Tanzanie ranks among East Africa's most densely populated nations. Its population stood at 56.87 million in 2017, compared to 55.57 million in 2016, according to United Nations data. Over the past two decades, there has been a marked increase in birth rates. In 2005, the country had just under 39 million inhabitants. This growth is largely attributable to the dramatic improvement in life expectancy—a decade ago, it barely exceeded 45 years.

Fortunately, the situation has changed considerably. On average, life expectancy has risen from 45 to 61 years. Tanzanie is also characterized as a young nation, with a median age hovering around 17 years.

Tribes in Tanzanie

The people inhabiting Tanzanien territory are remarkably diverse and fragmented across nearly 120 tribes among its fifty million residents. The Sukuma form the largest group, representing over 12% of the total population, followed by the Nyamwezi at 5%; the Ha at 4%; the Makonde at 3.8%; the Gogo at 3.7%; the Haya at 3.6%; and the Chagga at 3.2%. The renowned Maasai, by contrast, constitute just 1.7% of the population.

The Optimism and Kindness of Tanzanians

When it comes to character, Tanzanians are welcoming, genuinely warm-hearted people whose sense of civic responsibility and hospitality are remarkable. They are also among the most optimistic peoples on the African continent. A smile is never far from their faces, and complaints about their circumstances are virtually unheard of. It bears noting that Tanzanie remains a developing nation, though recent years have witnessed a gradual improvement in living standards. Despite these economic challenges, Tanzanians harbor no apparent inferiority complex toward visitors. Indeed, during your stay, you'll likely hear the Kiswahili expression (a Bantu language) "Hakuna Matata" (yes, just like in The Lion King), which roughly translates to "no worries"—an expression that perfectly encapsulates the philosophy and optimism of the Tanzanian people.

Education

In terms of education, Tanzanians are relatively well-educated. The country boasts one of Africa's highest literacy rates, with 77% among adolescents aged 15 to 24 and nearly 95% at the primary school level. This demonstrates that despite the nation's economic challenges, education remains a priority, placing Tanzanie's inhabitants on par with other major African capitals such as Rabat, Abuja, and Pretoria.