Tanzania is located. population and currency. Video: Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Game Reserve

United Republic of Tanzania.

Country Summary

Main religions Due to the influence of various cultures, the modern citizens of Tanzania profess Islam, Christianity and paganism. On the mainland, 35 percent of the population are Muslims, 30 percent are Christians, and the rest are adherents of various aboriginal cults. Most of the population of Zanzibar is Muslim. Official currency National currency Tanzanian - Tanzanian shilling. There are banknotes of 200, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10000 TZS in circulation. One shilling is equal to one hundred cents. Mains voltage The mains voltage is 220-230V, sometimes there are failures with the voltage supply. Climate The climate is mainly equatorial-monsoonal. The average temperatures of the warmest month are from 25°С to 27°С, the coldest from 12°С to 15°С. Precipitation from 500 to 1500 mm per year. The climate in Tanzania is quite dry. The big dry season starts in June and ends in September. The period from January to March is very hot. Two rainy seasons: the big rainy season - April and May, and the little rainy season - from late September to early November. The time to avoid coming to Tanzania is a long rainy season, when it rains almost every day, which, with high air temperatures, creates very difficult conditions for Europeans. In addition, during this period, the risk of malaria and gastrointestinal infections increases dramatically. The hunting season is closed from April 1 to June 30, and in the south of the country, seasonal rains (from February to March) erode the soil so much that they make the area almost inaccessible.

Finance

In Zanzibar, you will get acquainted with such types of clothing as kikoi for men and kanga for women - a fabric that is wrapped around the body. You can also buy carved items - frames, hangers, chests, coasters, spices, natural lotions and incense. Tours to Tanzania will enrich you spiritually, because cultural heritage local tribes are rooted back centuries.

Unique Tanzanian green tourmalines, sapphires, garnets, rubies, emeralds and diamonds are mined in the country, as well as the rare mineral tanzanite ("blue diamond"), found only here - in the volcanic deposits of Mount Kilimanjaro. Some of this wealth can be bought in the country, but, unfortunately, most of the local high-quality precious stones freely sold only in the markets of neighboring Kenya.

Shops are open daily from 9:00 to 19:00. IN major cities most shops are open until 22:00.
Tipping Tanzania has an established tradition of tipping. This means that any person who performs any service for you will expect gratitude in the form of a tip for this. It is recommended to determine the tip level in accordance with the quality of the service provided to you. Tipping is an expression of gratitude to the client for the service rendered to him. They are given only if the given service was performed at the expected high level. Tips are provided only at the end of the service at the request of the client and are not mandatory. Approximate tips: porters at airports, hotels and lodges: $1 per bag; in restaurants: approximately 10% of the total check, which in the safari sector will include only drinks; safari driver and guides: $5 per person per day (as a rule, all tourists are discounted together at the end of the safari). Cost of meals The cost of a "typical" dinner: about 30 USD. Taxi services The most common and convenient urban mode of transport in Tanzania is a taxi. But it is recommended to use taxi services only from well-known rental companies. At the same time, you should pay attention to the fact that the fare is determined on the basis of an individual agreement, and we recommend that you bargain with the driver. Public transport Public transport is available in large cities - Dar es Salaam, Didoma. Here it is represented by ordinary old city buses and minibuses. In other settlements, urban transport is pickup trucks moving randomly around the city and suburbs, fixed-route taxis and rickshaws. There is no fixed schedule of departures and arrivals of transport. Car rental When traveling around Tanzania, you can also rent a car. To rent a car in Tanzania, you need an international driver's license. The rental price will be from 60? per day. At the same time, it is worth paying attention to the fact that due to the number of tourists in the country and the high wear and tear of the car fleet, one should carefully check technical condition rented horse.

As a rule, the rental price includes a certain limit on mileage, each subsequent kilometer is additionally paid at the rate. For trips to national parks, safaris, we recommend that you rent four-wheel drive jeeps with a folding roof, which allow you to take photos and videos without leaving your car.

Driving in Tanzania is on the left. Please note that branches thrown on the road can act as a warning sign and mean an accident. Bribes to officials are not accepted in Tanzania, incl. traffic cop.

To say that traffic in Tanzania is dangerous is an understatement, given the state of the roads, the depreciation of the local car fleet, and the local driving style. Both people and animals cross the road without paying the slightest attention to traffic, so the number of traffic accidents is high. national view sport in Tanzania is a slalom between potholes, and the rules of the road are forgotten by everyone forever. Therefore, tourists are strongly recommended to use the services of a professional chauffeur, which will be especially important if you have a trip to the countryside or savannah.

customs control

Import and export of foreign currency is not limited (the declaration is obligatory), national - is prohibited. Allowed duty-free import of cigarettes - 200 pieces, alcoholic beverages - up to 1 liter, food, household items - within the limits of personal needs. Audio, photo and video equipment are included in the declaration and must be exported from the country according to the record.

The import and export of drugs, explosives, poisons and pornographic products is prohibited. All plants and animals are imported only on the basis of a phytosanitary certificate or an animal health certificate (vaccination against rabies is required). All animals are screened upon arrival and sent to quarantine.

It is forbidden to export ivory and products from it, rhinoceros horn, skins of wild animals, gold, diamonds, cloves (without documents confirming the legality of their acquisition).

It is allowed to export jewelry made of gold and silver, stamps, coins, food products within the limits of personal needs (certificates-checks from the store must be attached to the jewelry).

Transport

There are many different ways to get around the country in Tanzania.

The network of domestic air transportation allows you to get to almost anywhere in the country. In general, Tanzania has a relatively extensive network passenger air transportation. Dar es Salaam connected regular flights with all major cities of the country: Didoma, Mwanza, Mtwara, Tabora, Zanzibar, Mbeya, Moshi, Kigoma, Kilimanjaro. In addition, the country has more than fifty small airfields aimed at tourists staying in national parks.

There are three main air carriers in the country: Air Tanzania, Coastal aviation, Precision air. The cost of flights is relatively high due to the fact that tourists usually have to pay a higher price than local residents.

Another possible available ways movement around the country - rail transport. This type transport is relatively inexpensive and reliable.

Tanzanian railways have a fairly extensive African-scale network and connect all the largest cities in the country. Trains run regularly from Dar es Salaam to the following destinations:

Dar es Salaam - Dodoma - Kigoma
- Dar es Salaam - Tabora - Mwanza
- Dar es Salaam - Arusha
- Dar es Salaam - Mbeya.

Trains are divided into 4 classes: luxury, second-seated, second-sleeping and third-class seated. The fare depends on the class. First and second classes are relatively comfortable. Third class is usually overcrowded, not air conditioned and quite tiring for long journeys. Detailed information on timetables and fares can be obtained on the official website of Tanzania Railways.

Another common fast and cheap means of transport in Tanzania is the bus service. Routes have been laid between the main settlements of Tanzania, which run like large comfortable tourist buses, and faster, but less safe minibuses.

Scandinavian are the most convenient, they are more than comfortable: passing by in an air-conditioned cabin stuffed with amenities local population Traveling on donkeys or in crowded matatu minibuses, the tourist feels like a truly white person. But away from big cities transport is simpler, and in the outback, a chilling trip to the "matata" is inevitable if there is no car with a personal driver.

In general, the main type of intercity transport in Tanzania is the so-called "Dala-Dala", in other words, buses on the chassis of a truck resembling a "shift". Another name for this type of transport is "Lorry". Dala-Dala links all the cities in the country, they are very cheap, often lacking minimal comfort (and don't dream of air conditioning!), often very slow, but at the same time this is often the only way to travel around Tanzania, especially in remote areas.

On commuter routes there are small pickups where passengers occupy the body. It is almost always crowded and very uncomfortable, but cheap and fast. Another option is small minibuses, which are also always very crowded.

Between Dar es Salaam and the islands of Pemba and Zanzibar, as well as on lakes Victoria, Nyassa and Tanganyika, there is ferry service. True, the ferry can turn out to be both a high-speed beast with all the amenities, and a rusty trough - you can guess this in advance only at the price of a ticket. As a rule, night ferries are much worse than day ones.

Ferries from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar and Pemba are the main tourist destinations For sea ​​voyages. Travel time is from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the class of the vessel. They are carried out by Azam Marine, whose offices are located both in the port of the Tanzanian capital and in the business center of the city. Implemented 4 daily flights. Two ferries continue to Pemba Island, and the cost from Dar es Salaam to Pemba depends on the class. On first-class ships, passengers are offered tea and a light snack. The room is air-conditioned and video films are shown. Upon arrival on the island of Zanzibar, passengers' documents are checked, so you must have a passport with you.

Telecommunications

Mobile communications in Tanzania are much better developed than cable lines. The GSM 900/1800 standard is used. Operators Tritel (GSM network code 742), Mobitel Celtel Tanzania Ltd (GSM code 743), Vodacom Tanzania Limited (GSM code 744), Zanzibar Telecom (Zantel, GSM code 747) and others cover only the main cities and areas along major highways. Zanzibar Telecom (Zantel) provides almost complete coverage of the islands. Roaming with local companies is available to subscribers of the largest Russian operators.

Network services within the country are provided by Africa Online, Cats-net.com and TZ Online. Network services in the country are consumed in a very large volume, in the capital and other large cities, Internet cafes are located everywhere. The cost per hour of connection is one of the lowest on the continent. In Zanzibar, network technologies are somewhat less developed, and the price of access is higher.
Calls to Russia In order to call from Tanzania to Moscow, you need to dial Russia code 7 and Moscow code 095. From Tanzania abroad, you can call either through a telephone operator by dialing 0900, or by direct international line through 00. Calls from Russia To call from Moscow to Tanzania, dial 8-10-255 followed by the area code (Dar es Salaam - 51). Area codes Area codes: Dar es Salaam 22, Dodoma 26, Arusha 27. Useful telephone numbers The unified emergency telephone number is 112.
Ambulance - 133, 122.
Police - 995.
Fire department - 999.

National cuisine

The national cuisine of Tanzania is quite traditional for the territory of East Africa. For the most part it is a mixture of African folk traditions based on the widespread use of plant products in combination with those products, often quite unusual, that can be found in wild nature. On the coast, the influence of European cuisine is noticeable, and Zanzibar is famous for its bizarre combination of African, Arabic and Persian culinary traditions.

Most dishes are made from various kinds meat of wild animals and birds. Beef and pork are traditionally expensive in these places. Tourists are usually offered all sorts of exotic things - antelope fillet, elephant stew, crocodile meat with banana salad, fried warthog side, simmered "nyama-choma" or "mishikaki" meat of all kinds - "nyama-nkombe" (fried beef) , "nyama-kuku" (chicken), "nyama-na-ndizi" (meat with stewed bananas), etc. It is worth trying duck stewed in coconut milk with rice "duckling dar es salaam" (festival dish) , roast ostrich with fruit sauce, various pancakes and flatbreads with various fillings, traditional African thick porridge from various grain crops "ugali" (often fried and rolled into balls, and then it goes as a side dish in addition to many meat and vegetable dishes), fried termites or locusts and other local delicacies.

as more traditional dishes you can recommend the local version of grilled chicken, game fried in dough, buffalo steak, chicken soup-puree with green peas, veal stewed with vegetables, etc. Various fried sausages, sausages and other meat products fried and smoked over an open fire, you can try in any institution, even at street vendors. Bean soup with coconut milk, which is a traditional daily dish of Tanzanians, is also very popular.

Corn, legumes, various roots and rice are usually garnished, as well as fried potatoes and salted cabbage. A traditional everyday dish, rather a snack, is dishes based on special unsweetened bananas, which are fried, stewed, baked or simmered in the oven along with meat and peanuts. Indian sauces are very popular, including the famous "curry", as well as various local spices.

Seafood is widely used on the coast. Lemon fried prawns, excellent local lobsters, octopus stew, charcoal grilled sea fish with spices, charcoal grilled fish in banana leaves, various shells, including local oysters, and seaweed salad are worth appreciating here. All restaurants offer a huge selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. Local honey is well-deservedly popular; many sweets are prepared on its basis, the recipe of which obviously has Arabic roots.

Flatbreads from various grain crops, "naan" bread are served at the table, and on the coast, traditional Indian "chapati" bread often plays this role (sometimes it is also served for dessert, but in this case the "chapati" flatbreads are repeatedly folded and served with honey , jam or various sweets) or Indian samosa pancakes. Desserts include banana custard cakes, candies (rather candied cakes) "maandazi" and fresh fruit.

Of the drinks, the most popular are fresh juices with ice, tea ("tea", it is usually brewed here "in English" - with milk and sugar) and local coffee of fairly good quality. Tanzania is one of the top five countries - exporters of coffee and tea, so the quality of these drinks is at its best here (unless, of course, it's not a fake, which you can find a lot here).

The country produces many alcoholic beverages. Light local beer is considered the national drink, of which the most popular brands are Safari, Kibo-Gold, Kilimanjaro and Tasker (usually Kenyan). Also in Tanzania they make a very strong cognac gin, good Afrikoko and Amarula liqueurs, as well as Dodoma wines. Due to the secular nature of the state, in Tanzania, even despite the strong Islamic traditions, imported alcoholic beverages can be purchased at any hotel or store.

Institutional work

Banking hours: from 08.30 to 16.00 from Monday to Friday, from 08.30 to 13.00 on Saturday.

Store hours: 08.30 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 18.00 from Monday to Friday; from 08.30 to 12.30 on Saturday. Some shops are open on Sunday.

Holidays and non-working days

Holidays and non-working days: The timing of holidays and public holidays in Tanzania is usually the same every year. If any of the following holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then the following day, Monday, is also a holiday:

New Year - January 1
Zanzibar Revolution Day - January 12
Unification Day - April 26
Workers' Day - May 1
Industrial Day - July 7
Day of the Peasants - August 8
Independence Day - December 9
Christmas - December 25
Boxing Day - December 26
Good Friday holiday - according to the calendar date.
Easter Monday - according to calendar dates.

Islamic holidays:
Iddi El Fitry - 2nd day of new moon
Iddi El Haji - 1 day of the new moon
Maulid Day - 1 day of the new moon.

customs and practices

The culture of Tanzania is many-sided and diverse, thanks to the rich history of this country and various colonial periods, loyalty and close interaction with other countries and cultures.

On the territory of Tanzania, still, practically unchanged, live such indigenous ethnic groups of Africa as the Bantu (the most famous of which are the Makonde tribes) and the Masai.

Even the etymology of one of the official languages ​​of the country - Swahili speaks of the versatility of the culture and history of Tanzania. This language was formed due to the long-term active interaction of the Arab peoples and the indigenous people of Africa.

Due to the vastness of the occupied territories, many representatives of the indigenous population of the country managed to preserve their original traditions and customs. At the same time, the symbiosis of different traditions in the densely populated areas of the country was caused alternately by the Persian-Arab invasion (the Swahili were actively engaged in international trade), and then by the Portuguese, German and British colonialization.

Each tribal or religious group has its own customs and traditions regarding the consumption of food. In some tribes, women are not allowed to eat chicken eggs or meat. In some tribes, the father-in-law or father-in-law is forbidden to eat at the same table with the daughter-in-law. In other tribes, men are not allowed to enter the kitchen. In Muslim families, men and women eat separately.

Hospitality here is one of the foundations of etiquette. The hostess and the head of the family usually meet guests at the doorstep. The whole family usually gathers to say goodbye and they accompany the guest with the whole family right up to the car door. It is customary to say goodbye to the owners of "Asante sana" ("thank you very much for the hospitality"). Accepted small souvenirs to family members. In Islamic families, increased attention to the hostess is not welcome, but in families of African origin, this will be the best compliment to the house. It is also customary to praise the children (but you should not touch them, especially the head, without the permission of the parents), the house and the wealth of the owner. Not bad before visiting a local family to find out about them social status in a tribe or community, and build your conversation around that. In Islamic families, women usually gather separately from men, at their own table, but when communicating with foreigners, this tradition can be ignored, but only by agreement with the owner of the house.

Very importance has greeting etiquette. The type of greeting depends on the status of the person and his age. A common greeting among Swahili tribes among well-known people is "Khujambo, khabari gani" ("How are you?", "What's the news?") Or simply "Jumbo!" A group of people are greeted with the word "khatujambo". The word "shikamu" is used to greet respected people. Young children are taught to greet their elders by kissing their hands or kneeling before them. Friends who meet after a long separation usually shake hands and kiss each other on both cheeks. In communicating with foreigners, they often use a handshake and the traditional English "hello".

In Tanzania, as in many other regions of Africa, the right hand is considered "clean" and the left hand is considered "dirty". Therefore, the right hand is used for eating or for exchanging gifts. The polite way to receive a gift is to first touch the gift with the right hand, and then the right hand of the giver.

Behavior at the table is also determined by many norms. Usually a traditional meal is held on mats on the floor, food is placed on low tables. But in many continental families, the meal is held in a European way - at the table. You can take food from a common plate with your hands and put it on your own plate, or you can eat from a common dish. The main thing is to ensure that food crumbs do not fall into a common dish and onto other people's plates. In Zanzibar, it is customary to give guests fresh clove shoots to flavor the mouth before eating. The sequence of dishes is traditional for East African countries - soup is served first, and then appetizers and hot dishes. Lunch ends with coffee and sweets. Light snacks and greens are usually on the table for the entire lunch.

Rice, cassava and other side dishes are eaten with the hands, pinching three fingers of the right hand (hands should be washed before and after eating and dried with a towel that is passed around the table). Meat and fish can also be taken with your hands, but in many homes there are always European cutlery on the table that can be used along with your hands. Bread and flat cakes are usually broken by hand and used as a spoon. The soles of the feet should not be directed in any direction, usually they are tucked under themselves or sit in Turkish. It is not customary to eat while standing or walking.

You can not bypass the worshipers in front. Shoes should be removed when entering mosques and houses.

The general style of life of Tanzanians can be characterized by two phrases - "hakuna matata" ("no problem") and "field-field" ("calmly", "slowly"). These phrases can describe the attitude of Tanzanians to everything around them. Service in a restaurant or travel agency is extremely slow. If a Tanzanian said "one second", then it could mean 15 minutes or half an hour. At the same time, local residents smile radiantly at all attempts to hurry them up and continue to act at a leisurely pace. It is useless to somehow influence this, you just need to put up with it and try to live in this rhythm yourself.

Adult women are often called by the name of their first child, which sometimes introduces some confusion into communication. For example, after the birth of a boy named Juma or a girl named Christina, their mother will be called Mama-Juma or Mama-Kristina. Men take marriage very seriously. After the wedding, the young man will have to behave like some kind of ancestor, chosen by him at the time of marriage as a role model. Ancestors are "consulted" in difficult times, they are honored and never discussed either in the family or with strangers. Therefore, one should not be surprised if a completely modern man, when solving some problem, suddenly declares "this is what my ancestors told me" or "I will consult with my ancestors." For the same reason, a discussion of the genealogy of the family can also be started only with the consent of the owner.

Precautionary measures

The locals are smiling, friendly and helpful. The attitude towards Russian tourists is very good. However, with all this, the white sahib in Tanzania should not move away from the main streets of cities - in order to avoid the risk of being robbed by smiling natives.

Also, do not carry large sums of money with you and wear expensive gold jewelry. At night, deserted unfamiliar places should be avoided. When walking, it is better to take a photocopy of your passport with you, and leave your passport, money and air ticket for storage in a hotel safe.

Tap water in the country cannot be drunk - only from bottles, after checking whether they were well sealed. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth, and making ice should be boiled or otherwise disinfected. Pasteurized milk and dairy products are quite safe to consume, while meat and fish should only be eaten well-done or cooked.

Be careful to keep your room free of mosquitoes, try your best to avoid mosquito bites, sleep with the air conditioner on and under a mosquito net, and be sure to use repellents. It is recommended to cover open areas of the body during the safari. If you still find a mosquito bite on yourself, then you have nothing to worry about, provided that you are taking the antimalarial drug Lariam.

Here, nature conservation is a common cause. Holidays in Tanzania involve your participation in the conservation system - you need to do a little - just do not pick up pieces of bones, skins, horns, feathers or shells. The same goes for corals, shells or starfish on the coast, as they play an important role in the fragile ecosystem of the islands. Do not litter in nature! Protection national culture is also one of the most important tasks. Guides and guides are familiar with local customs and traditions. You can always consult with them on any questions that arise. You should ask permission before taking a photo.

Useful data for tourists about Tanzania, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Tanzania, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions in Tanzania.

Geography of Tanzania

The United Republic of Tanzania is a state on east coast Africa. It borders Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The eastern border is the Indian Ocean.
Tanzania has two capitals: the historical capital of Dar es Salaam serves as the administrative center, and Dodoma, where the government moved the main organs in the 1970s, serves as the legislative center.

Most of the country is occupied by vast plateaus. The coastal lowland stretches along the coast of the Indian Ocean. The territory of the country includes part of the largest lakes in Africa - Lake Victoria in the north, Lake Tanganyika in the west, and Lake Nyasa - in the south of Tanzania. The highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro (5895 m), is located in Tanzania.

State

State structure

Tanzania is a presidential republic. The head of state and head of government is the president. Parliament is a unicameral State Assembly (Bunge).

Language

Official language: Swahili, English

Arabic is widely spoken in Zanzibar, and there are many local Bantu languages ​​in the mainland.

Religion

Religions: in the mainland - Christians 30%, Muslims 35%, aboriginal cults 35%; Zanzibar is over 99% Muslim.

Currency

International name: TZS

The Tanzanian shilling is equal to 100 cents. IN money circulation officially there are banknotes in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000 Tanzanian shillings and coins in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Tanzanian shillings. In fact, coins of less than 50 shillings fell out of circulation.

Currency can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices. The exchange receipt must be kept before leaving the country. It is not forbidden to change money at street changers, but in this case the risk of fraud is extremely high.

Credit cards have limited circulation. Usually they are accepted only by large banks, supermarkets (especially in port areas) and some travel agencies. In the provinces, paying with a credit card is much more difficult. For the service of withdrawing money from a credit card, some provincial banks charge a commission of 6-8% of the amount.

Travel checks can be cashed at registered dealers, banks or exchange offices. A passport is required for cashing out. Often, checks are very carefully checked for authenticity, which takes a lot of time.

Popular Attractions

Tanzania Tourism

Office Hours

Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 12.30-16.00, and from 08.30 to 13.00 on Saturday.

Purchases

VAT (VAT, Value Added Tax) on all goods and services is 20% and is included in the price.

Shops are usually open from Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 12.00, and from 14.00 to 18.00, on Saturday - 08.30 to 12.30. Some shops are open on Sunday. During Ramadan, many restaurants and shops are closed during the day, and smoking and drinking restrictions may be in place.

Souvenirs

The country produces unique Tanzanian green tourmalines, sapphires, garnets, rubies, emeralds and diamonds, as well as the mineral tanzanite, found exclusively in Tanzania in the volcanic deposits of Mount Kilimanjaro. All this splendor of the gifts of the earth's bowels can be purchased in the markets and in private jewelry stores.

Medicine

Immunization against tetanus and hepatitis A is recommended. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis, typhoid, malaria and plague are occasionally recorded. In rural areas there are cases of infection with African fever. When swimming in fresh water, there is a high risk of contracting schistosomiasis. Vaccinations against yellow fever, typhoid, cholera and malaria are recommended.

Sleeping sickness, which is spread by the tsetse fly, is quite common in the wooded areas of the country. Also of great concern to the world community is the rapid spread of HIV and AIDS in Tanzania.

All water should be considered potentially contaminated.

Safety

Expensive photo and video equipment, valuables or documents should not be shown. It is not recommended to walk alone at night through the streets. Do not leave things unattended. You should always carry a photocopy of your passport with you, and keep your passport, money and air ticket in a safe place (safe in the hotel).

Foreigners are the object of constant and overly intrusive attention. Do not give in to the offers of local residents to help with something. This usually ends in problems.

Emergency Phones

The unified telephone number of rescue services is 112/999.

Photo and video shooting

It is not recommended to take pictures of local residents without their permission and to visit the dwellings of local residents on your own (without a guide or a representative of a travel agency). In some places you need to pay for photography, but you should not do this everywhere and always - many natives try to beg for money in this way.

Questions and opinions about Tanzania

Zanzibar - Q&A

The official name is the United Republic of Tanzania.

Located in East Africa. The area is 945.1 thousand km2, the population is 37.2 million people. (2002). The official languages ​​are English and Swahili. The capital is the city of Dares Salam (2489.8 thousand people, 2002). By 2005, the capital is planned to be moved to Dodoma. Public Holiday- Unification Day April 26 (since 1964). The monetary unit is the Tanzanian shilling.

Member of the UN (since 1964), IMF (since 1996), AfDB, FAO, AU, SADC, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WTO, ECOWAS.

Landmarks of Tanzania

Geography of Tanzania

It is located between 29°35′ and 40°27′ East longitude and 7°02′ and 11°47′ South latitude. In the east it is washed by the Indian Ocean. The coast is abrasion with small bay dissection. Near mainland there are groups of islands (Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia, etc.). It borders Uganda in the north, Kenya in the northeast, Mozambique in the south, Malawi and Zambia in the southwest, Burundi and Rwanda in the northwest.

Most of the territory is on the East African Plateau (over 1000 m). The highest point is Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 m). On the site of lowlands and gorges, there are lakes Tanganyika, Malawi, Rukva, Manyara and Eyasu.

There are deposits of nickel (31.4 million tons), diamonds, gold, tin, tungsten, mica optical quartz, precious stones, apatite, graphite, corundum, asbestos, talc, copper-polymetallic ores, salts, etc.

Soils are predominantly brown-red (ferralitic and alferritic), in the most arid regions - red-brown, saline in places.

The climate is equatorial monsoon. Altitudinal climatic zonality is expressed in the mountains. The average temperatures of the warmest month are +25-27°С, the coldest +12-22°С. Precipitation 500-1500 mm per year.

The main rivers are Pangani (400 km), Rufiji (1400 km), Ruvuma (800 km). There are lakes along the border: Victoria (68 thousand km2), Tanganyika (34 thousand km2), Nyasa (30.8 thousand km2).

Woodlands and savannahs predominate. On the slopes of high mountains - moist evergreen mountain forests, above - Afro-subalpine and Afro-Alpine vegetation. Along the ocean coast in places - mangrove forests.

The fauna is diverse: large herbivorous mammals (elephants, black rhinos, hippos, buffaloes, various antelopes, zebras, giraffes), predators (lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals). Of the monkeys, baboons are the most characteristic. The bird fauna is very rich. There are crocodiles, snakes. Many areas are infested with tsetse. National parks- Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Ruaha, Tarangire and others; reserves of Selous, Ngorongoro, Rungwa and others.

Population of Tanzania

Population growth 2.6% per year (2002). Birth rate 39.12%, mortality 13.02%, infant mortality 77.85 people. per 1000 newborns (2002). Average life expectancy 51.7 years (2002).
Sex and age structure of the population: 0-14 years old - 44.6% (ratio of men and women 1.03), 15-64 years old - 52.5% (0.98), 65 years and older - 2.9% (0. 81) (2002). Rural population 80%, urban 20% (2002). Among the population over 15 years of age, 67.8% are literate (men 79.4%, women 56.8%) (1995).

99% of the population are peoples belonging to the Eastern Bantu (St. 130 tribes), 1% are Indians, Pakistanis, Europeans, Arabs. Languages ​​- Swahili and English, Arabic, local dialects.

On the mainland ca. 35% of the population adheres to local traditional beliefs, 35% are Muslims, 30% are Christians, in Zanzibar almost 99% of the population professes Islam.

History of Tanzania

In the 7th-8th centuries. the territory of Tanzania began to be inhabited by Arabs; in the 16th century the Portuguese appeared, who were driven out by the Arabs. To the beginning 19th century the island of Zanzibar and the coast of mainland Tanzania were ruled by the Sultans of Muscat. In 1856 an independent Zanzibar sultanate was formed. The mainland of the territory of Tanzania was captured by Germany in 1884 (became the basis of the colony of German East Africa), and after the 1st World War it became a mandate, in 1946 - a trust territory under the control of Great Britain (under the name Tanganyika); A British protectorate was established over Zanzibar in 1890. The beginning of the political activity of indigenous Africans dates back to 1929, when the Tanganyika African Association was formed, which was transformed in 1954 into the Tanganyika African National Union (TANS), headed by Julius Nyerere. TANS won the elections held in 1959 and 1960, and Nyerere became prime minister (he formed the government in May 1961). In December 1961, the independence of Tanganyika was proclaimed. Zanzibar (together with the island of Pemba and several small islands) became an independent sultanate in 1963. The sultan was overthrown in an armed coup in January 1964. After this event, a republic was proclaimed and the Afro-Shiraz Party took power. In April 1964, Tanganyika and Zanzibar formed the United Republic of Tanzania. The ruling party of Tanzania was the Revolutionary Party, founded in 1977. Because of the border conflict in 1979, Tanzania carried out a large-scale military invasion of Uganda, forcing it to capitulate. A multi-party system was introduced in 1992. In 2001, political contradictions in relations between Tanganyika and Zanzibar escalated.

State structure and political system of Tanzania

Tanzania is a presidential republic. The Constitution is in force in 1977 (as amended in 1984).
Administratively, Tanzania is divided into 25 regions: Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Kagera, Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Lindi, Mara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara, Mwanza, North Pemba, South Pemba, Pwani, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Shinyanga , Singida, Tabora, Tanga, Zanzibar Central/South, Zanzibar North, Zanzibar City/West.

Largest cities (2003, thousand people): Dar es Salaam, Dodoma (164.5), Mwanza (302.3), Zanzibar and Pemba (257.0), Morogoro (246.5), Mbeya (205 .0), Tanga (203.4).

The highest body of legislative power is the National Assembly ( legislature Zanzibar has a House of Representatives of 50 directly elected deputies). The supreme body of executive power is the government (in Zanzibar - the cabinet of ministers).

The head of state and government is President Benjamin William Mkapa (President of Zanzibar Amani Abeid Karume is the head of the internal government of Zanzibar and is elected in accordance with the Constitution of the island). The head of the supreme legislative body is Francis Nyalali.

Deputies (274 people) of the National Assembly are elected: 232 - by direct vote, 37 - women appointed by the president, 5 - from the House of Representatives of Zanzibar.

The President appoints the Vice President and ministers, including the Prime Minister, from among the members of the National Assembly.

Julius Nyerere became the first president of Tanganyika in 1962. Subsequently, he was re-elected in 1965, 1970, 1975 and 1980. Under him, the first edition of the country's Constitution was adopted in 1965, which was subsequently substantially revised in 1977.

In Tanganyika, the regions are headed by regional commissioners appointed by the president. Local self-government bodies are municipal and city councils. Development committees have been set up in the regions to manage economic, social and cultural development.

Tanzania has a multi-party system. Main parties: Revolutionary Party, National Committee for Creation and Reform, United Civil Front, United Democratic Party, Party for Democracy and Development.

Leading business organizations: Organization of the Tanzanian Trade Unions; Organization of development of small industrial enterprises; Sugar Industry Development Corporation; Confederation of Tanzanian Industry; Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Tanzania.

Public organizations: Union of Tanzanian Workers (500 thousand members in 1991), Workers' Department of the Revolutionary Party.

Domestic policy is aimed at preventing confrontation between Tanganyika and Zanzibar and keeping Zanzibar within the republic. Emphasis is placed on the development of education (up to 20% of budget allocations).

Tanzania pursues a peacekeeping foreign policy in the East African sub-region, acting as a mediator in the settlement of the Burundi and Rwandan conflicts, accepting and hosting numerous refugees on its territory.

Armed forces (1998): 34 thousand people, incl. 30 thousand people - Land units, 1 thousand people. - Navy and 3 thousand people. - Air Force. Paramilitary formations: 1.4 thousand people. military police and 80 thousand people. people's militia.

Tanzania has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1961).

Economy of Tanzania

Tanzania is an underdeveloped agricultural country. GDP $22.1 billion. GDP per capita $610 (2001). Economically active population 16,204 thousand people. (1997). Inflation 5% (2001).
Sectoral structure of the economy in terms of contribution to GDP (2000): agriculture - 48%, industry - 17%, services - 35%. Employment: agriculture - 80%, industry and services - 20%.

Electricity generation 2616 million kWh (2000). The main branch of the mining industry is diamond mining (49.1 thousand carats in 1995); Salt is also mined (66.9 thousand tons in 1995), mica, coal, magnesite, and graphite. Oil refining (313 thousand tons of oil products in 1997), cement (604 thousand tons), tobacco (4.7 million cigarettes), textile (42.7 million m of fabrics), woodworking (39 million m3 of wood) and food and flavor industries are developed. production of products from sisal.

The leading branch of agriculture is crop production (1998, thousand tons): cassava (6444), corn (2107), rice (533), sorghum (498), bananas (769) and millet (347), raw sugar (116, 1), cashew nuts (67), coffee (42). Tanzania is a leader in the African region in terms of livestock production. Production (thousand tons, 1997): meat (261), milk (693), hides and skins (51). The fish catch consists of Nile perch, tilapia, tuna and sardines.

The length of railways is 3569 km. The length of the road network is 85 thousand km, including 4.25 thousand km of paved roads and 80.75 thousand km of unpaved roads (2001). The island of Zanzibar has 619 km of roads, including 442 km of paved roads, and on about. Pemba is 363 km long, including 130 km paved.

There are 125 airports and runways. International airports: near Dar es Salaam, in the province of Kilimanjaro and on Zanzibar. Airlines: Air Tanzania Corp, founded in 1977, serves domestic airlines; Air Zanzibar, founded in 1990 to serve tourist routes.

Main ports: Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Tanga, Bagamoyo, on Zanzibar and Pemba. Merchant fleet (1998) 56 ships with a total displacement of 46.3 thousand tons.

In 1991, an international telephone network with direct dialing was put into operation. cellular in operation since 1994. Communication facilities (1998): radios - 8.8 million, televisions - 103 thousand, telephones - 127 thousand lines, cell phones - 30 thousand subscribers (1999), Internet providers - 6 (2000) , Internet users - 300 thousand people. (2002).

Trade is represented mainly by the informal sector, which is not amenable to strict statistical accounting. In 1999, approx. 600,000 tourists spending $730 million.

Modern economic and social policy is aimed at the gradual liberalization of the public sector under the guidance of international institutions, and the fight against corruption is being carried out. Tanzania is a recipient country. In 1997, aid amounted to $963 million.

National monetary unit established in the interbank foreign exchange market. Exchange rate control mode - free swimming. Foreign exchange reserves 600 million US dollars (1998). Demand deposits in commercial banks 237.7 billion tanz. shill., cash 307.8 billion tanz in free float. shill.

State budget (2000/01, million USD): revenues 1.01, expenditures 1.38. Public debt $6.8 billion (2000).

In 1991, 51% of the population of Tanzania lived below the poverty line. The poorest 10% of the population account for 3% of income, while the richest 10% of Tanzanians account for 30%.

In 2001, the export volume amounted to 827 million US dollars. Main export partners: Great Britain (22%), India (14.8%), Germany (9.9%), the Netherlands (6.9%). The volume of imports is 1.55 million US dollars. Main import partners: South Africa (11.5%), Japan (9.3%), Great Britain (7%), Australia (6.2%). The main export commodities are cotton, coffee, tea, tobacco, cashew nuts, minerals; imported - machinery and transport equipment, construction equipment, food, oil and oil products.

Science and culture of Tanzania

Primary education is compulsory and free. Education in primary school - 7 years from the age of seven. Secondary education - from the age of 14 and lasts 6 years, including the first four-year cycle and the second two-year cycle. In 1996, the proportion of school-age children who completed primary and secondary school was 42% ( primary school- 66%, secondary school - 5%).

Open in Kondoa, Kisesi, Tambala, Mwanza rock painting in grottoes (the period of the Upper Paleolithic and Neolithic). Among the artistic crafts, the most common are cult wooden and clay sculpture, mask-making, wood carving, weaving, and pottery. After 1964, a national school of painting was formed (artists S. J. Ntiro, V. Macha, F. K. Mzangi, and T. F. Abdulla).

Since 1967 there has been a theater department at the University of Dar es Salaam. In 1968, a traveling troupe was created under the youth organization National Service.

Literature develops in Swahili and English. The first text that has come down to us is "Utendi Harekali" (between 1711 and 1728). The largest writer of new literature is R. Shaaban (1909-62). English-language literature of Tanzania has existed since the beginning. 1960s The main genres are short stories and novels.

In the eastern part of Africa, the magnificent exotic country of Tanzania is located. She became famous all over the world thanks to the beautiful and amazing. In this tropical corner of Africa, you can relax with all your heart, get acquainted with all the representatives of the fauna of the mainland and have a wonderful time basking in the sun. Tourists with children also fell in love with Tanzania, because the kids in the country really have something to see and learn. Traveling to Tanzania will be one of your right decisions, it will bring many good memories and amazing moments. We will introduce you to this beautiful country and tell you everything that an inexperienced tourist needs to know.

Tourism in Tanzania is one of the important areas that brings a lot of income to the country. More than 100 thousand vacationers visit the country at the peak. The biggest tourist centers and Tanzania have long since become , and . The capital of Tanzania is, and it has become the largest city and at the same time the main political center. At the moment, the country is recognized worldwide as independent and has a presidential form of government. All state-important issues are dealt with by the cabinet of ministers, vice president, deputy president and, of course, the president himself.

Where is Tanzania located?

Tanzania is located in the eastern part of Africa. She borders on big amount countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique. On the east side, the country is washed by the Indian Ocean. Affordable access to the ocean helps the country boost the economy through fishing and exports at local ports. Tanzania includes a large archipelago. It includes many small deserted islands and three large ones: Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. This archipelago is autonomous.

Population and currency

The territory of the country is divided into 30 regions, which have their own administrative centers. The population of Tanzania is over 50 million people. A large number of people live in the country's villages, and large cities are populated mainly by tourists. Unfortunately, in Tanzania, the average age of life is considered to be 58 years. 44% of the population are residents who are between 14 and 17 years old. Such data indicate a low growth rate (only 2%) and high mortality in the country. Families in Tanzania are large, at the moment, on average, each family has 4 children.

The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling, while many restaurants, hotels and shops in the country accept US dollars for payment. 1 Tanzanian shilling is equal to 2.2 dollars. It is better to exchange currencies immediately upon arrival in the country. An amazing feature when exchanging is that banknotes of 50 and 100 dollars can be exchanged almost everywhere, but not every exchange office is ready to accept smaller bills.

Religion and language

About 120 types of ethnic groups live in Tanzania, most of the inhabitants belong to the Bantu group of peoples. Christianity is the main religion in Tanzania. It is practiced by more than half of the population. 30% of the inhabitants are Muslims, most of whom live on. 12% are Buddhists and Hindus. Often, scandals and rallies arise in Tanzania due to religious disputes, so we advise tourists to carefully choose a city for recreation, starting from the local religion.

In addition to hotels, in Tanzania you can find lodges for relaxation, but, as a rule, their rental price is much higher than the daily payment for a hotel room. You can find a good camping option anywhere in the country. This type of stop in the country is not distinguished by high cost.

Transport in Tanzania

Let's talk about one of the important moments of your trip - transport in Tanzania. It can be noted that air transportation is very well established within the country, that is, getting from one end of the Republic to the other is not a problematic issue. The opposite is true for trains. There are only two railway lines in the country with the routes Dar es Salaam - and Tanzania - Zambia. Ferries and boats run between the islands of the archipelago.

In the cities of Tanzania themselves, public buses and private taxis operate. Intercity routes also served public transport, but not much. Many tourists who come to Tanzania prefer to rent a car or bicycle, because the price for this service is relatively low.

Safety in Tanzania

Tanzania is difficult to name safe country, and if you follow the basic recommendations, you can spend an unforgettable vacation in it without unpleasant incidents. You will need to be vaccinated against yellow fever and Ebola a week before your departure to the country. To protect yourself from malaria, purchase special drugs and start taking them at least three days before departure.

While in the country, you should not carry large amounts of money, gold and documents with you. Although the locals are smiling and friendly, among them there is a large number of street thieves. Yes, and you should not leave valuables in hotel rooms, it is better to place them in the hotel safe before the walk. Always take copies of documents with you, because the identity check by the local police can catch you at any moment. If you do not show at least copies of documents to law enforcement agencies, then you may be detained for several days until a full identity check is completed.

While in the country, try to walk along the crowded streets. Doubtful back streets and streets are best to bypass or cross very quickly. Be extremely careful at night. A drunk tourist walking the streets of Tanzania at night is considered a "goldfish" for local thieves. Therefore, after dark, it is safer to spend time on the territory of the hotel or travel by taxi.

Another danger in the country has become coli. Indeed, even in the largest cities of Tanzania there is a lack of sanitary standards, so it is strictly forbidden to drink tap water. When buying it, check immediately how it is sealed. In order to brush your teeth or wash the dishes, you should initially boil water or purchase special tablets at the pharmacy.

How to get to Tanzania?

It is impossible to fly a direct flight to Tanzania from Russia. But it is much easier for residents of Ukraine or Europe to get here. You can fly from Kyiv by direct flight using the KLM route. In Europe, there are frequent flights to Tanzania from Amsterdam. Residents of Russia can make a transfer in Cairo, Dubai or London, and from the cities listed above, fly a direct flight to Tanzania airport. By the way, before flying into the country, you will have to pay an airline fee of $ 20.

The issue with is resolved very simply. You can submit an application with the relevant documents to the consulate of the country and open a visitor visa for 90 days. A more simplified option would be to purchase a visa upon entry into the country. Its duration reaches 25 days.

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United Republic of Tanzania country on the east coast of Africa. It borders Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The eastern border is the Indian Ocean.
Tanzania has two capitals: the historical capital of Dar es Salaam serves as the administrative center, and Dodoma, where the government moved the main organs in the 1970s, serves as the legislative center.

Most of the country is occupied by vast plateaus. The coastal lowland stretches along the coast of the Indian Ocean. The territory of the country includes part of the largest lakes in Africa - Lake Victoria in the north, Lake Tanganyika in the west, and Lake Nyasa - in the south of Tanzania. The highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro (5895 m), is located in Tanzania.

Airports in Tanzania

Arusha Airport

Dar Es Salaam Julius Nyerere International Airport

Zanzibar International Airport

Mwanza Airport

Hotels Tanzania 1 - 5 stars

Weather in Tanzania

The climate in Tanzania is subequatorial. In the north there are two rainy seasons (March - May and September - November), in the south - one (November - April). The climate on the islands is humid, the average daily temperature is plus 28-30 degrees, sea breezes make the weather very pleasant. Water temperature in Indian Ocean- 24-26 degrees. In the central part (1200-1700 m above sea level) average temperature- plus 22-25 degrees, nights can be cool.

Language of Tanzania

Official language: Swahili, English

Arabic is common in Zanzibar, and there are many local Bantu languages ​​in the mainland.

Currency of Tanzania

International name: TZS

The Tanzanian shilling is equal to 100 cents. Officially in circulation are banknotes of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000 Tanzanian shillings and coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Tanzanian shillings. In fact, coins of less than 50 shillings fell out of circulation.

Currency can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices. The exchange receipt must be kept before leaving the country. It is not forbidden to change money at street changers, but in this case the risk of fraud is extremely high.

Credit cards have limited circulation. Usually they are accepted only by large banks, supermarkets (especially in port areas) and some travel agencies. In the provinces, paying with a credit card is much more difficult. For the service of withdrawing money from a credit card, some provincial banks charge a commission of 6-8% of the amount.

Travel checks can be cashed at registered dealers, banks or exchange offices. A passport is required for cashing out. Often, checks are very carefully checked for authenticity, which takes a lot of time.

Customs restrictions in Tanzania

The transit of local currency is prohibited. Foreign transit has no boundaries. You can withdraw the same amount of foreign currency as indicated in the declaration upon entry. Only the declaration of amounts is required.

Without imposing a duty, you can bring into the country: up to 250 grams of perfume or toilet water, cigarettes - up to 200 pcs. or 250 gr. tobacco or 50 cigars, spirits - up to 1 liter.

Prohibited transit: explosives, drugs, poisons and pornographic products, ivory and products from it, gold, diamonds, skins of wild animals, cloves.

The export of jewelry and food is allowed only in the amount of personal needs. Import of products and personal belongings only in the amount of need. Audio, photo and video equipment must be exported according to the declaration that was filled out upon entry.

Importation of animals

Animals can only be imported after they have been examined and have a certificate from a veterinarian about their state of health and vaccinations.

Mains voltage: 220V

Tips

Tips are best given in local currency. In restaurants, they make up 10% of the total order value. Most hotels automatically include a 10% service charge on your bill. If a service fee is not included in the fare, a tip of 20 shillings will be considered quite sufficient, while in most small establishments it is not provided at all. Tips for rangers, drivers and other service personnel on a safari are usually the equivalent of 3-5 US dollars. If the service is carried out by a group of staff, the tip should be given to the head of the group, otherwise additional claims on the size of the tip and their distribution may arise.

Shopping in Tanzania

VAT (VAT, Value Added Tax) on all goods and services is 20% and is included in the price.

Shops are usually open from Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 12.00, and from 14.00 to 18.00, on Saturday - 08.30 to 12.30. Some shops are open on Sunday. During Ramadan, many restaurants and shops are closed during the day, and smoking and drinking restrictions may be in place.

Souvenirs

The country produces unique Tanzanian green tourmalines, sapphires, garnets, rubies, emeralds and diamonds, as well as the mineral tanzanite, found exclusively in Tanzania in the volcanic deposits of Mount Kilimanjaro. All this splendor of the gifts of the earth's bowels can be purchased in the markets and in private jewelry stores.

Office Hours

Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 12.30-16.00, and from 08.30 to 13.00 on Saturday.

Photo and video shooting

It is not recommended to take pictures of local residents without their permission and to visit the dwellings of local residents on your own (without a guide or a representative of a travel agency). In some places you need to pay for photography, but you should not do this everywhere and always - many natives try to beg for money in this way.

Safety

Expensive photo and video equipment, valuables or documents should not be shown. It is not recommended to walk alone at night through the streets. Do not leave things unattended. You should always carry a photocopy of your passport with you, and keep your passport, money and air ticket in a safe place (safe in the hotel).

Foreigners are the object of constant and overly intrusive attention. Do not give in to the offers of local residents to help with something. This usually ends in problems.

Code of the country: +255

First level geographic domain name:.tz

Medicine

Immunization against tetanus and hepatitis A is recommended. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis, typhoid, malaria and plague are occasionally recorded. In rural areas there are cases of infection with African fever. When swimming in fresh water, there is a high risk of contracting schistosomiasis. Vaccinations against yellow fever, typhoid, cholera and malaria are recommended.

Sleeping sickness, which is spread by the tsetse fly, is quite common in the wooded areas of the country. Also of great concern to the world community is the rapid spread of HIV and AIDS in Tanzania.

All water should be considered potentially contaminated.

Emergency Phones

The unified telephone number of rescue services is 112/999.