Tanzania's History after the End of Colonialism

During World War I, Great Britain blockaded the colony, preventing Tanzania to get help from Germany. Britain continued the advance until they occupied the entire territory.1 Tanganyika later became an independent nation in 1961 after TAMU (Tanganyika African National Union) campaigned perseveringly for sovereignty. A few years later, in 1963, Zanzibar became independent and a year later, in 1964, Tanganyika and Zanzibar united to become the United Republic of Tanzania.2

Today, Tanzania is a developing country. Tanzania is in the bottom 10% of the world’s economy in terms of income and relies heavily on agriculture.3 Agriculture provides for the majority of Tanzania’s exports, and employs about 80% of the workforce. Nevertheless, the majority of Tanzania’s population rests below the poverty line, making Tanzania one of the poorest countries in the world. To alleviate some of the country’s economic woes, tourism is an important revenue earner. Attractions include the Serengeti and Mt. Kilimanjaro.4

In addition to economic woes, there are political rifts. The political union between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar has declined as exemplified by Zanzibar’s own government (parliament and president).



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1. "Tanzania History.com Articles, Video, Pictures and Facts." The History Channel Home Page. Web. 28 Feb. 2010. http://www.history.com/topics/tanzania

2. "Tanzanian Independence." Lewis & Clark, Portland, Oregon USA. Web. 02 Mar. 2010. http:/legacy.lclark.edu/~peck/EAf-Orient/Tanzania/T-independence.htm

3. "CIA - The World Factbook -- Tanzania." Welcome to the CIA Web Site Central Intelligence Agency. Web.01 Mar. 2010. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tz.html

4. "BBC News - Tanzania country profile." BBC NEWS | News Front Page. Web. 02 Mar. 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1072330.stm