Tanzania is the largest country in eastern Africa. It is known as the highest point in Africa with the Kilimanjaro and its beautiful islands such as Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia.
The country which was formed by merging Tanganyika and Zanzibar became independent in 1964.
Until resigning as president in 1985, independence leader Julius K. Nyerere was in charge of two decades of socialism – adopting the policy of village farming. A multiparty system was established in 1992 after a constitutional amendment.
With a population of 57 million people, 80 percent of Tanzanians farm or fish at subsistence levels; in many areas tse-tse fly infestation hampers successful animal husbandry.
Tourism remains an important aspect of the economy. Dar es Salaam is the administrative capital, but Dodoma is the designated future capital and current home to Tanzania’s legislature.
As we commemorate its independence, we bring you five famous people you probably didn’t know were of Tanzanian descent.
