TANZANIA OVERVIEW

Tanzania was formed by the political union between mainland Tanganyika and the offshore islands of Zanzibar and Pemba. The two parts of the union attained independence separately, the mainland (Tanganyika) in 1961 and Zanzibar in 1963 and a year later formed a union under the new name of Tanzania. The coastal area was the subject of great maritime rivalry first between the Portuguese and Arab traders and later between various European powers. Zanzibar was well known for slaves and spice exportation.
In 1964, the Sultan was stopped in a communist inspired revolution and the majority of the Arab population were massacred and expelled. Later, the Sultan was replaced by Afro Shirazi party. It was during the reign of this party that Zanzibar and Pemba were merged with Tanganyika to form Tanzania. European explorers began arriving in the middle of the 19^th century, two of the most famous being Livingstone and Stanley. In 1891 the German colonized the mainland and it was governed directly by the German government.
Meanwhile, Julius Nyerere found the Tanganyika African National Union, which envisioned villages becoming socialist organization created and governed by the local people. The economy was nationalized and taxed were increased. Nyerere banned government ministers and party officials from having shares or directorships in companies or from receiving more than one salary an attempt to prevent leaders from developing into an exploitative class. In 1985, Nyerere stepped down as president to lead his party (CHAMA CHA MAPINDUZI –PARTY OF THE REVOLUTION) Ali Hassan Mwinyi was elected and later Benjamin Mkapa preceded him. Jakaya Kikwete is the most recent president of Tanzania and the 4^th president since the independent.
Unlike most of African countries, Tanzania’s population is not dominated by any one particular people from among 120 tribes occupying the country. The widespread tribe, the widespread is of Bantu origin. The wa-sukuma tribe is the largest. Other large tribes include wa-haya, wa-chaga, WA-nyamwezi, Wa- gogo, wa- hehe, Wa-ngoni, Wa-nyakyusia and the wa- Maasai who are dispersed across the northern plain and beyond into Kenya.
Tanzania is a home to many tourist attractions stretching from from wildlife to prehistoric times which has led archaeologists to regard the country as the cradle of mankind. The most important among others is Olduvai Gorge where Homo habilis, believed to be the ancestor of modern man was unearthed. The most and best tourism attractions in Tanzania are located in Northern of the country and includes world famous Serengeti National park which has spectacular seasonal migration of wildebeest. Mount Kilimanjaro which is Africans highest mountain. Ngorongoro reserve which has an extinct volcanic caldera. Tourism also stretches to the coast especially in Zanzibar and Pemba Island with beautiful beaches and, sport fishing and diving.

PKP- Kenia safaris desk