What Language Do They Speak in Tanzania?
Facts last checked 9 October 2026.
Tanzania has 2 official languages: Swahili, English. Swahili is also an official language in 3 other countries worldwide.
Learn some Swahili before you go
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Swahili Phrasebook & Dictionary
The essentials for ordering food, asking directions and being polite.
Languages of Tanzania at a glance
| Official languages | Swahili, English |
|---|---|
| Number of official languages | 2 |
| Countries on this site where Swahili is official | 4 |
| People (demonym) | Tanzanian |
| Capital | Dodoma |
| Internet domain | .tz |
Other countries where Swahili is official
Swahili is also an official language in 3 other countries covered here:
Languages of neighbouring countries
| Burundi | Kirundi, French |
|---|---|
| DR Congo | French, Kikongo, Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba |
| Kenya | Swahili, English |
| Malawi | Chewa, English |
| Mozambique | Portuguese |
| Rwanda | Kinyarwanda, English, French |
| Uganda | English, Swahili |
| Zambia | English |
Tanzania in context
- Tanzania covers 947,303 km², making it the 30th largest of the 196 countries on this site.
- Its population density of about 72 people per km² ranks 114th of 196 (1st = most crowded).
- It shares a land border with 8 countries: Burundi, DR Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia.
- With 68,153,004 people, Tanzania holds about 15.5% of the population of Eastern Africa.
- With 2 official languages, Tanzania has more than most countries on this site.
- Traffic drives on the left, and calendars start the week on Monday.
- Tanzania is a member state of the United Nations.
Compare Tanzania
Useful phrases for visitors to Tanzania
Everyday Swahili phrases you will hear and use in Tanzania:
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Hello | Habari |
| Thank you | Asante |
| Please | Tafadhali |
| Goodbye | Kwaheri |
| Yes | Ndiyo |
| No | Hapana |
Spellings can vary by region, and some languages use different forms for formal or informal speech. Even a simple greeting in the local language is usually appreciated.
Languages in Tanzania — FAQ
What language do they speak in Tanzania?
The official languages of Tanzania are Swahili and English.
How many official languages does Tanzania have?
Tanzania has 2 official languages: Swahili, English.
Is Swahili spoken anywhere else?
Swahili is also an official language in 3 other countries.
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