Despite debates on the linkages between population and development, studies have
shown that issues related to population go beyond its size. The inter linkages between
components of population such as age, structural composition, density, distribution and
its characteristics must be considered in the context of sustainable development and human
wellbeing. The sources of components of change are the cornerstone to understanding the
complex relationship between economic transformation and demographic transition. The speed
at which the demographic transition takes place is important because different speeds create
different social, economic and environmental challenges and opportunities for countries.
Tanzania’s population at the last census (2012) almost triples the size in 1967 (first post independence
population census). At a rate of growth of 2.7 percent per annum, the national average population
growth rate ranks as one of the fastest in the world and translates to a net total of about 1.2 million
people being added to the population annually. At this rate Tanzania’s population is projected to
reach 70.1 million in 2025.The high rate of population growth is driven by persistently high level of
fertility, reduced mortality and low international net migration.