FULL NAME:United Republic of Tanzania (formerly United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar)

CAPITAL:Dodoma

INDEPENDENCE:  9 December 1961

TIME:  GMT +3 hours

POPULATION  36,588,225 (estimated 2004)

AREA:  945,090 hm² (886,040 km² land including Zanzibar, Mafia and Pemba Islands; 59,050 km² water)

CURRENCY:  Tanzania shilling (TSh or TZS)

PRESIDENT:President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
(since 21 December 2005)

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

New Year’s Day 1 January
Zanzibar Revolution Day 12 January
Human Rights Day 21 March
Good Friday (varies)
Family Day (varies)
Union Day 26 April
Constitution Day 27 April
Labour Day 1 May
Saba Saba (industry day) 7 July
Farmers' Day 8 August
Nyerere Day 14 October
Independence Day 9 December
Christmas Day 25 December
Day of Goodwill 26 December