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Tanzania,
located in East Africa, and it is covering an area
of 937,062 sq km. It boarders with Kenya and Uganda to the
North, Indian Ocean to the East, Zambia, Malawi, and
Mozambique to the south and Rwanda, Burundi, and Democratic
Republic of Congo (Zaire) to the west. (See
the Map)
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Languages:
Swahili is the national and official language. English as a
second official language is widely spoken especially in
major cities, to a lesser extend in rural areas. Arabic is
spoken in
Zanzibar
and
Pemba,
to a lesser extent though. Tribal languages are widely
spoken as well.
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Religions:
Tanzania is among few countries where religious harmony is
prevalent; people of different religions live in harmony
and inter religious marriages are common. The main religions
are Christianity and Islam, minority religions are
Buddhism, Hinduism and traditional religions. The islands
of
Zanzibar and Pemba
are predominantly Muslims ( 98 percent ).
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Culture:
Tanzania is a country rich in culture; a blend of African,
Arabian, Indian and European influences. Tanzanians are very
generous and hospitable yet conservative. They are very
welcoming but want people to treat their culture with
respect. (see
Culture tours)
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In
the off-shore islands of
Zanzibar and Pemba
people are very conservative, therefore, wear clothes that cover
your body. Sun bathing on the beaches should be traded with
care. Respect the holly months of Ramadan if you happen to be in
the Islands. Do not eat in public during fasting periods.
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Financial Matters:
Shilling is the unity currency divided in 100 cents. Major
banks and bureau de changes are found in all major cities .
Where bureau de changes are not present money has to be changed
in banks. Do not change money in black markets; it is illegal
and you risk going to a jail or being swindled. Credit cards are
widely accepted especially in major hotels, sometimes exorbitant
surcharge of 5%-10% is levied on a transaction.
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