Area: 945,000 sq km (365,000 sq miles)

Population: approximately 42,500,000

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 languages are Kiswahili and English; of these, Kiswahili is by far the more widely spoken.

Religions: Christianity (35%), Islam (35%) and traditional beliefs (around 30%). (Zanzibar is roughly 98% Muslim).

Currency: Tanzania shillings (US Dollars are widely accepted).

Required travel documents:  a valid passport, a valid visa for those not exempted (if necessary, single entry visas can be purchased upon arrival at the immigration desk) and an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever.

Telephones:  The country code for Tanzania is +255. Several cellular phone networks operate in Tanzania, and roaming functions work in most major towns. It is however much cheaper to buy a local sim card from one of the networks upon arrival at the airport. 

Photography:  Most public buildings such as airports, government offices, national flags and people in uniform are not allowed to be photographed. Please ask permission personally when taking pictures of local people and their villages. They may charge for pictures to be taken. Please check with your guide.

For more information visit www.tanzaniatouristboard.com