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 centers are in the top tourist hotels and restaurants. Tanzanian's Social fabric charm is the prime attraction for cultural and eco-tourism. The folklore, the traditional "ngomas" and the dancing styles vary from one tribe to another. When dancing, the Makonde vibrate their bottoms in "Sindimba" frenzy and the "Zaramo" bounce the undulating "Mdundiko" procession. The Maasai in their leaping dance going simultaneously with rhythmic chant of their deep voices which can scare even a he lion! The use of live snakes by the "Sukuma" such as embracing huge pythons and struggling with during the "Bugobogobo" dance turn such occasions into unforgettable scenes to a visitor. Each of the 120 tribes has its ngoma and dancing all of which styles are quite fascinating.

Area
Total Area : 945,234 sq. km
Land Area : 886,040 sq. km
Inland Water : 62,050 sq. km
Coastline : 1,424 km

Note: The total area includes the islands of Mafia, Pemba and Zanzibar The area is approximately half the size of the western European countries put together and larger than twice the size of California.

Climate
Varies with geographical zones from tropical on the coast; semi-temperate in the mountains and drier in the plateau region with considerable seasonal variations in temperature.

Natural hazards
Tropical hazards; vulnerable to flooding on the central plateau during the rainy season.

Natural resources
Hydropower potential, gold, diamonds, gemstones, nickel, natural gas, coal, iron ore, phosphates, tin, mica, salt, lead, tungsten and kaolin

Population
Population was estimated at 30 million people (1998). There are approximately 120 tribes. The biggest tribal group is Sukuma while others include Masai, Haya, Gogo, Nyamwezi, Chagga, Ha, Zaramo, Hehe and Makonde. Others are Asian, Arab and Afro-Arab and European.

Religion
Traditional beliefs & Others – 30% Islam – 35% Christianity – 35%

Language
Kiswahili - official language
English - second official language
Arabic - widely spoken in coastal areas,
particularly Zanzibar.
Others - various local languages