Full name
United Republic of Tanzania (formerly United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar)

Capital
Dodoma

Independence
9 December 1961

Time
GMT +3 hours

Population
31,849,133 (estimated November 2006)

Area
945,090 (886,040 km2 land including Zanzibar, Mafia and Pemba Islands; 59,050 km2 water)

Currency
Tanzania shilling (TSh or TZS)

President
President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Prime Minister Mizengo_Pinda

Public holidays
- 1 January: New Year’s Day
- 21 March: Human Rights Day
- (varies): Good Friday
- (varies): Family Day
- 27 April: Constitution Day
- 1 May: Workers’ Day
- 16 June: Youth Day
- 9 August: Women’s Day
- 24 September: Heritage Day
- 16 December: Day of Reconciliation
- 25 December: Christmas Day
- 26 December: Day of Goodwill

Tribal Habitation
Tanzania has a long history of human habitation – some of the earliest hominoid fossils in the world were discovered in Olduvai Gorge and show records of hominoid habitation in the region going back at least 3 million years. It is thought that early hunter-gatherer communities inhabited the northern highlands as far back as 10,000 years ago and remained largely isolated until the arrival of Cushitic-speaking tribes from the north, who brought basic agricultural technologies to the area between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago.

More recent migrations of Bantu-speaking tribes from western Africa began around 1000 BC, and with their assimilation came advances in iron and steel production. Ancestors of the Masaai arrived more recently, beginning their migration around the 15th century and continuing to arrive from the area around southern Sudan for another three hundred years. Battles over grazing and agricultural land began as ethnic groups consolidated and appropriated loose borders and tribal regions. Swahili Coast Trade routes that led from the heart of the continent to the East African coast gradually gave rise to Swahili culture – a blend of Arab, Indian and Bantu influences that created one of the most developed trade networks in the Indian Ocean.

Although archaeological evidence shows the area was used as a trading port for Greek and Persian ships as early as 400 BC, permanent coastal settlements only developed around 800 AD, when civilizations around the Indian Ocean were wealthy enough to support annual voyages and a high volume of trade.

With large caravans laden with gold, spices, ivory, and slaves departing from Zanzibar, Kilwa, and other less prominent East African ports, Swahili civilization grew and flourished until the 15th century, when trade became more confined to Mombasa and Zanzibar. The Arrival of Colonialism Portuguese traders dominated the East African coast from 1525 until the early 18th century, when Omani Arabs once again regained control of the slave trade. The first missionaries journeyed to the mainland in the early 19th century and settlements, mission stations, and trading posts were built as far inland as Lake Tanganyika.

In the late 19th century, the German East African Company gained control of large portions of the Tanzanian mainland, although the British held a sphere of influence over the Omani sultans ruling the Zanzibar Archipelago. By 1891, most of mainland Tanzania was under the colonial administration of German East Africa.

The Advent of Independence
At the end of World War I, the Germans relinquished control over the area and handed it over to British administration that governed by a system of indirect rule.

A fledgling national movement in opposition to colonial economic policies was founded in the 1930's and by the early 1950's, the movement came into its own. In 1954, an internal constitution was drawn up and resistance unified under the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) with Julius Nyerere elected as its president.

After further elections in 1959, Britain established an internal self-government within the country and by 1962 the independent Republic of Tanganyika was formed with Nyerere as president.

Meanwhile, a popular revolution on the island of Zanzibar ousted the Omani sultan and in 1963, the archipelago gained its independence from British influence and Arab rule. One year later, leaders Nyerere and Karume, the first president of Zanzibar, signed an act of union to create the United Republic of Tanzania, which includes the Republic of Tanganyika and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. Tanzania Today For most of its early years, Julius Nyerere committed Tanzania to a policy of socialism and self reliance. In the mid-eighties, Nyerere handed power over to Ali Hassan Mwinyi, although the founding father – often called ‘Mwalimu', or teacher, by Tanzanians to this day – still retained power as the chairman of the revolutionary party.

Gradually, Tanzania's leaders created a system of multi-party democracy and the first elections were held in the country in 1995, when Benjamin Mkapa was elected president. Today, Mkapa is serving a second five-year term and the political situation of the country remains free and stable.

Language
The official language is Swahili (Ki-swahili), which is generally spoken, and various local languages abound. Kiswahili is the language the primary schools teach in. English is the second official language and the country's commercial language as well as the main teaching language for all the scientific subjects in secondary schools and higher education institutions. Arabic is widely spoken in the coastal areas, particularly in Zanzibar.

Useful Ki-swahili greetings
Greeting (to locals): Habari gani
Greeting (to foreigner): Jambo, shikamuu
Thank you (correct reply to greeting): Marahaba
Thank you: Asante
Goodbye / We'll see you: Kwaheri / Tutaonana
You are welcome, come in: Karibu

Culture
Tanzania's culture is a result of African, Arab, European and Indian influences. The African people of Tanzania represent about 120 tribal groups. The largest group are of Bantu origin including Dukuma, Nyamwezi, Makonde, Haya and Chagga. The Maasai are of Nilotic origin, as are the Arusha and the Samburu. Tanzania is one of the least urbanised countries in Sub- Saharan Africa, but traditional African ideals are being deliberately adapted to modern life. The Tanzanians are friendly people, to foreigners and amongst themselves. Politeness, respect and modesty are highly valued. It is recommended that you learn some Swahili greetings (see "Language"). Handshakes are very important and you may continue holding hands during conversation. Note that the right hand is usually used for eating, while the left is traditionally used for toilet duties. Immodest attire, public affection and open anger are disrespectful to the Tanzanian people. In Zanzibar, it is important for women to dress modestly out of respect for Muslim cultural beliefs. Men should not wear shorts on the main island, and women should wear dresses that cover their shoulders and knees. This does not apply on Mnemba Island.

SUMMER: December - March
WINTER: March - May

The climate is tropical on the coast, on the islands and in Selous. It is temperate in the other parks. Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru drop to below freezing. Late March - late May is traditionally the long rainy season and is considered the "winter period" in Tanzania. June - late October is the dry season. June, July and August can be very cold on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. Mnemba Island is lovely at this time of year, the evenings are cool (not cold) and the daytime can be hot. Late October - mid December is when the short rains occur. These are usually in the form of daily thunderstorms. The Ngorongoro Crater rim has a wonderful climate at this time of year. The Serengeti and Lake Manyara are quite warm and Mnemba is very hot. Mid December - March is summer weather. It is dry and very warm until March. Due to its altitude Ngorongoro Crater is much cooler than elsewhere.

Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack are:

- Cotton clothes is mainly used in Dar Es Salaam as the temp varies from 25 to 30 C;
- Khaki, brown, white and beige colours;
- Light cotton tops and cotton trousers/shorts in summer;
- Long sleeved blouses/shirts for game drives, they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes;
- Safari trousers for evenings and cooler days;
- Fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives (and at Ngorongoro Crater);
- Swimwear is a must for the beach and at Kleins and Grumeti which have a pool;
- A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen;
- Comfortable walking shoes;

For climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru, thermal underwear, light layers, sweater, warm jacket, good socks and sturdy boots. When visiting Zanzibar, it is important for women to dress modestly out of respect for Muslim cultural beliefs, men should not wear shorts on the main island and women should wear dresses that cover their shoulders and knees. This does not apply on Mnemba Island.

Entry requirements (as at Dec 2004)

Important Note
This is a guide only - please check with your nearest Tanzanian Consulate for up to date information.

Most visitors require visas with the exception of certain countries of the Commonwealth (British, Canadian and South African nationals require visas). It is advisable to obtain a visa in advance of travel as certain airlines insist on them prior to departure. Depending on nationality and country of origin, a visa may be obtained on arrival at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro airports and at Namanga Gate on the Tanzania/Kenya border. Zanzibar remains independent although it is a part of the union of Tanzania. Passports and a Tanzanian visa are required even on a day's visit. Requirements may change so you are advised to contact your nearest Tanzanian Consulate before finalising your travel arrangements.

Visas cost US$10-60 depending on nationality and are usually valid for three months. Requirements for obtaining a visa are: a passport, valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay, two passport photographs, proof of sufficient funds, two application forms and a detailed itinerary stating reason for visit. Sometimes a photocopy of your airline tickets are required.

Exchange rate
The exchange rate is in your favour. Generally you will find that fine cuisine, wine and entertainment cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world. As a guide, petrol costs around TSh 1000 per litre.

Banks
Banks and forex bureaux are available at the airport and in all main towns. Banking hours:
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 12:30
Sat: 08:30 - 13:30

A few branches in the major towns open until 16:30 on weekdays. Foreign currency in cash or traveller's cheques may be exchanged through authorised dealers, commercial banks and at Bureau de Change at the international airports, major towns and border posts. Visitors are strongly advised against changing money on the black market. Some of the black marketers are undercover policemen, while others are likely to be con artists.

Credit cards Visa and MasterCard are accepted by most top hotels and lodges around the country. In addition to credit cards, clients should bring US dollars cash and traveller's cheques.

Tipping Service charges are included in the bill and tips are forbidden, but are still accepted as a friendly gesture. Haggling is quite acceptable in shops selling local handcrafts.

Border posts
Just south of the equator, Tanzania borders Kenya and Uganda in the north; Zaire, Rwanda and Burundi in the west; and Zambia, Malawi and Moçambique in the south. Namanga Gate (between Tanzania and Kenya) is open 24 hrs per day. If you carry firearms you will require a special permit.The duty free allowance is limited to one litre of liquor; 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; and 250ml of perfume. Any other items are subject to customs duty.

Rail & Bus
Tanzania has two rail lines. The Tazara line links Dar es Salaam with New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia via Mbeya and Tunduma. The central line links Dar es Salaam with Kigoma and Mwanza via Morogoro, Dodoma and Tabora. Rail is a safer, though a slower option of travel. Food can be purchased on board. Crime is not a major problem, but ensure you have your possessions with you at all times. Express and ordinary buses operate along major long distance routes. Express buses are slightly more expensive but are more comfortable. Ordinary buses tend to make more stops. Reservations are not always possible, so get to the bus with plenty of time before the scheduled departure. Buses are not permitted to operate at night. Ordinary buses and dalla-dallas (minivans) serve shorter routes. These are a slower and more dangerous option. Note that Tanzanian roads have a high accident rates, and buses tend to speed.

Airports
Domestic air services operate between the major airports:
- Dar es Salaam (DAR)
- Kilimanjaro (JRO)
- Kishni, Zanzibar (ZNZ)
There are a total of 129 in Tanzania, of which only ten are paved. Air services have become the most significant form of internal transport for official and business travel. Small planes, from charter companies, fly to towns and to bush airstrips.

Roads
There are 88,200 km of highways in Tanzania, but only 3,704 km of these are tarred. The key roads are in good condition, though the majority are bad and hazardous. Road conditions in the reserves and national parks of Tanzania are extremely rough. During the rainy season, many roads are passable only with four-wheel drive vehicles. Tanzania is definitely not recommended as a self-drive destination. Any four-wheel drive vehicles for safaris usually have to be hired with a driver. Watch out for cyclists, pedestrians, livestock and wild animals. Most car rental companies do not allow self-drive outside of Dar es Salaam. Driving is on the left side of the road. Your home driving licence, with English translation if necessary, is accepted.

Tanzania has a good selection of traditional local crafts. These are available from craft shops in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and other major towns.
There are also a number of craft centres and artists cooperatives where prices are good.
Singida baskets can be purchased directly from the villages surrounding Singida, or from craft shops.
Gogo woodcarving, including vibuya (carved gouds) and kanga traditional sarong-like garment are amongst some of the traditional items available for purchase.
The mbuzi is a device used for shredding coconut. It is a small wooden stool with a metal piece and is available at markets throughout the country.
If you intend cooking dishes at home that you have eaten along the coast, you may find this a useful acquisition.