among tribes, no religious conflict although half of the population of muslim while the other half is christian. Four presidents have served since the independence in 1964, two muslim and two christian presidents. Nobody intervened others religion and nobody disturbed others. Tanzania is a community which succeeded to live in happiness and peace despite everything. Their buzzword is ''hakuna matata'' literally meaning no worries.

 

Tanzania is a united republic consisting of federal states of Tanganyika mainland and Zanzibar group of islands. Tanganyika was first occupied by Germany (1891) and then mandated by England (1920). It gained independence in 1961. The Sultanate of Zanzibar which dominated the Zanzibar Island in the 19th century was mandated by England in 1890 and gained independence in 1963. Following the ratification of the union resolution of both parties in 26 April 1964, Tanzania United Republic was established with the Provisional Constitution adopted in July 1965. Zanzibar has its separate President and Parliament and it has full authority in issues which are not covered by the central authority.

Tanzania has a population of nearly 45 million and an average annual growth of 7 %. It is a growing market with export potential for our country.

 

Darussalam is the biggest city of trade and port in the country with its 4 million population. 75% of the foreign trade of the country uses this port.

 

POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE

United Republic of Tanzania was established with the union of Tanganyika and the Zanzibar Island in 1964. Zanzibar is independent in internal affairs and ruled by its own government. It was first governed by a single party socialist system after its establishment. But the system was changed in the middle of 1990s. Parliament consists of 295 members. 232 members are chosen from the mainland, 5 members come from the Zanzibar parliament and other members are appointed. The first multi-party election was held in 1995. Head of State is elected by people every five years. National Government consists of the President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Cabinet members.

 

POPULATION AND LABOUR FORCE

According to the 2002 census, Tanzania has a total population of 34,6 million. It is estimated that Tanzania’s 2011 population is 46 million and 2025 population will be more than 65 milion. 

Average annual population growth is 2,9%. The population increase speed in the Zanzibar Island has been more than the mainland with 3,1%. According to the latest census, average household number is 4,9 people in the mainland and 5,3 in Zanzibar. Considering the current population increase, there are around 700,000 people joining to the labour force each year.

 

NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

Tanzania has great amount of commercially available mine resources.  The major mine resources are gold, diamond and tanzanite. Gold and diamond production increased since 1990 and makes the 44% of the total export in 2007. Uranium mines were discovered in 2007 in the Malawi border. There is some amount of coal production in the region. Important quantities of nickel were discovered in recent years and it has been determined that there could be huge platinum reserves. Researches in Tanzania proved that there are huge natural gas reserves and it is believed that there are significant amounts of petroleum.

 

THINGS TO PAY ATTENTION FOR THE BUSINESSMEN IN THE MARKET

Private sector has significantly grown in the past ten years after the privatization reforms. Generally international business traditions are applied. Face to face talks and personal relations are important. Timely delivery and after sales services are important. Patience and flexibility are required to be successful in Tanzania.  

 

GENERAL EVALUATIONS AND PREDICTIONS

Since there is no sufficient production to meet the demand in many products in the Tanzania market, consumption is mostly covered by imports. Construction material, contracting, food processing machines, work, construction and mine equipment and their spare parts, automotive side industry, processed food, agricultural machines and equipment, agricultural inputs, second hand machines, light industry second hand machines are the main sectors which have market potentials for the companies of our country.