Kenya vs Tanzania: Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Kenya and Tanzania on population, area, economy, geography, language and culture. A detailed side-by-side guide to two of Africa's most-searched countries.
| Metric | Kenya | Tanzania |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Nairobi | Dodoma |
| Region | East Africa | East Africa |
| Population | 55,100,000 | 65,500,000 |
| Area (km²) | 580,367 | 945,087 |
| GDP (USD billion) | $113.4 | $77.1 |
| Currency | Kenyan Shilling (KES) | Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) |
| Official language(s) | English, Swahili | Swahili, English |
| Landlocked | No | No |
| Island nation | No | No |
Population
Tanzania has the larger population, with approximately 65,500,000 people compared to Kenya's 55,100,000 — a difference of roughly 16%. Population size affects everything from labor markets and consumer demand to political influence within Africa.
Area and Geography
Tanzania covers 945,087 km², while Kenya covers 580,367 km². The two countries sit in different parts of the continent: Kenya is in East Africa and Tanzania is in East Africa.
Economy
Kenya has the larger nominal GDP at approximately $113.4 billion, compared to $77.1 billion for Tanzania. Both economies have distinct strengths and structural challenges that shape their development trajectories.
Language and Culture
Kenya uses English, Swahili as official language(s), while Tanzania uses Swahili, English. These linguistic differences reflect distinct colonial histories and cultural traditions that continue to shape each country's identity, education system and international relationships.
Currency
Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES) while Tanzania uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Exchange rates between the two should be checked before any commercial transaction.
Quick Facts
- Tanzania is 1.6× the size of Kenya by area.
- Both countries are members of the African Union and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).