Tanzania is one of the world’s poorest economies in terms of per capita income. However, it has achieved high growth rates based on gold production and tourism. GDP growth in 2009 to 2014 was an impressive 6% to 7% per year. The country has largely completed its transition to a market economy and is dependent on agriculture, which accounts for more than 25% of GDP, provides 85% of exports and employs about 80% of the workforce.

Name United Republic of Tanzania

Capital Dar es Salaam (traditional capital), Dodoma (legislature)

Frequency of elections Every five years

Name of parliament Parliament of Tanzania

Parliament website www.parliament.go.tz

Languages Swahili, English, Arabic, Ganda

Area 947 300 km²

Population 49 639 138 (July 2014 est)

Imports Consumer goods, machinery and transportation equipment, industrial raw materials, crude oil

Exports Gold, coffee, cashew nuts, cotton

Currency Tanzanian shilling

Source: CIA World Factbook
Image: Gallo/GettyImages