Tanzania has a population of around 63 million people (2024 estimate) across some 125 ethnic groups, the vast majority of Bantu origin. The largest single group is the Sukuma of the Lake Victoria region, comprising roughly 15% of the population. Other major groups include the Gogo, Haya, Chagga, Nyamwezi, and Makonde. Zanzibar has a distinct Arab-African population with its own cultural identity.
One of Tanzania's achievements since independence in 1961 has been national unity. Julius Nyerere, the country's first president, deliberately promoted Swahili as a shared national language and discouraged ethnic politics. It has largely worked — Tanzania has avoided the ethnic conflicts that have troubled several neighbouring countries, and Tanzanians tend to identify strongly as Tanzanians first.
Language: Swahili (Kiswahili) is the official language and the lingua franca of the whole country. Almost everyone speaks it. English is widely used in business, government, and higher education. Most Tanzanians also speak at least one ethnic language. A few words of Swahili go a long way — karibu (welcome), asante (thank you), and habari (how are you) will open doors.
Religion: Roughly 61% of the mainland population is Christian and 35% Muslim, with the remainder following traditional beliefs. Zanzibar is over 99% Muslim. Religion is taken seriously and visitors should be respectful. Dress modestly when visiting mosques or rural communities, and be aware of Friday prayer times in predominantly Muslim areas.
Character: Tanzanians are generally warm, patient, and polite. The concept of pole pole (slowly, slowly) governs daily life — things operate at a relaxed pace, and getting frustrated about it accomplishes nothing. Bargaining is expected in markets but not in shops with fixed prices. Always ask before photographing people.