This country has the most lions in the world and its name begins with the letter ‘T’

Think of lions and Africa is the first image that often comes to mind. But do you know which country has the largest number of lions in the wild today in the whole wide world? The answer is Tanzania, a beautiful African country which is now known for being home to the world’s most iconic big cats.

According to official numbers from the IUCN, WWF, national censuses, and UNESCO-listed reserves, Tanzania’s lion population is around 14,500. The country is often regarded as the ‘Lion Capital of the World’. Let’s find out more about Tanzania:

Tanzania: The Lion Capital of the World

For those who don’t know, Tanzania is home to about 14,000–15,000 lions. As per reports by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and other wildlife organizations such as Panthera and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), nearly 40–50% of the global wild population of lions lives in Tanzania alone.It’s a remarkable feat and an extraordinary number. It was made possible because Tanzania has kept aside more land for wildlife as compared to other countries in Africa. Nearly 38% of Tanzania’s land is under protection. It includes some of the globally renowned regions such as:The Serengeti National Park : The park is famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration and offers lions with endless prey opportunities.The Ngorongoro Conservation Area : This is where you can find lions thriving in the fertile volcanic crater. Quite rare! Ruaha National Park: It is among the largest lion habitats in East Africa. As per Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) surveys, there are more than 3,000 lions here alone.

Nyerere National Park: This is another critical refuge for tigers and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What global numbers show

As per data, the reality is sad. The global lion population has dropped from over 200,000 a century ago to fewer than 25,000 today (IUCN Red List). These big cats today come under the Vulnerable category. There are certain regional populations, like those in West Africa, at the brink of extinction.

Other countries with lion populations:

South Africa: Some 3,000–3,500 lions, which live across Kruger National Park and private reserves (South African National Parks reports).Botswana: About 3,000 lions and many found in the Okavango Delta (Botswana Department of Wildlife & National Parks).Kenya: according to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) 2021 National Lion Census, there are over 2,500 lions living here.Zambia & Zimbabwe: Both countries host between 1,000–2,000 lions, largely concentrated in Luangwa Valley and Hwange.

India: India is noted for being home to the last surviving Asiatic lions. Asiatic lions can only be found in Gujarat’s Gir Forest and surrounding regions. The 2020 Asiatic Lion Census by the Gujarat Forest Department recorded 674 lions, and by 2025, that number has climbed to about 891.So, the next time you plan a wildlife trip, make sure you add Tanzania on your itinerary, the world’s true lion kingdom!