Status : United Republic of Tanzania
Administrative capital; Dodoma (population 85,000), a seat for the Union Parliament, Prime Minister's office and the Ministry for Regional and Local Government.

Commercial capital; Dar es Salaam , the main harbour and major trading centre (population 2.5 million) Area 945,087 sq km, comprising Tanzania mainland and the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba .

Population
Tanzania now has a population approaching 35,000,000 with the mainland accounting for over 33,500,000 and Zanzibar almost 1,000,000. The annual population growth rate in Tanzania mainland is 2.9 percent and Zanzibar 3.1 percent. Dar es Salaam population is 2,500,000.

Local time: GMT+ 3

Climate
The climate is warm and humid in coastal regions but regulated by sea breezes. Temperatures range between 24-28 °C. October to mid-March is the hottest period and June to September, the coolest. However, the range of tem­perature is always limited: between 25 and 30°C on the coast and between 22 and 27°C in the highlands. The rainy season is from mid-March to the end of June.

Language: Kiswahili and English are the official languages
Electricity: 230 volts

Telecommunications:
Tanzania Telecommunications Compa­ny Limited (TTCL) - landlines telephone service coverage almost throughout the country. Country code is 255 and outgoing international code is 00. In rural areas, international calls must go through the operator. Most towns in Tanzania have direct dialling facilities. Cellular phone companies also provide international roaming-services.

General Information:
Health
Visitors are advised to take anti-malaria tablets before and when on safari. Per­sonal insurance is also advised. Hospitals provide good medical care in the cities, and in the bush or on safari 'Flying Doctor' facilities are also available. For detailed advice on 'medical kits' to bring with you should consult your lo­cal doctor or health department.

Visas
Visas are required except for citizens of some countries of the Commonwealth. Travellers can obtain visas from the Tanzanian Embassies & consulates as well as major entry points in the coun­try such as Dar es Salaam , Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar International Airports , Namanga, Tunduma, Sirari Horohoro and Taveta.

Currency Exchange: Tanzania Shillings (Tshs.)
Money may be changed at commercial banks or at bureaux de change. Visa cardholders can have access to local currency 24 hours a day through Standard Chartered Bank's (ATM). Master Card are accepted at Barclays Bank distributors. Other credit cards have limited acceptance.

Banking hours : 08.30 -15.00 Monday to Friday 08.30 -12.00 on Saturday
Religion
Most of the population is either Christians or Muslims with minority as Hindus, while a small minority observe local forms of worship. Religious harmony is a key element of Tanzanian culture and harmonious living.
People
Tanzanians are a warm, friendly and hospitable people. The population is mostly Bantu, the largest being the Sukuma and the Nyamwezi. There are 125 recognised tribes whose diverse Bantu, Nilotic and Haminic Vernacular languages, traditions and customs have great cultural appeal. This diversity also manifests itself in the unique ways of dressing including hair styles, local dances, paintings (tingatinga), handcrafts, sculptures and gastronomy. The population also includes the popular and traditionalist Maasai (pastoralists) and the Barbaigs around Lake Eyasi .