Mbeya region Guide: Mbeya Region is one of Tanzania’s 31 administrative regions. It is located in the country’s southwest. The regional capital is the city of Mbeya. According to the 2012 national census, the region had a population of 2,707,410, which was lower than the pre-census projection of 2,822,396.

Geographical Location: 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 Region is divided in six Administrative districts namely Chunya, Ileje, Mbeya, Mbozi and Rungwe. However, the official establishment ofthe seventh district of Mbarali (curved from Mbeya District) is soon to be effected. The districts are further divided into 25 divisions which are subdivided into 135 wards and 577 villages.