The United Republic of Tanzania lies on the Indian Ocean bordered by Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. 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 the nearby island of Zanzibar. Many beautiful beaches are within easy reach of Dar es Salaam, such as those at Kunduchi, Mjimwena and Mbwa Maji. Kunduchi, 24km (15 miles) north of the city, is a fishing village with nearby ruins of Persian tombs and mosques. The beautiful island of Zanzibar is only 20 minutes’ flight from Dar es Salaam. Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5895m (19,341ft), Africa’s highest mountain is a major attraction for mountaineers. The ascent takes about three days. Tanzania’s national parks extend over some 33,660 sq km (13,000 sq miles). 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 plain-dwelling animals, 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. Generally, the nightlife centres are in the top tourist hotels and restaurants.

East Africa.

GMT + 3.

945,087 sq km (364,900 sq miles).

38.4 million (UN estimate 2005).

40.6 per sq km.

Dodoma. Population: 1,692,025 (2002).

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.

Federal Republic since 1964. Tanganyika gained independence from the UK in 1961. In 1964, Tanganyika joined with Zanzibar, which had been a British protectorate until 1963, and became Tanzania. Head of State: President Jakaya Kikwete since 2005. Head of Government: Prime Minister Edward Lowassa since 2005.
Note: Zanzibar is semi-autonomous and has its own Parliament and President. President of Zanzibar: Amani Karume. Recent history: Following constitutional changes implemented in 1995, legislative power rests with the unicameral National Assembly (Bunge), which is elected every five years. The Bunge has 274 members of whom 232 are directly elected, 37 are reserved for women appointed by the President and five allocated to members of the regional Zanzibar Assembly. Executive power belongs to the President, who is directly elected every five years. Ruling party Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) remains the overwhelmingly dominant force in Tanzanian mainland politics. President Benjamin Mkapa was elected with 62 per cent of the vote in Tanzania's first multi-party elections in 1995. He was re-elected in 2000 with 67 per cent of the vote and stood down in 2005. He was succeeded by the long-serving Foreign Minister Jakaya Kikwete who secured 80 per cent of the vote against a weak and divided opposition. The Civic United Front (CUF), with a strong power base on Zanzibar (most notably the island of Pemba), managed to secure 19 parliamentary seats there. Elections on the island have been closely contested between CCM and CUF and marred by violence, intimidation and serious allegations of rigging. After some thirty demonstrators were killed by the security forces during an opposition demonstration on Pemba island in 2001, reconciliation talks culminated in the signing of an agreement between CCM and CUF providing for an inquiry into the January 2001 violence; the dropping of charges against CUF members; by-elections to fill the 16 seats left vacant by CUF and the establishment of a permanent voter register for 2005 and reform of the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC). There were elections throughout Tanzania, including Zanzibar, on 14 December 2005. In Zanzibar, Zanzibar's Electoral Commission (ZEC) had declared Amani Abeid Karume on 1 November 2005 as the winner of the Presidential poll, held amid tension and violence, particularly in the capital, Stone Town. However, the results were disputed with claims that Sharif Hamad of the Civic United Front (CUF) won the majority of votes. There have been many reports of demonstrations by CUF supporters on the island, who have alleged widespread fraud in the proceedings: claims denied by the electoral commission. The elections were marred by controversy from the very beginning, since nationwide voting across Tanzania had been postponed due to the death of opposition Vice-Presidential candidate, Jumbe Rajab Jumb; postponement that Zanzibar did not adhere to. These incidents only serve to underscore Zanzibar's increasing dislocation from the rest of Tanzania and what many perceive as a drive for autonomy amongst some islanders.

Kiswahili and English are the official languages. The terms Swahili and Kiswahili are used interchangeably, though the term Swahili normally refers to the people while Kiswahili refers to the language. Originating along the coast, Kiswahili is a Bantu language with many words derived from Arabic. Other African languages such as Bantu and those of Nilo-Hamitic and Khoisan origin are also spoken.

Muslim, Christian, Hindu and traditional beliefs.

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs may be round or square three-pin, fused or unfused.

When meeting and parting, hands are always shaken; this applies throughout the country in both rural and urban areas. It is the convention to use the right hand, not the left, to shake hands or pass or receive anything. The standard greeting when addressing an individual is Jambo to which the reply is also Jambo. The greeting for a group is Hamjambo to which the reply is Hatujambo. People are delighted if visitors can greet them in Kiswahili. There is no fixed protocol to do with hospitality. Dress is smart and a good appearance is highly regarded. Suits and ties or safari suits are worn by men and suits or dresses by women. Ashtrays are usually an indication of permission for a visitor to smoke. Smoking is prohibited in cinemas and on public transport. Photography: In some places, a charge will be levied on visitors wishing to take photographs; elsewhere a permit may be required.