The official name is the United Republic of Tanzania.
Located in East Africa. Area 945.1 thousand km2, population 37.2 million people. (2002). The official languages are English and Swahili. The capital is Dares Salaam (2489.8 thousand people, 2002). By 2005, the capital is planned to be moved to Dodoma. Public holiday - Unification Day on April 26 (since 1964). The currency is the Tanzanian shilling.
Member of the UN (since 1964), IMF (since 1996), AfDB, FAO, AU, SADC, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WTO, ECOWAS.
Sights of Tanzania
Geography of Tanzania
It is located between 29°35′ and 40°27′E longitude and 7°02′ and 11°47′S latitude. In the east it is washed by the Indian Ocean. The coast is abrasive with small bays. Near the mainland there are groups of islands (Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia, etc.). It borders on Uganda in the north, Kenya in the northeast, Mozambique in the south, Malawi and Zambia in the southwest, and Burundi and Rwanda in the northwest.
Most of the territory is on the East African Plateau (over 1000 m). The highest point is Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 m). In place of the lowlands and gorges there are lakes Tanganyika, Malawi, Rukwa, Manyara and Eyasu.
There are deposits of nickel (31.4 million tons), diamonds, gold, tin, tungsten, mica optical quartz, precious stones, apatite, graphite, corundum, asbestos, talc, copper-polymetallic ores, salts, etc.
The soils are predominantly brown-red (ferrallitic and alferritic); in the driest areas they are red-brown, and in places saline.
The climate is equatorial-monsoon. The mountains have a pronounced altitudinal climatic zone. The average temperatures of the warmest month are +25-27°C, the coldest month is +12-22°C. Precipitation is 500-1500 mm per year.
The main rivers are Pangani (400 km), Rufiji (1400 km), Ruvuma (800 km). Along the border there are lakes: Victoria (68 thousand km2), Tanganyika (34 thousand km2), Nyasa (30.8 thousand km2).
Woodlands and savannas predominate. On the slopes of the high mountains there are moist evergreen mountain forests, higher up there is Afro-subalpine and Afro-alpine vegetation. Along the ocean coast there are mangrove forests in places.
The fauna is diverse: large herbivorous mammals (elephants, black rhinoceroses, hippos, buffalos, various antelopes, zebras, giraffes), predators (lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals). Of the monkeys, baboons are the most characteristic. The bird fauna is very rich. There are crocodiles and snakes. Many areas are infested with tsetse flies. National parks - Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Ruaha, Tarangire, etc.; reserves Selous, Ngorongoro, Rungwa, etc.
Population of Tanzania
Population growth 2.6% per year (2002). Fertility rate 39.12%, mortality 13.02%, infant mortality 77.85 people. per 1000 newborns (2002). Average life expectancy is 51.7 years (2002).
Sex and age structure of the population: 0-14 years old - 44.6% (male to female ratio 1.03), 15-64 years old - 52.5% (0.98), 65 years old and older - 2.9% (0.98) 81) (2002). Rural population 80%, urban 20% (2002). Among the population over 15 years of age, 67.8% are literate (men 79.4%, women 56.8%) (1995).
99% of the population are peoples belonging to the Eastern Bantu (over 130 tribes), 1% are Indians, Pakistanis, Europeans, and Arabs. Languages: Swahili and English, Arabic, local dialects.
On the mainland approx. 35% of the population adheres to local traditional beliefs, 35% are Muslims, 30% are Christians, in Zanzibar almost 99% of the population professes Islam.
History of Tanzania
In the 7th-8th centuries. Arabs began to populate the territory of Tanzania; in the 16th century The Portuguese arrived and were driven out by the Arabs. To the beginning 19th century The island of Zanzibar and the coast of mainland Tanzania were under the rule of the Sultans of Muscat. In 1856, the independent Zanzibar Sultanate was formed. The mainland of Tanzania was captured by Germany in 1884 (became the basis of the colony of German East Africa), and after World War I it became a mandate, and in 1946 a trust territory under British rule (called Tanganyika); A British protectorate was established over Zanzibar in 1890. The beginning of the political activity of indigenous Africans dates back to 1929, when the Tanganyika African Association was formed, transformed in 1954 into the Tanganyika African National Union (TANS), headed by Julius Nyerere. TANS won the elections held in 1959 and 1960, and Nyerere became prime minister (he formed a government in May 1961). In December 1961, the independence of Tanganyika was declared. Zanzibar (together with the island of Pemba and several small islands) became an independent sultanate in 1963. The Sultan was overthrown during an armed coup in January 1964. After this event, a republic was proclaimed and the Afro-Shirazi Party took power. In April 1964, Tanganyika and Zanzibar formed the United Republic of Tanzania. The ruling party in Tanzania was the Revolutionary Party, founded in 1977. Due to a border conflict in 1979, Tanzania carried out a large-scale military invasion of Uganda, forcing it to capitulate. A multi-party system was introduced in 1992. In 2001, political contradictions in relations between Tanganyika and Zanzibar intensified.
Government and political system of Tanzania
Tanzania is a presidential republic. The Constitution of 1977 (as amended in 1984) is in force.
Tanzania is administratively divided into 25 regions: Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Kagera, Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Lindi, Mara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara, Mwanza, North Pemba, South Pemba, Pwani, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Shinyanga , Singida, Tabora, Tanga, Zanzibar central/south, Zanzibar north, Zanzibar urban/west.
Largest cities (2003, thousand people): Dar es Salaam, Dodoma (164.5), Mwanza (302.3), Zanzibar and Pemba (257.0), Morogoro (246.5), Mbeya (205 ,0), Tanga (203.4).
The highest legislative body is the National Assembly (the legislative body of Zanzibar is the House of Representatives, consisting of 50 directly elected deputies). The highest executive body is the government (in Zanzibar - the cabinet of ministers).
The head of state and government is President Benjamin William Mkapa (Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume is the head of the internal government of Zanzibar and is elected in accordance with the island's Constitution). The head of the highest legislative body is Francis Nyalali.
Deputies (274 people) of the National Assembly are elected: 232 - by direct vote, 37 - women appointed by the president, 5 - from the House of Representatives of Zanzibar.
The President appoints the Vice President and ministers, including the Prime Minister, from among the members of the National Assembly.
Julius Nyerere became the first president of Tanganyika in 1962. He was subsequently re-elected in 1965, 1970, 1975 and 1980. Under him, the first edition of the country’s Constitution was adopted in 1965, which was subsequently significantly revised in 1977.
In Tanganyika, the regions are headed by regional commissioners appointed by the president. Local government bodies - municipal and city councils. Development committees have been created in the regions to manage economic, social and cultural development.
Tanzania has adopted a multi-party system. Main parties: Revolutionary Party, National Committee for Creation and Reform, United Civil Front, United Democratic Party, Party for Democracy and Development.
Leading business organizations: Organization of Tanzanian Trade Unions; Organization of development of small industrial enterprises; Sugar Industry Development Corporation; Confederation of Tanzanian Industry; Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.
Public organizations: Union of Tanzanian Workers (500 thousand members in 1991), Workers Department of the Revolutionary Party.
Domestic policy is aimed at preventing confrontation between Tanganyika and Zanzibar and maintaining Zanzibar within the republic. Emphasis is placed on the development of education (up to 20% of budget allocations).
Tanzania pursues a peacekeeping foreign policy in the East African subregion, acting as a mediator in resolving the Burundian and Rwandan conflicts, accepting and hosting numerous refugees on its territory.
Armed forces (1998): 34 thousand people, incl. 30 thousand people - Ground units, 1 thousand people. - Navy and 3 thousand people. - Air Force. Paramilitary forces: 1.4 thousand people. military police and 80 thousand people. people's militia.
Tanzania has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1961).
Economy of Tanzania
Tanzania is an underdeveloped agricultural country. GDP $22.1 billion. GDP per capita US$610 (2001). Economically active population 16,204 thousand people. (1997). Inflation 5% (2001).
Sectoral structure of the economy by contribution to GDP (2000): agriculture - 48%, industry - 17%, service sector - 35%. Employment: agriculture - 80%, industry and services - 20%.
Electricity production 2616 million kWh (2000). The main branch of the mining industry is diamond mining (49.1 thousand carats in 1995); Table salt (66.9 thousand tons in 1995), mica, coal, magnesite, and graphite are also mined. Oil refining (313 thousand tons of petroleum products in 1997), cement (604 thousand tons), tobacco (4.7 million cigarettes), textile (42.7 million m3 of fabrics), woodworking (39 million m3 of wood) and food-flavoring industries are developed. production of sisal products.
The leading branch of agriculture is crop production (1998, thousand tons): cassava (6444), corn (2107), rice (533), sorghum (498), bananas (769) and millet (347), raw sugar (116, 1), cashew nuts (67), coffee (42). Tanzania is the African region's leader in livestock production. Production (thousand tons, 1997): meat (261), milk (693), leather and hides (51). Fish caught include Nile perch, tilapia, tuna and sardines.
The length of railways is 3569 km. The length of the road network is 85 thousand km, including 4.25 thousand km of hard roads and 80.75 thousand km of unpaved roads (2001). The island of Zanzibar has 619 km of roads, including 442 km of paved roads, and on the island. Pemba has 363 km of paved roads, including 130 km of paved roads.
There are 125 airports and runways. International airports: near Dar es Salaam, in the province of Kilimanjaro and in Zanzibar. Airlines: Air Tanzania Corp, founded in 1977, serves domestic airlines; Air Zanzibar, founded in 1990 to serve tourist routes.
Main ports: Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Tanga, Bagamoyo, Zanzibar and Pemba. Merchant fleet (1998) 56 ships with a total displacement of 46.3 thousand tons.
In 1991, an international telephone network with direct dialing was put into operation. Cellular communications have been in operation since 1994. Communications (1998): radios - 8.8 million, televisions - 103 thousand, telephones - 127 thousand lines, cell phones - 30 thousand subscribers (1999), Internet providers - 6 ( 2000), Internet users - 300 thousand people. (2002).
Trade is represented mainly by the informal sector, which is not amenable to strict statistical recording. In 1999, approx. 600 thousand tourists who spent 730 million US dollars.
Modern economic and social policy is aimed at the gradual liberalization of the public sector under the leadership of international institutions, and the fight against corruption is underway. Tanzania is the recipient country. In 1997, the amount of assistance amounted to $963 million.
The exchange rate of the national currency is set on the interbank foreign exchange market. The exchange rate control mode is free floating. Foreign exchange reserves 600 million US dollars (1998). Demand deposits in commercial banks TZS 237.7 billion. shillings, cash in free circulation TZS 307.8 billion. shill.
State budget (2000/01, million US dollars): revenues 1.01, expenses 1.38. National debt $6.8 billion (2000).
In 1991, 51% of Tanzania's population lived below the poverty line. The poorest 10% of the population accounts for 3% of income, while the richest 10% of Tanzanians account for 30%.
In 2001, export volume amounted to 827 million US dollars. Main export partners: Great Britain (22%), India (14.8%), Germany (9.9%), the Netherlands (6.9%). Import volume 1.55 million US dollars. Main import partners: South Africa (11.5%), Japan (9.3%), Great Britain (7%), Australia (6.2%). The main export commodities are cotton, coffee, tea, tobacco, cashew nuts, minerals; imported - machinery and transport equipment, construction equipment, food products, oil and petroleum products.
Science and culture of Tanzania
Primary education is compulsory and free. Primary school education is 7 years from the age of seven. Secondary education starts at the age of 14 and lasts 6 years, including the first four-year cycle and the second two-year cycle. In 1996, the proportion of school-age children who completed primary and secondary school was 42% (primary school - 66%, secondary school - 5%).
In the areas of Kondoa, Kisesi, Tambala, Mwanza, rock art in grottoes (Upper Paleolithic and Neolithic periods) has been discovered. Among the artistic crafts, the most common are cult wooden and clay sculpture, mask making, wood carving, weaving, and pottery. After 1964, a national school of painting emerged (artists S.J. Ntiro, V. Macha, F.K. Mzangi, T.F. Abdullah).
Since 1967 there has been a theater department at the University of Dar es Salaam. In 1968, a traveling troupe was created under the National Service youth organization.
Literature is developed in Swahili and English. The first text that has reached us is Utendi Harekali (between 1711 and 1728). The largest writer of new literature is R. Shaaban (1909-62). English-language literature in Tanzania has existed since the beginning. 1960s The main genres are short story and novel.
In eastern Africa, on the coast of the Indian Ocean, there is a republic that was formed in 1964 as a result of the merger of two former colonies - Tanganyika and. The name emphasizes the unification of two countries into one.
Now the popularity of this country among tourists is associated, first of all, with the many that introduce all visitors to real African nature and the huge diversity of the animal world. These reserves, located in vast virgin territories, are home to common and rare species, the number of representatives of which is so large that it is sometimes measured in the thousands. And they all live their usual lives, in freedom.
In these places, safari originated, which is very interesting for any person, and therefore is very popular among tourists. After all, by immersing yourself in the natural conditions for wild animals in Africa, you can not only look at them, but also get to know the centuries-old soul of the continent.
The local weather is different from what we are used to, because Tanzania is located in the southern hemisphere. During the European summer months it is cooler here. And yet the country is ready to receive guests in all seasons, since there are conditions for this.
Capital of the country Tanzania
Just as Tanzania has a double name, formed from two states, it can be proud of two capitals:
- Dodoma;
- Dar es Salaam.
Dodoma is the official capital of Tanzania, this appointment happened in 1973, when all major government bodies moved to this city. Dar es Salaam is the historical capital, which is now considered the center for preserving the culture and economy of the country.
Educated Dodoma at the end of the 19th century in the center of the modern republic. Then it was a settlement of German colonists, and was located on the trade route connecting Lake Tanganyika and the ocean coast.
The peculiarity of the geographical location of this city is that it is located on a plateau, the height of which can reach almost 1300 m. In this regard, Dodoma experiences a monsoon climate, characteristic of equatorial zones. The average annual temperature here can fluctuate by 10 degrees Celsius, with it being warmest at the beginning of the year, when the mercury averages +26 degrees Celsius.
There are different weather periods and precipitation amounts:
- drought - June-October;
- rains - November-May.
The spring months are called the most unfavorable in these places, as then abundant humidity is combined with high temperatures.
The outskirts of the city are located in low-grass savannas, so the vegetation here is dominated by:
- acacia;
- camphor laurels;
- coniferous trees;
- thorny bushes.
Here you can see wild animals and birds common in Africa (antelope, elephant, giraffe, lion, hippopotamus, cheetah, ostrich).
This legislative capital of the country of Tanzania unites mainly the African population (99%). Among the residents there are representatives of various nationalities:
- Maasai;
- Nyamwezi;
- chaga;
- gogo.
The remaining 1% comes from residents of foreign origin (from Europe and Arab countries).
They officially speak two languages in Dodoma:
- English;
- Swahili.
The majority of believers in the city are Christians (mostly Catholics); there are also Muslims. The traditional faith remained in only a few local families.
For modern tourists, the capital of Dodoma is practically uninteresting, since the local architecture is not outstanding and there are very few attractions. Among the interesting places we can highlight only a few:
- buildings of state residences;
- railway station;
- a sacred Sikh temple, where every guest can be treated to sacred sweets;
- Geological Museum;
- a huge local market.
Such cultural poverty discourages tourists, who may come here only to go to Dar es Salaam or the national parks. 
But Dar es Salaam is a very large port city, the largest in Tanzania and on the entire East African coast. It contains prints from different eras, so different cultures influenced its appearance. In this regard, there is even a division of the city into parts:
- African;
- Asian;
- European.
There are a lot of industrial enterprises here, and Dar es Salaam is also home to various educational institutions that are popular in the country, so there are a lot of students in the city.
Interesting places in the former capital of Tanzania:
- National Museum with unique exhibits of the ancient history of the state;
- botanical garden with representatives of flora of equatorial and tropical climates;
- "Little Theater" - drama theater and many others.
Tourists come to Dar es Salaam with pleasure, since here are the best conditions for an interesting, educational vacation, because this city is conducive to relaxation, knowledge of local culture and ancient history.
Geographical location: Tanzania is an East African country located south of the equator. In the north it borders with Kenya and Uganda, in the south with Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia, in the west with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi and Rwanda. In the east it is washed by the Indian Ocean. There is a small plain along the coast, but most of the country is occupied by a plateau, the average height of which is about 1290 m above sea level. Small groups of mountains rise in the northeast and southwest. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest point (5895 m), is located on the northeastern border of the country. The Great Rift Valley passes through Tanzania. The three greatest lakes of the continent are located on the borders of Tanzania and partly within its borders: Lake Tanganyika (western border), Lake Victoria (northwestern border), Lake Nyasa (Malawi) (southwestern border). Tanzania also owns the islands of Zanzibar (the largest coral island off the coast of Africa) and Pemba. The total length of land borders is 3402 km. The total area is 945,203 sq. km.
Capital: Dodoma is the legislative capital of Tanzania and is located in central Tanzania. Dar Es Salaam is the administrative center. The city is located on the east coast of Africa, on the shores of the Indian Ocean. It is the largest port in Tanzania and one of the largest ports on the east coast of Africa. An important economic center and seat of government.
Language: English and Swahili (official languages used for international communication). However, the mother tongue of most Tanzanians is the language of their ethnic group.
Religion: Just over half of Tanzanians (55–60%) are Christians. The largest Christian denominations are Catholics (12.4 million), Lutherans (5.8 million), Pentecostals (2.35 million) and Anglicans (2 million). The share of Muslims is estimated at 30–32%. Muslims are the majority in Zanzibar (97%) and in many coastal areas. Another approximately 12% of the population adheres to local autochthonous beliefs. Ethnic minorities include Hindus, Baha'is, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, etc.
Time: The time difference in Tanzania is 1 hour (relative to time in Moscow). The entire territory of the country is in the same time zone. The country does not switch to summer/winter time, so the time difference remains the same throughout the year.
Climate: The climate in Tanzania is tropical, hot and humid on the coast, dry on the mainland. Temperatures throughout the year can vary from +20 to +32 C, but on the coast it does not fall below +25 C. It is warmest in February and March, coldest in July and August. The rainy periods (October-November - the season of “short rains”, March-May - the season of “long rains”) are felt differently in different parts of the country. The dry season lasts 5-7 months. The best time to visit the north of the country is July-October and December-March; south – June-October; west – December-March and May-October. The best months to travel to the islands of Zanzibar and Mafia are July-October and December-March. During the “long rainy” season, the risk of contracting malaria and gastrointestinal diseases increases sharply. The hunting season is closed from April 1 to June 30, and in February-March rains in the south of the country greatly erode the soil.
Currency: Tanzanian shilling (TZS), equal to 100 cents. Banknotes of 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500 and 200 shillings are in circulation, as well as coins of 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents, as well as 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 shilling. 1 USD = 1609.33 TZS. Banks are open from 8:30 to 16:00 from Monday to Friday and from 8:30 to 13:00 on Saturday. Currency can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices. The exchange receipt must be kept until departure from the country. Changing money from street money changers is not prohibited, but in this case there is an extremely high risk of facing fraud. Credit cards are accepted only in large hotels and in very few shops. Traveler's checks can be cashed at registered dealers or at exchange offices (it is better to take checks in USD into the country).
Mains voltage and socket type: 220/240 V, AC frequency – 50 Hz; The plug sockets have three British-type sockets (adapters for Russian plugs are required).
Customs: The import and export of national currency is prohibited, and all foreign currency must be declared. Duty-free import of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco, a liter of alcoholic beverages, food and household items is allowed (within the limits of personal needs). The export of gold and silver jewelry, stamps, coins, and food is allowed - within the “limits of personal needs.” Jewelry must be accompanied by store receipts. The import of small arms (without special permission), drugs and pornography is prohibited.
The export of ivory, rhinoceros horn, wild animal skins, rare plants, sea shells, gold, diamonds and some spices, such as cloves, is prohibited - without documents confirming the legality of their acquisition. To export some souvenirs, it is necessary to indicate in the declaration that they are not being exported for commercial purposes.
Population and culture: As of 2014, the country's population is about 50 million people. The population is distributed rather unevenly. About 80% of the country's inhabitants live in rural areas. The country is home to about 120 different ethnic groups, the most numerous of which are the Sukuma, Nyamwezi, Jugga, Ngonde, Haya, Hehe, Bena, Gogo and Makonde. Most of the ethnic groups belong to the Bantu group of peoples, some belong to the Nilotes and Khoisan peoples. A small proportion of Tanzania's population is of Indian, Arab, European, Chinese and other origins.
Tanzania's culture is a mixture of cultural characteristics from various African countries, India, Britain, and other European countries, as well as Arab countries. The culture of the people of Tanzania has rich traditions. This is wood carving: they are famous for their masks, sculptures, and household items. In Zanzibar they keep the tradition of carving coconut shells and sawing wood. The Tingatinga style of painting, named after the author, Eduardo Saidi Tingatinga, originated in Tanzania. Tanzanians are very musical. Music, songs and dances accompany any holiday. The musicians play distinctive African harps, flutes, xylophones and various drums. Melodic songs are accompanied by intricate rhythmic accompaniment. The modern cultural development of Tanzania is greatly influenced by European theater, music and literature. There are many amateur clubs in the country that stage plays by foreign or local authors. Jazz and Western songs are widespread. The traditional African art of sculpture and painting is experiencing a new rise.
Kitchen: The cuisine in Tanzania is not distinguished by its sophistication. Typically, restaurants serve British dishes (soups, steaks, roast chicken, boiled vegetables, puddings and instant coffee). Asian restaurants usually have better food, but there aren't many of them. A large number of small African restaurants where you can try local cuisine without risking your health. The main dishes in these restaurants are dishes based on bananas (unsweetened and taste like potatoes) and meat (goat meat): nyama na ndizi (meat and bananas stewed) and bananas with meat, grilled. Most dishes are made from various types of meat from wild animals and birds. Beef and pork are traditionally expensive in these parts. Tourists are usually offered all sorts of exotic things: antelope fillet, elephant stew, crocodile meat with banana salad, fried warthog side, simmered nyama-choma or mishikaki (fried beef), nyama-kuku (chicken) ) etc. The side dish usually includes corn, legumes, various roots and rice, as well as fried potatoes and salted cabbage. Seafood is widely used on the coast. It's worth checking out the grilled lemon shrimp, excellent local lobster, octopus stew, charcoal-grilled sea fish with spices, charcoal-grilled fish in banana leaves, various shells, including local oysters, and seaweed salad.
Local beer is very cheap and tasty. The most popular brands are Safari, Kibo Gold, Kilimanjaro and Tasker (usually Kenyan). Along with local beer, imported beer from Kenya or South Africa is sold, but it is more expensive. As for wine, the best is imported from Europe or South Africa. From strong drinks: papaya vodka "Konyagi", liqueurs "Afrikoko" and "Amarula", wines "Dodoma". It is customary to end the meal with a cup of tea with milk and sugar, coffee or juice with ice. Due to the secular nature of the state, in Tanzania, even despite strong Islamic traditions, imported alcoholic drinks can be purchased in any hotel or store.
Tips: In Tanzania, it is customary to tip. Usually in a restaurant it is 5-10% of the bill amount, for carrying luggage - about $1. Tips for a safari driver are usually $5-10 per person per day.
Souvenirs: You can buy local clothes - robes and shirts. Fabrics and blankets from the Maasai tribe would be an interesting gift. These are bright fabrics with local flavor. Art lovers can purchase paintings - Tingatinga folk paintings depict the life of the Maasai or savannah animals. A good souvenir is products made from Makonde ebony. These are usually small wooden sculptures, masks, figurines of animals and people. Gold jewelry, tanzanite stone - a local variety of sapphire can turn out to be a precious souvenir of good quality. Tea, coffee, Maasai national music on CD are other popular gift options from Tanzania.
Air travel: There are no direct flights to Tanzania from Russia. Major airlines fly to all three international airports in the country: Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar (with transfers). The most convenient option is to fly with KLM to Arusha or Dar es Salaam with transit through Amsterdam. The cheapest options are flights to the same Dar with Emirates, Swiss or Qatar. The airport tax for departure from the country is 20 USD per person; it is not charged for children under two years of age and transit passengers. Airlines serving Tanzania: British Airways, KLM, Swiss International Airlines, Egypt Air, Air India, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulf Air, Kenya Airways, Royal Swazi, Emirates Airlines and Air Tanzania.
TANZANIA
(United Republic of Tanzania)
General information
Geographical location. Tanzania is a country in East Africa. In the north it borders with Kenya and Uganda, in the south with Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia, in the west with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi and Rwanda. In the east it is washed by the Indian Ocean. Tanzania also owns the islands of Zanzibar (the largest coral island off the coast of Africa) and Pemba.
Square. The territory of Tanzania occupies 945,087 square meters. km.
Main cities, administrative divisions. The capital of Tanzania is Dar es Salaam. Largest cities: Dar es Salaam (1,734 thousand people), Zanzibar (375 thousand people), Mwanza (223 thousand people), Dodoma (204 thousand people), Tanga (188 thousand people .). Administrative division of the country: 25 regions.
State system
Tanzania is a republic. The head of state is the president, the head of government is the prime minister. The legislative body is the National Assembly. The country is part of the Commonwealth.
Relief. There is a small plain along the coast, but most of the country is occupied by a plateau, the average height of which is about 1,290 m above sea level. Small groups of mountains rise in the northeast and southwest. Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa (5,895 m), is located on the northeastern border of the country.
Geological structure and minerals. The country's subsoil contains reserves of tin, iron ore, coal, phosphates, diamonds, and gold.
Climate. Tanzania's climate varies depending on altitude and distance from the coast. On the ocean coast, the climate is warm, tropical, with an average annual temperature of about +27°C. Further inland the climate is hotter and drier. The climate on the islands is mainly tropical, but the heat is reduced by ocean winds. The average annual temperature in Zanzibar is about +27°C, the rainy season lasts from December to May.
Inland waters. Three of the continent's greatest lakes are located on the borders of Tanzania and partly within its borders. Lake Tanganyika is on the western border, Victoria is on the northwestern border, Nyasa (Malawi) is on the southwestern border. Lakes Nyasa and Tanganyika lie within the East African Rift, which stretches from the Middle East to Mozambique.
Soils and vegetation. The most common species in the forests of Tanzania are mahogany and camphor laurel.
Animal world. The country's fauna is represented by antelopes, zebras, elephants, hippos, rhinoceroses, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and monkeys. One of the main attractions of the country is the Serengeti National Park, the only one in the world where there is a natural seasonal migration of wild animals.
Population and language
The population of Tanzania is about 30.608 million people, the average population density is about 32 people per 1 sq. km. Ethnic groups: more than 120 groups, the largest of which are the Sukuma and Nyamwezi (about 20% of the country's population each), as well as the Haya, Ngonde, Chagga, Gogo, Ha, Hehe, Ngoni, Yao, Maasai; Pakistanis, Indians, Europeans. Languages: Swahili, English (both official), about 100 local dialects.
Religion
Muslims, Christians (mostly Catholics), pagans (groups distributed approximately equally).
Brief historical sketch
Tanzania was created in 1964 as a federation of two states: Zanzibar and Tanganyika. The history of these two regions is significantly different. Zanzibar and other islands off the east coast of Africa back in the 8th century. became a base for Arabs trading with the mainland. They were called the Land of Zenj. Over time, Zanzibar became an independent sultanate. In the 16th and 17th centuries. he was under the influence of the Portuguese, and in the 18th century. came under the influence of the Sultans of Oman and Muscat. In 1832, the Sultan of Oman, Sayyid Said, moved his residence to Zanzibar. The territory of Zanzibar and the surrounding mainland was a commercial rather than a territorial empire.
At the end of the 19th century. As a result of a dispute between Germany and Great Britain, Zanzibar was declared a British protectorate (1890). Zanzibar had partial self-government and gained independence in December 1963. A few weeks later, a bloody coup took place in the country, bringing the regime of Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume to power. Tanganyika, inhabited by numerous Bantu ethnic groups, came under German rule in 1886 after a series of negotiations between European powers, which, hoping to turn the territory into profitable coffee and tea plantations, invested large sums in the region. In 1918, after the defeat of Germany, Great Britain received a mandate to govern Tanganyika. In December 1961, Tanganyika gained independence. In April 1964, Zanzibar and Tanganyika united into a federation. However, the political systems remained different on the mainland and on the island. Only in 1977 there was a real rapprochement between the two parts of the federation.
Brief Economic Sketch
Tanzania is an agricultural country. Main crops: coffee, cotton, sisal, cloves. Animal husbandry. Fishing. Harvesting valuable wood. Mining of diamonds, phosphates, gold, etc. Processing of agricultural raw materials. Oil refining, chemical, cement, woodworking, metalworking enterprises. Exports: coffee, cotton, spices, cashew nuts, sisal, tobacco, tea, diamonds, etc.
The currency is the Tanzanian shilling.
Brief sketch of culture
Art and architecture. Dar es Salaam. National Museum with a rich collection of historical, ethnographic and archaeological exhibits. Zanzibar. Zanzibar State Museum. Tanga. The picturesque caves of Amboni and the ruins of an Iranian fortress of the 16th century.
Useful information for tourists about Tanzania, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Tanzania, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions in Tanzania.
Geography of Tanzania
The United Republic of Tanzania is a country on the east coast of Africa. It is bordered to the north by Kenya and Uganda, to the west by Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to the south by Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. The eastern border is the Indian Ocean.
Tanzania has two capitals: the administrative center is the historical capital of Dar es Salaam, and the legislative capital is Dodoma, where the government moved the main bodies in the 1970s.
Most of the country is occupied by vast plateaus. The coastal lowland stretches along the coast of the Indian Ocean. The country's territory includes part of Africa's largest lakes - Lake Victoria in the north, Lake Tanganyika in the west, and Lake Nyasa in the south of Tanzania. The highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro (5895 m), is located in Tanzania.
State
State structure
Tanzania is a presidential republic. The head of state and head of government is the president. Parliament is a unicameral State Assembly (Bunge).
Language
Official language: Swahili, English
Arabic is spoken in Zanzibar, and on the mainland there are many local Bantu languages.
Religion
Religions: in the mainland - Christians 30%, Muslims 35%, aboriginal cults 35%; in Zanzibar - more than 99% Muslims.
Currency
International name: TZS
The Tanzanian shilling is equal to 100 cents. Banknotes in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000 Tanzanian shillings and coins in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Tanzanian shillings are officially in circulation. In fact, coins with a face value of less than 50 shillings went out of circulation.
Currency can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices. The exchange receipt must be kept until departure from the country. Changing money from street money changers is not prohibited, but in this case there is an extremely high risk of facing fraud.
Credit cards have limited circulation. Typically only large banks, supermarkets (especially in port areas) and some travel agencies accept them. In the provinces, paying with a credit card is much more difficult. For the service of withdrawing money from a credit card, some provincial banks charge a commission of 6-8% of the amount.
Travel checks can be cashed at registered dealers, banks or exchange offices. A passport is required to cash out. Often checks are very carefully checked for authenticity, which takes a lot of time.
Popular attractions
Tourism in Tanzania
Office hours
Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 12.30-16.00, and from 08.30 to 13.00 on Saturday.
Purchases
VAT (Value Added Tax) on all goods and services is 20% and is included in the price.
Shops are usually open from Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 12.00, and from 14.00 to 18.00, on Saturday - 08.30 to 12.30. Some shops are also open on Sunday. During Ramadan, many restaurants and shops are closed during the day, and restrictions on smoking and drinking may be in place.
Souvenirs
The country produces unique Tanzanian green tourmalines, sapphires, garnets, rubies, emeralds and diamonds, as well as the mineral tanzanite, found exclusively in Tanzania in the volcanic deposits of Mount Kilimanjaro. All this splendor of gifts from the earth’s bowels can be purchased at markets and in private jewelry stores.
Medicine
Immunization against tetanus and hepatitis A is recommended. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis, typhus, malaria and plague are occasionally recorded. In rural areas, cases of African fever infection occur. When swimming in fresh water there is a high risk of contracting schistomatosis. Vaccinations against yellow fever, typhoid, cholera and malaria prevention are recommended.
Sleeping sickness, which is spread by the tsetse fly, is quite common in forested areas of the country. Also of great concern to the international community is the rapid spread of HIV and AIDS in Tanzania.
All water should be assessed as potentially contaminated.
Safety
You should not display expensive photographic and video equipment, valuables or documents. It is not recommended to walk alone on the streets at night. You should not leave things unattended. You should always carry a photocopy of your passport with you, and keep your passport, money and air ticket in a safe place (a hotel safe).
Foreigners are the object of constant and overly intrusive attention. You should not give in to offers from local residents to help in any way. This usually ends in problems.
Emergency numbers
The single emergency phone number is 112/999.
Photo and video shooting
It is not recommended to photograph local residents without their permission and to visit the homes of local residents on your own (without a guide or travel agency representative). In some places you need to pay for photography, but this should not be done everywhere and always - many aborigines try to beg money in this way.
Questions and feedback about Tanzania
Zanzibar - Questions and Answers