Question: Lake Tanganyika is shared by which four African countries?
Show answer
Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Zambia.
Lake Tanganyika is one of the African Great Lakes, renowned not only for its immense size but also its remarkable depth and biodiversity. Stretching across a vast expanse in the East African Rift region, Lake Tanganyika stands as the world’s longest freshwater lake and the second-deepest, trailing only Lake Baikal in Siberia. Beyond its geographical significance, Lake Tanganyika also serves as a vital lifeline for the millions who reside along its shores, offering water, fish, and transportation routes.
The lake spans four countries, each having its share of the lake’s coastline:
- Burundi: The northernmost part of Lake Tanganyika touches Burundi. The country has a relatively small portion of the lake’s coastline, but it is an integral part of Burundi’s geography. Bujumbura, the capital and largest city of Burundi, is situated on the northeastern shore of the lake.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): To the west of the lake lies the DRC. It controls a significant portion of Lake Tanganyika’s western coastline. For the DRC, Lake Tanganyika is not only a source of fish but also a crucial transport and trade route, given the country’s vast size and challenging terrain.
- Tanzania: On the eastern side of the lake, Tanzania claims a substantial portion. The lake plays a pivotal role in the livelihoods of many Tanzanians living along its shores, with fishing being a primary occupation. Kigoma, a significant port town in Tanzania, is situated on the lake’s eastern shoreline.
- Zambia: The southernmost tip of Lake Tanganyika touches Zambia. Though Zambia has the smallest share of the four countries, the lake still plays a significant role in its economy and sustenance for its lakeside populations.
The lake not only serves as a geographical marvel but also as an ecological hotspot. Its waters are home to an array of endemic species, particularly various types of cichlid fish. Due to its strategic importance, it’s also central to the socio-economic activities of the region, making it an invaluable resource for the four countries it spans.
