TANZANIA FACT FILE

HISTORY OF TANZANIA
The present country of Tanzania came into being in 1964 with the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. There are over 120 tribes on the mainland, most of which migrated from other parts of Africa. The first Europeans to arrive were the Portuguese, who controlled most of the coastal region. The Portuguese also controlled Zanzibar until 1699 when they were ousted from the island by Omani Arabs. In the late 19th Century, along with Rwanda and Burundi, Tanganyika was absorbed into the colony of German East Africa as a consequence of a deal between the British and Germans.
            Following the German defeat in WW1, the territory was administered by the British under successive League of Nations and United Nations mandates. Tanganyika became independent within the Commonwealth in 1961 after a period of self government during which the principal nationalist party, the Tanganyika African National Union emerged as the do minant political force. Its charismatic leader, Julius Nyerere, held the post of President from independence to 1985. In 1964, Tanganyika joined with Zanzibar and became Tanzania.

GEOGRAPHY
The United Republic of Tanzania lies on the Indian Ocean and is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Burundi, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, and by Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The Tanzania mainland is divided into several clearly defined regions- the coastal plains, which have lush tropical vegetation, the Masaai steppe in the north, 200-1000 meters (700-3500 feet) above sea level, and a high plateau in the south towards Zambia and Lake Nyasa. Savannah and bush cover half the country, and semi arid desert accounts for the remaining land area. Volcanic highlands can be seen in the northeast and southwest of the country. Over 53,000 square kilometers is inland water, mostly lakes formed in the Great Rift Valley. The United Republic of Tanzania includes islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, about 45km (23miles) off the coast to the northeast of the country.

CAPITAL CITY.
Commercial capital: Dar es Salaam
Administrative capital: Dodoma

CLIMATE
The climate is tropical and coastal areas are usually hot and humid but regulated by sea breezes. Average day temperature is 30 degrees centigrade. There are two seasons of rain in Tanzania: the long rains run from late March until June and the short rains from November until January. The long rains fall in heavy downpours, often accompanied by violent storms. The short rains tend to be much less severe. The hottest time of the year is December to March, and the coolest months are June, July and August. In high altitude areas such as Kilimanjaro or the Ngorongoro highlands temperatures can fall below freezing.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS.
A valid visa and valid passport for those exempted.

AIRPORT TAX.
A US$30 departure tax in cash is payable by all passengers departing on international flights. For departure from Zanzibar into a destination within Tanzania, the tax is Tshs.2000. An additional 10per cent of the ticket value will be paid as sales tax on all tickets issued in Zanzibar.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGES.
Kiswahili and English.

CURRENCY.
The Tanzania shilling (TSHS or TZS), divided into 100 cents, is the national currency, Credit cards (Access, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Eurocard, and Diners) are accepted by top tourist hotels around the country. Travellers`cheques in pounds sterling or US dollars are recommended.

BANKING
Banks and forex bureaus are available at the airports and in all main towns. Banking hours: Monday-Friday 08h30-12h30. Saturdays: 08h30-13h30. A few branches in the major towns open until 16h00.

TIME
Local time is GMT +3.

ELECTRIC CURRENT.
220 Volts AC50Hz

COMMUNICATIONS
International Direct Dial is available, country code is +255. Outgoing international code is 000. There are public call boxes in post offices and main towns. Several cellular phone companies operate in Tanzania.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS
Dar es Salaam International is 15km southwest of the city (time downtown 25 minutes). Airport facilities include duty-free shop, car hire, post office, banking and bureau de change, bar and restaurant.
            Zanzibar International Airport is approximately 7km from the centre of Stone Town (time downtown 15 minutes). Facilities include restaurant and bureau de change.
            Kilimanjaro International Airport lies 40km from Arusha (time downtown 1 hour). Facilities include shops, post office, bar and restaurant. There are shuttle bus services to both Arusha and Moshi.

HEALTH.
As requirements and regulations are subject to change at short notice, visitors are requested to contact the nearest Tanzanian Diplomatic Mission or travel health advisor well in advance of their intended date of departure.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
Unless otherwise advised, the public holidays in Tanzania remain the same every year. If any of the public holidays in Tanzania remain the same every year. If any of the public holidays listed below falls on Saturday or Sunday then the public holiday would be effected on the following:
Monday
            New Year- January 1st
            Zanzibar Revolutionary Day – January 12th
            Union Day- April 26th
            Workers Day- May 1st
            Industrial Day- July7th
            Farmers Day- August 8th
            Independence Day- December 9th
            Christmas Day- December 25th
            Boxing Day- December 26th

In addition, Islamic holidays are celebrated in Tanzania; these vary from year to year.

RAMADHAN.
Muslim communities in Tanzania observe the fast of Ramadan. During this period shops or restaurants may be closed during daylight hours.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT.
Northern Tanzania: July to March.
Southern Tanzania: June to March
Zanzibar and the coast: June to March
Western Tanzania: May to March.