Tanzania
Type of Government: Republic
Independence: 1964 from the UK
Head of State: President Jakaya Kikwete (since December 21, 2005)
2007/2008 UN Development Index ranking (out of 177 countries): 159
2007 TI Corruption Perception Index (out of 179): 94
Political Development: One-party rule came to an end in 1995 with the first democratic elections held in the country since the 1970s. Zanzibar’s semi-autonomous status and popular opposition have led to two contentious elections since 1995, which the ruling party won despite international observers’ claims of voting irregularities.
Adult HIV Rate: 8.8%
Life Expectancy: 50.71
GDP: $13.14
Inflation: 6.1%
Poverty: 36%
Petroleum: N/A
Leading Export Partner: China (8.8%)
Economic Note: Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. The economy depends heavily on agriculture, which accounts for almost half of GDP, provides 85% of exports, and employs 80% of the work force. Long-term growth through 2005 featured a pickup in industrial production and a substantial increase in output of minerals led by gold. Recent banking reforms have helped increase private-sector growth and investment. Continued donor assistance and solid macroeconomic policies supported real GDP growth of nearly 6% in 2006.
