The United Republic of Tanzania is a country situated in East Africa. To the north of Tanzania lies Kenya and Uganda and to its south lies the countries of Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo surround the western part of Tanzania, while to its East lies the Indian Ocean. The present United Republic of Tanzania in East Africa was given a shape when the two sovereign states of Tanganyika and Zanzibar were amalgamated in 1964.
Tanzania derives its name from its two constituent units. Tanganyika, one of the constituent units of the United Republic of Tanzania in East Africa, became a sovereign nation on 9th December 1961 whereas Zanzibar achieved its sovereignty in 1963. The Government of United Republic of Tanzania is a unitary republic, having the Union Government and the Zanzibar revolutionary government as its constituent units. Presently Mr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete is acting as the president of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The United Republic of Tanzania in East Africa has the largest land area among all east African countries. Dar es Salaam was its capital till 1996 after which the administrative base was shifted to Dodoma. Though no more the political capital, Dar es Salaam retains its importance as the commercial capital of the country. Being a major port city, Dar es Salaam serves the neighboring landlocked countries of Burundi, Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia and Uganda.
Tanzania is a country which has been blessed by nature's bounty. The landscape of Tanzania can be divided into three physiographic regions. The coastal plains and the island regions lie to the east. The other two regions include, the highlands and the saucer shaped plateau. Another important physical feature of the country is the Great Rift Valley that runs through the central plains of Tanzania. The country boasts of the largest density of wildlife. The game reserves of Tanzania like, Arusha, Ruaha, Saadani, Udzungwa Mountains, Ngorongoro Crater, Kigosi, Lukwika-Lumesule, Maswa, Monduli Mountains, Msangesi, Ugala, Selous Game Reserve, Gombe Stream, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Mikumi, and Mkomazi are famous all over the world. The highest peak of Africa Mount Kilimanjaro is also present in Tanzania.
The United Republic of Tanzania in East Africa has a politically stable atmosphere, unlike most other African countries. This makes it a favorite tourist destination among foreign tourists. The natural beauty of the country along with its vast reserve of wildlife attracts thousands of tourists every year.
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