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Tanzania
Culture & History
Personality, Culture, & Identity
Tanzania is a kindergarten classroom filled with kids
from every ethnic background, but all of whom (for the most part) try to work together
and unite to better themselves and each other. This, unfortunately doesn't translate
to any sort of economic prosperity so much as it symbolizes the people's will
to cooperate.
Like a new kid in school, they are also fairly welcoming of foreign concepts, ideas,
influences, and cultures. Much of Tanzanian history is based on the Indian Ocean
trading island of Zanzibar, which was ruled by the Portuguese, Omanis,
Germans, and British.
Each of these outsiders have influenced Tanzanian culture
from the Islamic coast to the predominantly Christian Chagga people living on the
slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Despite this seemingly cohesive country on the surface, most individuals still identify
first with their ethnic group or religion (there are many fervent Christians) and
only secondly with their nation.
History
Modern-day Tanzania is truly the "Cradle of Civilization"
given the incredible archeological finds in the country's Olduvai Gorge. This
is where evolution seemed to begin for the human race and many of these biological
changes have been found and proven here. Over time numerous African groups arrived
to and settled in what's today Tanzania.
External influence on Tanzania began in the 700s with
the spread of Islam along Africa's East Coast as cities sprung up.
European influence then began in 1498 with the arrival of Vasco de Gama
from Portugal. In the 1700s the Islamic influence returned when the
Omani Sultans took power over the coast and stationed their capital on the
island of Zanzibar. This island became the center of the Indian Ocean's trade,
including everything from African slaves and diamonds
to European weapons and clothes.
In 1886 the British and Germans
drew boundaries of their newly claimed African lands and what is the modern border
between Kenya and Tanzania
was one of these boundaries, with the Germans taking control of what is today Tanzania.
After WWI the British took control of the region, but gave the people freedom to
rule themselves in 1963.
At independence Tanzania was ill-prepared to rule itself
due to its lack of education, economy structure, and political organization. It
faced economic hardships and had to somehow educate its people, which has been a
slow, hard struggle, especially considering the lack of financial support Tanzania
received from foreign governments at first.
Searching for a solution, the Tanzanian government shifted
to a one-party system and socialism. This seemed to have been initiated wholeheartedly
and community development was led by the government, who themselves helped build
schools and took a vow to not invest in private companies in order to secure their
independence. However, with this change came government control over land, banks,
and the government even dictated what occupations the people were to participate
in. This created the mass movement of people within the country and led to discontent.
The system failed, the people still found themselves in dire economic constraints,
but at least the socialist government successfully gave their people greater access
to healthcare and education.
In the 1970s Tanzania became a major recipient of international
aid, but with the aid came suggestions on how to run the country and by the mid-1980s
the country's economy was again a mess as the government became a slave of outside
opinions and grew too big. It was at this time that the government completely ended
their socialist tendencies and most government employees were released as government-owned
buildings were sold well below value.
Since the mid-1980s the country has begun to work its way back upward, however with
huge debts and shrinking education levels, little progress has been made. Additionally,
as neighboring nations find themselves in internal conflicts,
Tanzania has welcomed refugees, creating a number of refugee camps on their
western and southern borders with Uganda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo,
Rwanda, and Mozambique.
Dress & Behavior
There are few dress or behavioral warning to be aware of in
Tanzania other than along the coast, where Islam dominates. The only warning
everyone must be aware of in all parts of the country is that many local cultures
believe having their picture taken is unlucky or that by having their picture taken,
a part of their soul is stolen from them. For this reason never take pictures of
the local people unless you first ask and are given permission.
In Muslim areas it is considered inappropriate for women to leave their hair uncovered,
however this is loosely enforced, especially among foreigners. Women covering their
heads will show great respect to their culture, however most Tanzanians understand
if you don't cover your hair.
Again in these Muslim areas, both women and men are expected to cover their legs
and shoulders; showing your knees can be very offensive. 3/4 length pants, like
Capris and short sleeve shirts are only looked down upon by strict Muslims, however
wearing full length pants and long sleeves at all times is the best course of action.
Most seaside resorts allow these rules to be ignored, but follow the example of
locals in these places.
Islamic law forbids pork products and alcohol. While the interior has no dietary
restrictions, along the coast try to avoid drinking alcohol and eating pork. In
these areas though, pork products are difficult to find so avoiding pork is easy
due to its inaccessibility. To learn more about dining etiquette in
Tanzania, visit the Tanzanian Food page.
This page was last updated: August, 2011