The Country
Tanzania’s name originated with the merging of Tanganyika and Zanzibar after
achieving independence from British rule in 1964. With more than 126 ethic tribes, Tanzania is
an eclectic mix of African culture touched by Western globalisation.
Tanzania’s main draw card is the African natural world, with over 25% of
the country’s total landmass dedicated to wildlife parks and conservation areas. A highlight
is the great wildebeest migration through the Serengeti - the largest movement of land animals
in the world - and other amazing sights include Africa’s largest peak, Mt Kilimanjaro; Africa’s
largest lake, Lake Victoria; and the warm tropical island of Zanzibar and its amazing scuba
diving on the Swahili coast. A trip to the Gombe National Park is also recommended, known for
Dr Jane Goodall’s studies of chimpanzee behaviour.
Location
Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenya and Mozambique
Size
Total: 945,087 sq km
Land: 886,037 sq km
Water: 59,050 sq km
Note: includes the islands of Mafia, Pemba, and Zanzibar
Major Cities and Towns
Dodoma (Legislative Capital)
Dar es Salaam (Administrative Capital)
The islands of Mafia, Pemba, and Zanzibar
Population
40,213,162
Languages
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
Climate
Varies from tropical along coast to temperate in highlands
For further information:
www.tanzaniatouristboard.com
www.tanzaniatourismonline.com
Sources
Tanzania Tourism Online
CIA Fact Book
World Fact Book
