Mbeya City Highlight | Mbeya Travel
Mbeya City highlight | Mbeya travel | Mbeya Safari tours | Mbeya Expat | Mbeya Cultural Tours | Safari from Mbeya | Where to stay in Mbeya | Mbeya Hotels and Restaurant | Mbeya Travel Guide
Mbeya Region originally belonged to the Southern Highlands Province. In 1963, the Southern Highalands Province was split into two regions namely, Mbeya and Iringa. In 1972, Mbeya Region was extended to incorporate Sumbawanga District which before then belonged to the Western Province. However, the inclusion of Sumbawanga District into Mbeya Region did not last long because in 1974 Sumbawanga District was separated and accorded full Regional status.
It is located in the South Western Corner of the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. The Region lies between Latitudes 7o and 9o 31% South of Equator, and between Longitudes 32o and 32o and 35o East of Greenwich. Mbeya region lies at an altitude of 475 metres above sea level with high peaks of 2981 metres above sea level at Rungwe higher attitudes.
Mbeya shares borders with countries of Zambia and Malawi to the immediate South; Rukwa Region to the West; Tabora and Singida Regions to the North; while Iringa Region lies to its East, with Tunduma and Kasumulu in Mbozi and Kyela districts respectively being the main entries and/or exist into neighbouring countries of Malawi and Zambia.
Mbeya Ethnic Groups:
The indigenous tribes of Mbeya region are of Bantu Origin, who are believed to have moved into the region along time ago. The ethnic groups in the region are Nyakyusa in Kyela and Rungwe Districts, Safwa, Malila and Sangu in Mbeya District, Nyika and Nyamwanga in
Mbozi District, Ndali in Ileje District, and Bunguu and Kimbu in Chunya district. Between 1970 and 1990 there have been a significant inter-regional and intra-regional migration of tribes resulting into the Masai and Sukuma occupying Chunya and Mbeya Districts.
A very heterogenous tribal composition is common in urbancentres, like Mbeya Municipality and the District centres. The original settlements of various tribes in the region were determined by availability of water, fertile soil, and good pastures. These factors have led to the variation of population densities between and within the districts.
Population Size and Growth:
The population of Mbeya region grew from the 776,373 in 1967 census to 1,080,241 in the 1978 census; reflecting an annual growth rate of 3.3% compared with an average of 3.4% p.a. between 1957 and 1967 population census. The population continued to grow and by 1988 population census it had reached 1,476,199 people. This was about 6 percent of the total Tanzania Mainlands population, Making Mbeya region one of the most populous regions after Shinyanga and Mwanza. It also makes Mbeya one of the regions with high population growth rates. The 1988 population census revealed a population growth rate of 3.1 percent. Based on 1978-88 annual average growth rate of 3.1 percent, the population of the region is estimated to be 2.2 million people in the year 2000.
More about Tanzania Travel Guide:
Planning your trip? Whether you’re looking for things to do in Tanzania such as events and attractions, key traveller information to make your Tanzania visit run smoothly or are planning where to stay in Mwanza, you’ll find everything you need for your Tanzania holiday on Our Website. Tanzania Travel guide has the information about latest events not to miss while you visit Tanzania – there’s always something going on, so don’t miss out on the latest exhibitions, shows and more on your trip Tanzania
Discover the best day trips from Dar-es-salaam or other Tanzania’s Cities. If you’re here as a family, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Tanzania with kids and find suitable accommodation such as Tanzania holiday apartments. Whether you’re looking for the best weekend breaks in Tanzania or planning a longer holiday in, you can be sure you’ll find all the information you need.
Tanzania Travel Guide| Climb Kilimanjaro and Meru | Beach Holidays in Zanzibar | Mwanza Travel Guide |Dar-es-salaam Travel Guide |Dodoma Travel Guide | Tanga Travel Guide | Mbeya Travel Guide | Arusha Travel Guide | Tanzania Safari and Tours | Africa Safari Forums | African Safari Questions and answers | Volunteers Guide