The United Republic of Tanzania became independent in 1961 and merged with Zanzibar in 1964. Mainland Tanzania has on the whole been – and still is - peaceful and stable with few tribal or regional divisions. It stands out as a stable democracy in a region that has witnessed some of the most vicious civil conflicts in Africa.
It could be said, however, that 15 years after the introduction of multi-party politics, ruling party Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) still behaves as if the country were a one-party state. Particularly on Zanzibar, which has its own parliament and president, the political situation has been more volatile since multi-party politics were introduced, with occasional violent conflict between opposition parties and the government.
Tourism has steadily been growing in importance and ranks as the second highest foreign exchange earner after agriculture. According to 2002 figures, tourism was worth about US$1 billion to the Tanzanian economy, but the industry has suffered a serious downturn in recent years as a result of international terrorism.
Tanzania's popularity is not surprising for a country that boasts Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar. Tanzania is definitely a country to be recognized both in terms of wildlife and beauty. For many, it is the ultimate safari destination. With national parks extending over some 33,660 sq km (13,000 sq miles), Tanzania has more land devoted to national parks and game reserves than any other wildlife destination in the world. Everything from pristine coral reefs to the Crater Highlands, remote game reserves and the famous national parks, is protected by government law.
The Serengeti National Park is a plain-dwellers' stronghold of 14,763 sq km (5678 sq miles), claimed to be the finest in Africa. Here are 35 species of big mammals, including wildebeest and zebra, and also an extensive selection of birdlife. The Selous Game Reserve is larger than Switzerland and covers one-sixth of Tanzania's land surface.
The capital city and also a major port, Dar es Salaam is the natural starting point for trips in Tanzania. It is near Mount Kilimanjaro, Dodoma and Zanzibar, and many beautiful beaches are within easy reach of the city, such as those at Kunduchi, Mjimwena and Mbwa Maji. Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5895m (19,341ft), is Africa's highest mountain and the most famous tourist attraction in Tanzania.
As a contrast to the exciting game areas and the mountain, Zanzibar is a beautiful jewel in the Indian Ocean with a fascinating spice and slaving legacy.
In addition to its beautiful landscape, Tanzania is home to approximately 120 tribal groups. Tribal diversity is prized and far from being a source of division, Tanzanians place a high value on their country’s multicultural heritage. Over the past few years, cultural tourism has become an increasing attraction for visitors and visits to tribal villages are often a highlight of safari itineraries. The Masaai are perhaps the most well known of Tanzania’s tribes and inhabit the northern regions of the country. Masaai tribal life revolves around protecting and caring for their herds of cattle and finding ample grazing land in their region.
The ‘Spice Islands’ of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Pemba, Mafia, and the entire Tanzanian coast is home to the Swahili people, a vibrant mix of Arab, Indian and Bantu origins who historically based their livelihoods around Indian Ocean trade. The Swahili Coast, as the region is called, is a predominantly Islamic region with old mosques and coral palaces found throughout the area. Swahili culture centers around the dhow, a wooden sailing boat powered by the seasonal wind. Fishing remains a mainstay of coastal income in small villages throughout the area, and coconut and spice plantations continue to form an important source of export.
Whether you enjoy the tranquility of the Swahili coast or the challenge of ascending Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania has it all.
Geography
The United Republic of Tanzania lies on the east coast of Africa and is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north; by Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west; by the Indian Ocean to the east; and by Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The Tanzanian mainland is divided into several clearly defined regions: the coastal plains, which vary in width from 16 to 64km (10 to 39 miles) and have lush, tropical vegetation; the Masai Steppe in the north, 213 to 1067m (698 to 3500ft) above sea level; and a high plateau in the southern area towards Zambia and Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi). Savannah and bush cover over half the country, and semi-desert accounts for the remaining land area, with the exception of the coastal plains. Over 53,000 sq km (20,463 sq miles) is inland water, mostly lakes formed in the Rift Valley. The United Republic of Tanzania includes the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, about 45km (28 miles) off the coast to the northeast of the country.