Tanzania is a country located in East Africa, bordered by Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Mozambique, Lake Victoria, and Lake Tanganyika.
Tanzania gained its independence from Great Britain in 1961, and Zanzibar gained independence in 1963.
Together, they formed the United Republic of Tanzania in 1964.
The East African Great Rift runs through mainland Tanzania.
The current population of Tanzania is 64,544,344 people, and the total land area of the country is 885,800 square kilometers.
Over 25% of the land is used as a conservation area.
Tanzania’s national anthem is titled “Mungu Ibariki Africa,” which translates to mean “God bless Africa.”
Tanzania is home to Africa’s highest mountain, called Kilimanjaro, which attracts thousands of tourists annually.
The oldest human settlements in the world were found at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania.
Tanzania is famous for its exotic wildlife and is considered one of the best places for wildlife watching on Earth.
Tanzanian People and Culture
Around 5000 BCE, the San-related hunters inhabited the country, and present-day Sandawe hunters in North Tanzania could be their descendants.
Cushitic people from Ethiopia began migrating to the country around 1000 BCE, and present-day Iraqw, Gorowa, and Mbugu tribes are of Cushitic origin.
Around 500 BCE, Nilotic pastoralists and Bantu groups started arriving in Tanzania.
Tanzania consists of over 120 indigenous tribes, each with its own unique way of life and traditional lifestyle.
Indigenous ethnic groups in Zanzibar include Hadimu, Tumbatu, and Pemba.
About 1% of Tanzania’s ethnic groups are non-Africans, including Arabs, Asians, and Europeans.
The country has two official languages: Kiswahili and English, with Kiswahili being the national language.
Kiswahili is taught in primary schools, secondary schools, and universities for teaching and as a course.
Most neighboring countries like Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo also speak Kiswahili.
Tanzanian cuisine varies from tribe to tribe, but Ugali is a common staple.
Other foods include pilau, samosa, mandazi, bagia, biryani, bamia, nyama choma, ndizi, samaki, kiti moto, korosho, tende, kisamvu, njegere, maharage, mchicha, kuku choma, wali, chapati, kashata, kisusio, and more.
Tanzanians also have a variety of drinks, including the famous chai, kahawa, wanzuki, tembo, and others.
The diverse cultures in Tanzania have had a significant impact on its music.
Tanzanian musicians are among the best artists in the East African region.
Traditional music has been incorporated into exported music, creating different kinds of music such as Bongo Flava.
Commonly used traditional music instruments include coconut shell fiddles, marimba, filimbi, and ngoma.
Saying “Jambo” (hello) while shaking hands is the common form of greeting in Tanzania.
Respect for older people is a cultural norm in Tanzania, and most tribes practice decent dressing, especially for women.
Many tribes do not encourage public displays of sexual affection.
Approximately 35% to 45% of Tanzania’s population practices Islam, especially around the coast, while 40% to 45% of the population practices Christianity.
Other religions like Hinduism, Sikhism, and others are in the minority.
Tanzania is one of the most culturally diverse countries in Africa.
While on wildlife trips in the country, most tourists get to experience diverse cultures by visiting communities neighboring national parks.
The Maasai are the most famous tribe not only in Tanzania but also in all of East Africa.
They are pastoralists who migrated to Tanzania around the 27th century in search of better pasture and water for their animals.
The Maasai people have retained their traditions despite modernization, with distinct ways of dressing, dancing, and singing.
The Maasai live around Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Lake Natron areas.
The Hadzabe people, also called Hadza or bushmen, are hunter-gatherers who live around Lake Eyasi.
They are believed to be the original descendants of Tanzania, with oral history not mentioning migration from elsewhere.
Some archaeological evidence at Olduvai Gorge shows that early inhabitants were hunter-gatherers like the Hadzabe.
The Hadzabe people have preserved their traditional way of life, despite efforts by the Tanzanian government and early colonialists to introduce farming.
Most Tanzanian tribes believe that youth, especially young boys, must pass through certain rituals to become fully grown adults.
While on a cultural trip in Tanzania, always make sure to ask for permission before photographing people.
Don’t forget to visit some of the country’s national parks for a thrilling wildlife experience, such as Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Mikumi National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Nyerere National Park, Rubondo Island National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Saanane Island National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, and many more.
