Where is Tanzania | Country Profile | Location | Map & Facts

Where is Tanzania? (All You Need To Know)

Where is Tanzania? Discover where Tanzania is in Africa with our country profile, location details, map insights, and key facts for travelers and researchers.

Discover Tanzania, East Africa’s jewel, where sweeping savannahs meet snow-tipped peaks and crystal-blue seas, offering travelers a thrilling tapestry of experiences. Home to the legendary Serengeti Migration, where millions of wildebeest thunder across the plains, Tanzania also boasts Africa’s highest summit, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the mystical volcanic craters of Ngorongoro. Dive into the spice-scented markets of Stone Town on Zanzibar’s sun-kissed shores, snorkel alongside tropical fish in the Indian Ocean, or trek through emerald highland forests alive with rare primates. With warm, welcoming communities, centuries-old Swahili culture, and world-class safari lodges, Tanzania seamlessly blends adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion into one unforgettable journey.

Where Is Tanzania?

Tanzania is situated in East Africa, straddling the equator along the Indian Ocean’s western coastline. Bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south, it occupies a strategic corridor between Central and Southern Africa. Its 800-kilometer shoreline provides access to rich marine ecosystems, while Lake Victoria in the northwest, the continent’s largest lake, links Tanzania directly to Uganda and Kenya. The nation’s capital, Dodoma, lies in the central region, though Dar es Salaam remains its principal port and economic hub. This positioning grants Tanzania diverse climates and landscapes, from coastal beaches and tropical islands to highlands and savannahs.

Country Profile

Covering roughly 947,300 square kilometers, Tanzania is Africa’s 13th-largest country by area. With a population exceeding 60 million, it features over 120 ethnic groups, including the Sukuma, Chagga, and Maasai, each contributing to the nation’s rich cultural tapestry. Swahili and English serve as official languages, facilitating communication across diverse communities. Economically, agriculture employs about 67% of Tanzanians, with coffee, tea, and tobacco as key exports. Tourism has surged due to iconic attractions like Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro. Politically, Tanzania operates as a multi-party republic, with stable governance fostering regional trade and development. Its blend of wildlife conservation, agrarian tradition, and growing urban centers defines its evolving national identity.

Location

Geographically, Tanzania extends between latitudes 1°S and 12°S and longitudes 29°E and 41°E. Its northern highlands include the Eastern and Western Rift valleys, featuring Lake Tanganyika and the volcanic massif of Kilimanjaro. Central plateaus transition into the vast savannahs of the Serengeti ecosystem, while miombo woodlands mark the southern regions. The coastal strip encompasses the Zanzibar Archipelago, Unguja and Pemba, the historic centers of Swahili culture and trade. This varied topography creates microclimates, ranging from humid coastal zones to cooler highland summers, which in turn influence agricultural patterns and biodiversity. Moreover, Tanzania’s location on major migratory routes underscores its importance for both terrestrial and avian species.

Map & Facts

A detailed map of Tanzania highlights major cities, Dodoma, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha, alongside key natural landmarks: Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, the Rufiji River, and national parks. Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) and Mount Meru offer alpine habitats, while the Selous Game Reserve and Ngorongoro Conservation Area safeguard endangered wildlife. Notably, the Serengeti’s annual wildebeest migration is among the world’s most spectacular natural phenomena. Tanzania’s time zone is East Africa Time (UTC+3). The currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). Approximately 39% of the land is protected, reflecting strong commitments to conservation. These map-based insights and facts provide a comprehensive snapshot for researchers, travelers, and investors alike.