One of the Largest Countries in East Africa, Tanzania Has a Land Area of 342,100 Square

Project 37, STWP037

Tanzania

Geography By Your Name One of the largest countries in East Africa, Tanzania has a land area of 342,100 square miles. Kilimanjaro is probably the best-known sight in Tanzania. Most of Tanzania lies on the mainland of East Africa. The country also includes several small coral islands just off the coast, in the Indian Ocean. The largest of these islands is called Zanzibar. Like the coast of Kenya, Tanzania's coastline boasts white beaches and palm trees. As you travel inland, the country's elevation rises gradually from humid lowlands to partially dry plateaus. Huge grasslands with patches of trees and shrubs cover the plateaus. To the north, near the Kenyan border, lies a mountainous area that includes Kilimanjaro. Much of west em Tanzania is part of the Great Rift Valley. A number of lakes lie in this area, including Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika. Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa. Lake Tanganyika's floor is the deepest point on the African continent. Unusual fish found nowhere else in the world live in Lake Tanganyika's deep, dark waters. Like Kenya, Tanzania has many kinds of animals. The Tanzanian government has set aside thousands of square miles to protect its wildlife. Serengeti National Park covers about 5,600 square miles. It is home to many lions and huge herds of antelopes and zebras. During the dry season, thousands of animals roam the plains in search of water.