Country information

Area: 945,000 sq km (365,000 sq miles)
Population: 39,384,223 (July 2007 est)
Capital: Dodoma is the official capital and seat of Tanzania's Union Parliament. Dar es Salaam remains home to government ministries and major institutions, including diplomatic missions.
People: Some 120 ethnic groups on the mainland, none exceeding 10% of the population. Larger groups include Sukuma, Nyamwezi, Ha, Chagga, Masai, Haya and Gogo. There are Asian and expatriate minorities.
Languages: The official language is Kiswahili. English is also widely spoken.
Religions: Christianity (40%), Islam (35%) and traditional beliefs (around 20%). (Zanzibar is roughly 98% Muslim).
Currency: Tanzania shilling (Tsh). £1 buys Tsh 2500 (1 February 2007).
Major Political Parties: Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Civic United Front (CUF), Chama cha Democrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA)
Head of State: President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (elected December 2005).
President of Zanzibar: Amani Karume (re-elected October 2005)
Prime Minister: Edward Lowassa (appointed December 2005)
Foreign Minister: Bernard Membe
Membership of international groupings/organisations: East Africa Community (EAC) Southern African Development Community (SADC), Commonwealth, World Trade Organisation, African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN). 

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