Population

80% of the Tanzanians live from the cultivation of a small plot of land. Only 2% have access to electricity. 

Tanzania is a peaceful and friendly country with 120 tribes. There was also never a conflict between native and non-native people. Approximately 30% of the population is Christian, 30% Muslim and 30% are adherents of indigenous beliefs.

Besides of this positive aspect of a peaceful coexistence of many different cultures and ethnic groups, there are big social problems. Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. Exept in the main cities people do not have access to electricity, tap water or medical care. Most of the 40.4 million residents make their living from a small scale agriculture where they can produce enough food for their families.

A big challenge is the health care. Tanzania has the lowest rate of doctors and hospital beds for its residents worldwide. 1'000 residents share only  1 hospital bed and 0.008 doctors. As a result, the median age of the population is 18.5 years (in comparison Switzerland: 41.7 years).

• 36% of the population lives below the poverty line.
• 76% of the population as no access to sanitation facilities.

Source of the mentioned facts and figures: The World Factbook, CIA, visited in November 2011. 

For more specific information regarding children and the youth in Tanzania follow this link.