Tanzania Rate of Natural Increase

Tanzania’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between its crude birth rate and crude death rate, expressed as a percentage—is notably high, reflecting rapid population growth. As of recent estimates, Tanzania’s RNI stands at approximately 2.8% per year, driven by a high birth rate and a gradually declining death rate due to improvements in healthcare. When compared to its neighbors, Tanzania’s RNI is similar to that of Uganda (around 2.9%) and slightly higher than Kenya (about 2.1%) and Rwanda (2.2%). In contrast, countries like Burundi have an RNI close to Tanzania’s, while Mozambique and Zambia also exhibit high rates, though generally slightly lower. These similarities and differences are influenced by varying levels of fertility, access to healthcare, and socio-economic conditions across the region. Overall, Tanzania’s RNI positions it among the faster-growing populations in East Africa, contributing to significant demographic and developmental implications.

Data from US Census International Database