Indicators of Political and Economic Institutions in Tanzania: 1884–2008

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>This article is part of a series of studies focusing on the measurement and definition of institutions. This article presents a database on institutional measures for Tanzania for the period 1884–2008. These indicators are used to assess the nature of political and economic institutional transformation from the colonial legacy to the modern outcome, using Tanzania as a natural experiment. The article argues that despite changes in colonial regimes, the broader framework of institutions remained partly the same. This is reflected in the postindependence period in Tanzania, where the title of the president replaced the governor title in some land laws. Similarly, draconian laws similar to the colonial laws were enacted to curtail political freedom in the postindependence period.</jats:p>