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How many regions are there in Tanzania?

There are a total of 31 regions in Tanzania. These areas constitute the highest-level administrative units in the nation, which carry significant roles in governing, planning, development, and the provision of government services. The number of regions has increased in recent years, particularly after 2012 when regions such as Geita, Simiyu, Katavi, and Njombe were created, followed by the establishment of Songwe Region in 2016.

Tanzania consists of 31 regions divided between Mainland Tanzania and the semi-autonomous islands of Zanzibar. Among these, 26 areas are on the mainland, and there are 5 regions in Zanzibar.

1. Mainland Tanzania: 26 Regions

The largest part of the country is Mainland Tanzania, which holds the major part of the administrative regions.   These areas are diverse in terms of landscape, climate, population, economic activity, and cultural heritage.   Some regions are agricultural, some are known for mining, others for industry, and others for wildlife tourism.

The 26 mainland regions are:

  1. Arusha
  2. Dar es Salaam
  3. Dodoma
  4. Geita
  5. Iringa
  6. Kagera
  7. Katavi
  8. Kigoma
  9. Kilimanjaro
  10. Lindi
  11. Manyara
  12. Mara
  13. Mbeya
  14. Morogoro
  15. Mtwara
  16. Mwanza
  17. Njombe
  18. Pwani (Coast Region)
  19. Rukwa
  20. Ruvuma
  21. Shinyanga
  22. Simiyu
  23. Singida
  24. Songwe
  25. Tabora
  26. Tanga

Mainland regions are subdivided into districts, which are further divided into councils, and then into wards. Wards are subdivided into villages in rural areas and streets (mitaa) in urban areas.

2. Zanzibar: 5 Regions

Although Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, it has a Revolutionary Government and has a slightly different administrative structure. Zanzibar is composed of two large islands, Unguja and Pemba, and is divided into 5 regions:

  1. Mjini Magharibi (Urban West)
  2. Kaskazini Unguja (North Unguja)
  3. Kusini Unguja (South Unguja)
  4. Kaskazini Pemba (North Pemba)
  5. Kusini Pemba (South Pemba)

The Zanzibar regions are further subdivided into districts, which are further subdivided into shehias, the smallest administrative units

3. Why Tanzania Has 31 Regions

There has been an increase in the number of regions as a result of government moves to:

  • Enhance administrative effectiveness
  • Improve the delivery of public services.
  • Improve regional development
  • Improve political representation

New additions like Geita, Katavi, Njombe, Simiyu, and Songwe have been established in response to population growth, distance factor, and the need to have more efficient local governance.

Conclusion

Tanzania has 31 regions, 26 regions in the mainland and 5 regions in Zanzibar. This system of administration supports effective governance across the country’s diverse regions and assists in administering development, infrastructure, and community services. Knowledge of the regions of Tanzania will be beneficial to researchers, investors, travelers, and any other person who wishes to learn more about the nation.

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