Background:
Shortly after achieving independence from Britain in the early 1960s, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the nation of Tanzania in 1964. One-party rule ended in 1995 with the first democratic elections held in the country since the 1970s. Zanzibar's semi-autonomous status and popular opposition led to two contentious elections since 1995, which the ruling party won despite international observers' claims of voting irregularities. The formation of a government of national unity between Zanzibar's two leading parties succeeded in minimizing electoral tension in 2010.
Geography:
East Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenta and Mozambique
Area – Comparative:
Slightly larger than twice the size of California
Border Countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia.
Climate:
Varies from tropical along coast to temperate in highlands
Lowest Point: Indian Ocean
Highest Point: Kilimanjaro (highest point in Africa)
Nationality: Tanzanians
Ethnic Groups:
Mainland: Africans 99% (of which 95% are Bantu consisting of more than 130 tribes). Others 1% (consisting of Asian, European, and Arabs); Zanzibar: Arab, African, mixed Arab and African.
Languages:
Kiswahili or Swahili (official). Kiunguia (name for Swahili in Zanzibar, English (official, primary language of commerce, administration, and higher education). Arabic (widely spoken in Zanzibar.)
Religions:
Mainland: Christians 30%. Muslim 35%. Indigenous beliefs 35%; Zanzibar: more than 99% Muslim
