When you think of Africa’s exotic animals, wide open spaces and beautiful scenery, Tanzania is probably the place most like your imaginings. Tanzania has many national parks, including the most famous Serengeti National Park, and the Gombe Stream National Park, where Jane Goodall learned about chimps. Tanzania is home to the largest group of elephants in the world, as well as hippos, rhinos, zebras, lions, giraffes and giant turtles.
People have lived in Tanzania for thousands of years. Early settlers were farmers. Later, traders came from India, Persia and Arabia. Today, most people are poor farmers. Tanzania has been a mostly peaceful country, compared to other parts of Africa.
Fun Geography for Kids on Tanzania – Image of a African Hippo in Tanzania
Fun Facts
- 47.6 million people live in Tanzania.
- The country has 364,900 square miles of land.
- English and Swahili are the official languages.
- Christianity and Islam are the main religions.
- The life expectancy in Tanzania is 59 years.
Vocabulary
- Exotic: unusual, tropical
- Imaginings: things you imagine
- Chimp: a primate, similar to a monkey
Learn More
Visit National Geographic Kids to learn more about Tanzania.
Extra Credit
Question: Do people like to visit Tanzania?
Answer: Many people come here to see the animals.
