TANZANIA

The United Republic of Tanzania was formed out of the union of two sovereign states namely Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Tanganyika became a sovereign state on 9th December, 1961 and became a Republic the following year. Zanzibar became independent on 10th December, 1963 and the People's Republic of Zanzibar was established after the revolution of 12th January, 1964. The two sovereign republics formed the United Republic of Tanzania on 26th April, 1964. However, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania is a unitary republic consisting of the Union Government and the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government.

Location

Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania is a country on the east coast of Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenya and Mozambique.

Geography

Kilimanjaro is highest point in Africa; bordered by three of the largest lakes on the continent: Lake Victoria (the world's second-largest freshwater lake) in the north, Lake Tanganyika (the world's second deepest) in the west, and Lake Nyasa in the southwest.

Capital

Dar es Salaam; note - legislative offices have been transferred to Dodoma, which is planned as the new national capital; the National Assembly now meets there on regular basis.

Climate

Varies from tropical along coast to temperate in highlands.

Language

Kiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguja (name for Swahili in Zanzibar), English (official, primary language of commerce, administration, and higher education), Arabic (widely spoken in Zanzibar), many local languages

Monetary Unit

Tanzanian shilling (TZS)

Largest Cities

Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Zanzibar, Morogoro, Mbeya, Tanga, Moshi, Dodoma, Arusha, Tabora, Iringa, Mtwara, Songea, Kigoma, Shinyanga, Korogwe

Principal rivers

Pangani, Wami, Ruvu or Kingani, Rufiji

Places to Visit

Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

Airports

Bukoba, Dar Es Salaam Intl, Dodoma, Geita, Iringa Nduli, Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Kilwa, Lake Manyara, Lindi Kikwetu, Lushoto, Mafia Island, Masasi, Mbeya, Mtwara, Musoma, Mwadui, Mwanza, Nachingwea, Njombe, Pemba Island Wawi, Seronera, Shinyanga, Songea, Sumbawanga, Tabora, Tanga, Zanzibar Kisauni