Another important milestone crossed in a person’s life is their 50th Birthday. Also known as ‘Golden jubilee’ celebrations, this special Tanzania is the largest East African country. The northern boundaries of Tanzania consist of the countries of Kenya and Uganda. Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique form the southern boundary of Tanzania. To its east lies the Indian Ocean and to its west lies the countries of Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Rwanda. The present United Republic of Tanzania was formed due to the unification of two sovereign countries, namely Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Zanzibar is still a semi-autonomous portion of Tanzania. The present government of Tanzania comprises of the Union Government and the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government. History of Tanzania is indeed very interesting. It stretches across a period of more than 10,000 years.
Tanzania has a long and eventful history. The country is supposed have been the habitat of few of the earliest human beings. The Olduvai Gorge area, near the Serengeti National Park, is often referred to as the "cradle of mankind". After these early human beings came the 'Khoisan', 'Cushitic' and the Bantu speaking communities who dominated the landmass of Tanganyika for quite some time.
The Persian and Arab traders began to settle down in the mainland of Tanganyika at around 700 AD. The Persian and Arabian traders intermingled with the local Bantu speaker communities. Slowly several settlements and trading outposts were formed not only along the coastline of Tanganyika, but also in the island region of Zanzibar.
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach the East African coast in the 15th century. The Portuguese dominated the scene till the 18th century. The Portuguese were ousted by the Arabs within the 18th century. By that time the Arabs had regained their control over the country. Zanzibar, at this time became a very important center for the Omani kingdom.
The next phase in the history of Tanzania, was the phase of European domination and freedom struggle of the natives. Tanzania became a British Protectorate in 1890.
The present history of Tanzania began in 1961, with the independence of Tanganyika. Zanzibar became independent in 1963. These two countries were united to form the present day United Republic of Tanzania.
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