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Tanzania Overview The eastern African republic of Tanzania is bordered by the countries of Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia, and the islands of Mafia, Zanzibar, and Pemba. The mainland lies between the Great Lakes of Africa: Victoria, Tanganyika, and Nyasa. In the northern area sits Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa. The climate varies from tropical along the coast to temperate in the highlands. Natural resources include hydropower, tin, phosphates, iron ore, coal, diamonds, gemstones, gold, natural gas, and nickel. Ninety-five percent of Tanzania’s population is of Bantu origin, representing more than 130 tribes; the other five percent of people is of Asian, European, or Arabian heritage. Swahili is the country’s official language. English also is considered an official language and is used as the primary language of commerce, administration, and higher education. In addition, Arabic is widely spoken as well as many local languages. The AIDS pandemic has taken a toll on Tanzania. Life expectancy figures have dropped in recent years as the number of HIV/AIDS sufferers has increased. The overall prevalence rate is 8.8 percent. However, some sources state that in urban areas the incidence level is as high as 15 percent. The effects of AIDS overflow to families and especially children. Most tragic is the number of children left without parents: nearly one million boys and girls have been orphaned due to AIDS, including 20,000 children in World Vision area development programs (ADPs). It is estimated that by 2020, 13 percent of Tanzania’s farmers will have died due to AIDS. World Vision’s Work In 1970, World Vision offered a pastors conference in Dodoma to 550 church leaders. Subsequent opportunities for involvement included feeding programs, farming and livestock training, and pediatric health services for children. In 1981, the Tanzania field office was opened in the city of Arusha. The core of World Vision’s ministry in Tanzania has been and continues to lie in helping people discover their God-given potential as human beings. Funds and technical help in health, agriculture, water resources, sanitation, nutrition, and income generation are important to the future of this country. Currently, U.S. donors are providing funds to operate 10 ADPs in Tanzania. In addition, more than 17,000 girls and boys are receiving the benefits of child sponsorship due to the generosity of U.S. sponsors. |  |
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