Tanzania Ethnic Groups More than 120 ethnic groups are represented in Tanzania. Each of these groups differs, to varying degrees, from other groups in culture, social organization, and language. Only the smallest groups are homogeneous, however. Most groups are characterized by some internal variation in language and culture. The largest ethnic group, the Sukuma, represents nearly 13% of the total population; the remaining large groups represent under 5% each. Ethnicity continues to reflect geographic area. During colonial rule, administrative subdivisions had often been drawn along ethnic lines; this situation has continued after independence despite the government's genuine efforts to downplay ethnic considerations. Less than 1% of Tanzania's population is made up of non-Africans, including Europeans, Asians, and Arabs. Interethnic conflict has not been a significant political problem in Tanzania as it has been elsewhere in Africa. Perhaps one reason for the relative absence of ethnic conflict is the fact that Tanzania is made up of a great many groups, none of which predominates. Ethnic identities may also have weakened over the decades. However, in recent years, tensions have developed between Christians and Muslims, a problem that may threaten the unity between the Mainland and Zanzibar. Tensions between indigenous Tanzanians and the Asian community, which are prominent in business, have also surfaced in recent years. The two largest ethnic groups in Tanzania are linguistically and culturally closely related. The traditional homelands ofthe | |
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