Geography of Tanzania

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Overview of the geography of Tanzania

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The Geography of Tanzania is diverse, encompassing a wide range of natural features and climatic zones. Tanzania is located in East Africa and is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south, and the Indian Ocean to the east.

Topography

Tanzania's topography includes coastal plains, a central plateau, and highlands in the north and south. The country is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, which stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). The Great Rift Valley runs through the country, creating a series of lakes and volcanic mountains.

Mountains

• Mount Kilimanjaro
• Mount Meru
• Usambara Mountains
• Uluguru Mountains

Lakes

Tanzania has several large lakes, including:

• Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area.
• Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest and second largest by volume freshwater lake in the world.
• Lake Malawi, known locally as Lake Nyasa.

Rivers

The major rivers in Tanzania include:

• Rufiji River
• Pangani River
• Ruvuma River
• Malagarasi River

Climate

Tanzania's climate varies from tropical along the coast to temperate in the highlands. The coastal areas experience a hot and humid climate, while the central plateau is dry and arid. The highlands have a more temperate climate with two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to December.

Natural Resources

Tanzania is rich in natural resources, including minerals such as gold, diamonds, and tanzanite. The country also has significant deposits of natural gas and coal.

Flora and Fauna

Tanzania is renowned for its biodiversity and is home to numerous national parks and game reserves. The Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are famous for their wildlife, including the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras.

Environmental Issues

Tanzania faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and the impacts of climate change. Efforts are being made to address these issues through conservation programs and sustainable development initiatives.

Related Pages

• Mount Kilimanjaro
• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Lake Victoria
• Great Rift Valley
• Climate of Tanzania
• Wildlife of Tanzania