Since 1967, statistics on religion are not collected during government census reports in the United Republic of Tanzania. However, sociologists estimate that the populations of Christians and Muslims in the country are roughly equal, at 35-40% each, with the balance spread between indigenous African religions and other faiths.
However, a Pew Research Center poll conducted in 2010 determined that 74.2% of the Tanzanian population was Christian, 19.8% Muslim, and 3.2% adhering to traditional African religions.
In the island of Zanzibar, off the coast of the mainland, nearly all of the population follows Islam, possibly as many as 99%. There is less tolerance for Christians on the island than throughout the mainland. Nevertheless, the Anglican Diocese of Zanzibar, created in 1892, was restored in 2016, having fallen into poor condition, and reopened. The Islamic Zanzibari government helped to pay the cost. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Zanzibar was created in 1980.
All but the smallest of towns in Tanzania have a church, a mosque, or both, and most Tanzanians identify with some religion. Muslims are concentrated along the coast, and in inland towns that are situated along the old caravan routes. Most of Tanzania's Muslims are Sunni Muslims, of the Shafi school, although other sects are represented.
The most common Christian denominations are Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican, in that order, but other denominations and sects can be found within the country. The highest area of Christian concentration is in the northeast, around Moshi, which has long been a center for missionary activity.
Most of the remainder of the population follows traditional indigenous African religions, often centered on ancestor worship. A possible answer to the discrepancy between the religious distribution in Tanzania is that it is common for African people to mingle traditional religious practices with Christianity, or to identify as Christian while practicing religions based on animism or ancestor worship.
The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania guarantees the right of freedom of religion, and the Tanzanian government has respected this right. Religion has not proven to be a significant factor in Tanzanian politics. Historically, there have been tensions between the country's Muslim and Christian populations, but at a much lower level than in many other African countries. Religious frictions have been minimal, with Christians and Muslims living together peacefully.
Recommended Resources
Based in Dodoma, Tanzania, the Anglican’s mission in the country is highlighted, its dioceses are identified, with links to diocesan websites, a list of ACT bishops, and church institutions. The general secretary’s office hours and contacts are posted to the site, and affiliated organizations, departments, and other relevant links are posted to the site. A calendar of events and announcements are included.
http://www.anglican.or.tz/
Founded by Catholic missionaries from the Reunion Diocese, which the islands were then under the jurisdiction of, the mission became a Catholic Diocese in 1980, with a native Tanzanian as resident bishop. Its history, parishes, mass schedules, and a calendar of events are published to the site, with an overview of its programs, administrative contacts, and office hours. A statement of its vision is posted.
http://www.catholicdioceseofzanzibar.org/
Charismatic Episcopal Church of Tanzania
A member of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, which is not affiliated with the Episcopal Church USA or the Anglican Communion, but was established as an autocephalous communion in 1992. Its associations, beliefs, and traditions are discussed, a list of churches, a history of the International Communion and the work in Tanzania, a doctrinal statement, and downloadable documents are included.
http://www.cectanzania.org/
Founded by Todd Storks, who moved to Tanzania East with his family in 2016, sponsored by the Rio Rancho, New Mexico Church of Christ, a discussion of the work of the Church of Christ in Tanzania is put forward, with an introduction to the founder, a gallery of photographs, a blog, newsletter, and a letter of recommendation for Mr. Stork from the director of Tanzania Missions.
http://thechurchtz.com/
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania
The Evangelical Missionary Society for East Africa was the first to send Lutheran missionaries to Tanzania, opening the first Lutheran missionary station in Dar es Salaam in 1887. The first few missionary teams who were sent came from Germany, and the ELCT was formed in 1938, at which time there were seven churches in Tanganyika, as the country was known. Its head offices, dioceses, schools, programs, and services are highlighted.
http://www.elct.org/
Free Pentecostal Church of Tanzania
The FPCT began around 1932 when the Pentecostal churches in Sweden ordained and sent missionaries to what was then Tanganyika, under the name of the Swedish Free Mission. Incorporated as a Mission Society in 1955, the church became autonomous after the country became independent. Its history, organizational structure, schedule, projects, and contacts are posted, with some content in English, others in Swahili.
http://fpct.or.tz/
The MCC is an independent Christian church that includes its main church in Arusha, and branch churches in Kidemunge, Kidemunge-sub-branch, Boma Ya Ngombe, Kikavu, Mwanza, Usariver, Oljoro, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Its site includes an introduction to Tanzania, a list of needs that the church has, a brief history of its work, and directions to its branch churches. The chief pastor is introduced, and its schools are highlighted.
http://www.maranathatz.org/
Headquartered in Magu, Tanzania, the Methodist diocese is affiliated with the Methodist Church in Nairobi Synod. A map shows its service area, and its office location and contacts are published to the site, along with a calendar of events, an overview of its ministries and programs,.Wesley Methodist Secondary School, sermon video, a gallery of photographs, prayer requests, and a blog.
http://methodisttanzania.org/
Adam and Magan Evans are Christian missionaries to Tanzania. Adam’s resume, work experience, honors, and activities are set forth, with an overview and photographs of their work, projects, and progress, including a discussion of his methods, missionary team, and other people involved. Mission newsletters, a statement about oversight over the mission, and an appeal for donations.
http://www.missiontanzania.net/
Operating under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, the African Orthodox Church was established in what was then Tanganyika in 1964. A history of Orthodoxy in the region is published, along with photographs from around the Archdiocese, Orthodox Christian Mission experiences, the Patriarchate of Alexandria, and the Orthodox Christian Mission Center. Announcements and contacts are included.
http://www.orthodoxytz.com/
