Tanzania: Geography, Politics, and Key Features

Syllabus: Geography (UPSC Prelims)
Source: New Indian Express

Context

Tanzania has witnessed post-election unrest following the disqualification of opposition leaders from the 2025 general elections, leading to protests, internet restrictions, and curfews. The government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has assured restoration of order and commitment to democratic stability.

About Tanzania

Overview

• Tanzania is an East African nation, established in 1964 through the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
• It functions as a unitary multiparty republic with a single legislative body, the National Assembly.

Geographical Location

• Located just south of the Equator, Tanzania lies on the eastern coast of Africa, bordered by the Indian Ocean.
• It shares land borders with Uganda, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda, and Burundi.
• The country also includes several offshore islands — notably Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia.

Capital and Major Cities

• Capital: Dodoma (official capital since 1974), situated centrally for administrative purposes.
• Dar es Salaam: The largest city, principal port, and economic centre, continues to play a key commercial role.

Physical Features

• Topography: Predominantly highlands and plateaus, with most areas above 600 feet (200 m).
• Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m): Africa’s highest peak, located in northern Tanzania.
• Lake Tanganyika: Among the world’s deepest freshwater lakes, forming part of the western border.
• Rift Valleys: The East African Rift System divides the country into Western and Eastern Rift Valleys, giving rise to striking geological formations and lakes.
• Natural Wealth: Fertile volcanic soils, abundant hydropower potential, and world-renowned ecosystems such as the Serengeti Plains and Ngorongoro Crater, home to diverse wildlife.