Culture and Economy of Tanzania
In studying a nation, different factors and aspects have to be well examined: history, geography, people, government, culture, economy, education, and environment of that country. In our case, restrictions of time and effort imply confining to some issues, namely culture and economy.
Tanzania is a nation where religion, culture, history and traditions vary differently when compared to others especially in its culture. Tanzania has originated from two countries, Tanganyika and Zanzibar, which were two independent nations that were granted independence by Britain. However, in the 1900’s they decided to unite again. Tanzania’s diverse culture is the result of the different influences that have taken over the country all the way from the Portuguese, British, Germans, and the Arabs. Since Tanzania is a government republic it is known as The United Republic of Tanzania.
Tanzania’s official language is Swahili; their second language is English, and Arabic is also widely spoken in Zanzibar. In Tanzania there are 30% Christians and 35% Muslims and the other 35% are of different beliefs. However, in Zanzibar it is the opposite where 99% of the people are entirely Muslims. (Landers and Grossman) Religion freedom is a good feature in Tanzania since many of the world’s religion has played an important role in shaping the nation’s history. (Advameg)
It is estimated that Tanzania has a total of 120 ethnic groups speaking the four major African languages which include “Khoisan” the click speaking group, Maasai, Cushitic and the Bantu. “The largest ethnic groups include the Sukuma (over three million), and the Chagga ,Haya and Nyamwezi (over one million each).” (Advameg) Ethnic groups vary the same way religion does where 99% are African and the other 1% consists of Asians, Arabs and Europeans. (Landers & Grossman) The Maasai are popular for their dressing style. Men cover their bodies by putting a toga drape and carry weapons such as spears and large knives, while women
Tanzania is a nation where religion, culture, history and traditions vary differently when compared to others especially in its culture. Tanzania has originated from two countries, Tanganyika and Zanzibar, which were two independent nations that were granted independence by Britain. However, in the 1900’s they decided to unite again. Tanzania’s diverse culture is the result of the different influences that have taken over the country all the way from the Portuguese, British, Germans, and the Arabs. Since Tanzania is a government republic it is known as The United Republic of Tanzania.
Tanzania’s official language is Swahili; their second language is English, and Arabic is also widely spoken in Zanzibar. In Tanzania there are 30% Christians and 35% Muslims and the other 35% are of different beliefs. However, in Zanzibar it is the opposite where 99% of the people are entirely Muslims. (Landers and Grossman) Religion freedom is a good feature in Tanzania since many of the world’s religion has played an important role in shaping the nation’s history. (Advameg)
It is estimated that Tanzania has a total of 120 ethnic groups speaking the four major African languages which include “Khoisan” the click speaking group, Maasai, Cushitic and the Bantu. “The largest ethnic groups include the Sukuma (over three million), and the Chagga ,Haya and Nyamwezi (over one million each).” (Advameg) Ethnic groups vary the same way religion does where 99% are African and the other 1% consists of Asians, Arabs and Europeans. (Landers & Grossman) The Maasai are popular for their dressing style. Men cover their bodies by putting a toga drape and carry weapons such as spears and large knives, while women
Bibliography: Advameg Inc. "Culture of Tanzania." Advameg Inc website. 27 11 2010 . Michael Landers & Lisa Grossman. "Tanzania." Culture Crossing. 27 11 2010 . The Tanzania National Website. "Culture and Traditions." The Tanzania National Website. 27 11 2010 . Yeager, Rodger. Tanzania: An African Experiment. Gower, UK: Westview, 1982. Print.