| Despite its natural resources being plentiful, and its landscape a tourist’s dream, Tanzania remains one of the poorest countries in the world. More than half of all Tanzanian’s are currently living on less than $1, which is well below the poverty line. Children continue to die from malnourishment, and from water borne diseases picked up by using unsanitary water. Malaria continues to be the number one cause of death for children, which is a disease that can be cured with $5 worth of medicine.
Every year in Africa 2 million people die from HIV/AIDS. This combined with other illnesses and accidents has created more than 2 million orphaned children in Tanzania. Over the next 5 years, this number is expected to increase to more than 3 million orphaned children as the effects of HIV spread further.
Primary schooling in Tanzania is compulsory, so enrolment levels appear high. However, the quality of teaching remains poor, as the number children per teacher remains at an unmanageable level. Very few children pass the examinations required to begin Secondary School. Out of those who begin secondary school, only a small percentage will complete their education. University is an option only for the richest of families.
But there is some good news. Development organisations have been working in Tanzania for a number of years, and slowly there is progress being made. As a nation, Tanzania is developing a more sustainable approach to development, and many people are working on the ground towards a better future for the countries children.
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Tanzanian Statistics
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| Population |
38,239,000 |
| Life expectancy at birth |
46 |
| Percentage of children under the age of 5 who are moderately or severely underweight: |
22% |
| Percentage of people using adequate sanitation facilities: |
47% |
| Percentage of children under the age of 5 who are sleeping under a mosquito net: |
31% |
| Estimated HIV prevalence rate: |
6.50% |
| Percentage of children attending primary school: |
73% |
| Percentage of people living on under $1 a day: |
58% |
| Number of orphaned children (total): |
2,400,000 |
| Number of orphans due to HIV/AIDS: |
1,100,000 |
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Badiliko kwa mjukuu uanze na babu
(Translation: Change in the grandchild begins with the grandfather.)
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