Tanzania
United Republic of Tanzania
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.98%
With a population of roughly 68.2 million, Tanzania ranks in the top tenth of countries by population. The country extends across 947,303 km², translating to a density of 72 people per km². Its capital is Dodoma, and official languages include English and Swahili, while the Tanzanian shilling serves as the national currency.
Population
68,153,004
Area
947,303 km²
Density
72/km²
World Rank
#21
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 35.2 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 5.8 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 42.5% of the population is under 15, while only 3% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Dodoma
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Eastern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English, Swahili
- Currencies
- Tanzanian shilling (Sh)
- Calling Code
- +255
- Top-Level Domain
- .tz
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 68,153,004
- Land Area
- 947,303 km²
- Population Density
- 72 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.98%
- Annual Growth
- +2,030,960 people
- Daily Growth
- +5,564 people
- World Population Share
- 0.84%
- Coordinates
- -6.00°, 35.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $1.2k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 1.6%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 40.5 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
67.0 years
GDP per Capita
$1,187
Birth Rate
35.2 per 1,000
Death Rate
5.8 per 1,000
Urban Population
36.2%
Fertility Rate
4.61 births/woman
Infant Mortality
29.9 per 1,000
Unemployment
1.6%
Literacy Rate
78.2%
Internet Users
29.1%
Under 15
42.5%
Over 65
3.0%
Health Spending
3.0% GDP
Gini Index
40.5
Age Distribution
0-14 years
29.0M
15-64 years
37.1M
65+ years
2.1M
Urbanization
Only 36.2% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. Dodoma, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net emigration of 12730.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
24.7M
36.2%
43.5M
63.8%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 67.0 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 29.9 per thousand live births, roughly in line with the global average. The literacy rate of 78.2% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Tanzania
Tanzania has 34 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Tanzania is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Tanzania participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 68,153,004 |
| 2030 | 76,175,886 |
| 2035 | 86,451,252 |
| 2040 | 96,927,216 |
| 2045 | 107,541,572 |
| 2050 | 118,249,001 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Tanzania.
Largest Cities in Tanzania
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Tanzania by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Tanzania?
The population of Tanzania is approximately 68.2 million as of 2026, making it #21 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Tanzania?
The capital of Tanzania is Dodoma.
What languages are spoken in Tanzania?
The main languages spoken in Tanzania are English, Swahili.
How big is Tanzania?
Tanzania covers an area of 947,303 km² with a population density of 72 people per km².
Is Tanzania growing or shrinking?
Tanzania is growing at a rate of 2.98% per year, adding approximately 2,030,960 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Tanzania?
The average life expectancy in Tanzania is 67.0 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Tanzania?
The GDP per capita of Tanzania is $1,187.