Tanzania: flag, capital, currency and history
Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania, is a country in Eastern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Dodoma. The currency is the Tanzanian shilling. Languages spoken include English and Swahili.
Quick facts about Tanzania
- Official name
- United Republic of Tanzania
- Capital
- Dodoma
- Region
- Africa, Eastern Africa
- Currency
- Tanzanian shilling (TZS, Sh)
- Languages
- English, Swahili
- Calling code
- +255
- Internet domain
- .tz
- Area
- 945,087 km² (364,900 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Tanzanian
- National day
- Union Day, April 26
Flag of Tanzania
Download the flag of Tanzania as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇹🇿.
History of Tanzania
The Tanzanian mainland holds some of the earliest evidence of human ancestors, and Bantu-speaking farmers settled much of it over centuries. Swahili coastal towns such as Kilwa traded across the Indian Ocean, and Zanzibar later came under Omani influence. Germany claimed mainland territory in the 1880s as German East Africa, and Britain took over after the First World War. Tanganyika became independent in 1961 and Zanzibar in 1963. After a revolution in Zanzibar in January 1964, the two united in April 1964 to form Tanzania. Multiparty politics was introduced in the early 1990s.
Key dates
- 10th centurySwahili trading towns, including Kilwa, grow along the coast.
- 1880sGermany establishes control over mainland territory as German East Africa.
- 1961Tanganyika becomes independent from Britain.
- 1963Zanzibar becomes independent.
- 1964Tanganyika and Zanzibar unite to form Tanzania.
- 1992Multiparty politics is legalised.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Tanzania
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian shilling (TZS, Sh). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Tanzania?
The capital of Tanzania is Dodoma.
What currency does Tanzania use?
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian shilling (TZS, symbol Sh).
What languages are spoken in Tanzania?
Languages used in Tanzania include English and Swahili.
What is the calling code of Tanzania?
The international calling code of Tanzania is +255. Its internet domain is .tz.
Which countries border Tanzania?
Tanzania shares land borders with Burundi, DR Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia.
On which continent is Tanzania?
Tanzania is in Africa, in the region of Eastern Africa.
What is the national day of Tanzania?
Tanzania marks Union Day on April 26.
Neighbours of Tanzania
More countries in Eastern Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).