About Tanzania

o   Geography and Population

§  Tanzania is located in the region of East Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenya and Mozambique.  For comparison’s sake, Tanzania is slightly larger than twice the size of California. 

§  Tanzania has a population of about 40,000,000.  Nearly a quarter of that population is located in the North-Central Region of Tanzania where the Gaines family will be living.  This area is a major agricultural region located around the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru, only 4 hours south of Nairobi, Kenya.  It is convenient to the Kilimanjaro International Airport, making air travel into and out of the region feasible.

o   Language

§  The major languages are Swahili and English.  Swahili is the language of the common people while the more educated speak English.  Official government proceedings are conducted in English.

§  Classes at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching are taught in English, but translators are used when preaching to the local congregations or conducting personal Bible studies.

o   Religion

§  Tanzania's population has been estimated to consist of roughly of 62% “Christian”, 35% Muslim, and 3% followers of indigenous religious groups.  The Christian population is mostly composed of Roman Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants (especially Lutherans), Pentecostals, Seventh-day Adventists, Mormons, and Jehovah's Witnesses.