10 Little-Known Tanzania Facts

10 Little-Known Tanzania Facts

1.Tanzania is home to the famous Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain.

2.With a population of 64 million, Tanzania is the most populous country south of the equator.

3. Tanzania is home to over 100 languages, making it the most linguistically diverse country in East Africa.

4. At about twice the size of California, Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa.

5. Of all the countries in the world, Tanzania has the greatest animal population density. In other words, Tanzania has more animals per square mile of land than any other country.

6. The shortest war in history was the Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896. It lasted just 38 minutes. When Khalid bin Bargash seized power, the British bombed the country. Over 500 Tanzanians died and one British marine was injured.

7. The Maasai live in northern Tanzania. They live in circular mud and grass huts and are famous for their colorful clothing, their dyed red hair, and their ability to jump exceptionally high.

8. Tanzania is home to Combe Stream National Park, a well-known chimpanzee sanctuary where Jane Goodall conducted her research.

9. Lake Olduvai in Tanzania contains human fossils that are millions of years old. The oldest skull in the world was discovered nearby.

10. The name Tanzania is from the names of two states that combined to form the country: Tanganyika and Zanzibar.