Country Profile for TANZANIA

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Risk Rating

General Information

Country Map
Red (High Risk) InTouch advice:
Most parts of the country are dangerous.
Do not travel unless absolutely necessary.


Amber (Moderate Risk) InTouch advice:
Some parts of the country are dangerous.
Travel with caution.


Green (Low Risk) InTouch advice:
Most parts of the country are safe.
Travel freely.
 
Capital: Dodoma

Major Languages: English, Swahili

Currency: Tanzanian Shilling

Timezone: GMT +3:00
 

Overview

Overview

 

Tanzania is one of the most stable countries in the region and is increasingly popular with tourists.  The security situation in many of Tanzania’s neighbours is highly volatile and, although unlikely to lead to open conflict, caution is advised around the exterior of the country.  This is especially the case around the north-western borders with Burundi and Rwanda as there have been reports of low-intensity cross-border skirmishes and banditry in these areas.
 
The threat of terrorism is limited in Tanzania, although attacks have taken place in the past.  Islamic militants are known to operate throughout East Africa and future attacks cannot be ruled out.  Visitors are advised to remain vigilant to the potential threat, especially in the capital, Dodoma and the largest city, Dar es Salaam. 
 
Crime is a moderate risk in Tanzania with the risk increased in major urban centres and around areas of tourism.  Although petty crimes, such as mugging and pick-pocketing, are the most likely to affect foreigners, violent crime does occur.  Visitors should undertake necessary safety precautions, such as avoid travelling at night or in isolated areas.
 
Tanzania is generally stable; however demonstrations do take place from time to time.  The response from state security forces is often violent and as a consequence all large scale public gatherings should be avoided wherever possible. 

Alerts

Alert for Tanzania

 

Saudis arrested in connection with church bomb - 6 May 2013:

Four Saudi Arabian nationals have been arrested in connection with the bomb attack on a Catholic church in Arusha which left two people dead on Sunday.  The Pope's ambassador to Tanzania and the archbishop of Arusha were attending the church at the time of the attack.

Cashew farmers set fire to politicians' houses in protest - 24 April 2013:

Some 24 buildings have been burnt down during protests by angry cashew nut farmers in Tanzania.  The farmers were angry that the price they received for their crops was less than had been agreed.  Additional police have been deployed to the area to prevent any more unrest.

Police deployed following sectarian clashes - 4 April 2013:

Police have used tear gas to disperse a group of 200 Christian rioters who were trying to set fire to a Muslim mosque in the Southern town of Tunduma.  Tensions between the two groups have escalated recently due to a disagreement about the slaughter of cattle for public consumption.

Two killed in sectarian violence - 13 February 2013:

Two people have been killed in sectarian violence at Buseresere in the Geita Region of the country.  On Tuesday a pastor with the Tanzania Assemblies of God (TAG) was beheaded during clashes with a group of Muslim youths in the town.

Islamic protesters arrested in Zanzibar - 22 July 2012:

Police have arrested 43 suspected members of an Islamist group seeking greater independence for the the Zanzibar archipelago.  The group were arrested during a protest rally on Friday, which was dispersed by security forces using water cannons and tear gas.

Islamists burn Zanzibar churches - 28 May 2012:

Hundreds of Islamist protesters have set fire to two churches and clashed with police in the city of Zanzibar. Police claim that the Uamsho (Awakening) group ordered its followers to start the unrest following the arrest of senior members of the movement.

Bomb blast kills 20 at arms depot - 17 February 2011:

At least 20 people have been killed and more than 140 injured after a series of bomb blasts at an army base in Dar es Salaam.  Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident.

Data

Tanzania Data Sheet

 

Population: 45 million

Major Religion/s: : Christianity, Islam

International dialling code: +255

International dialling prefix: 000

Emergency services: 112

Drives: Left

Voltage: 230V

Climate: Tropical

Other Major Cities: Dar es Salaam

Borders: Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi


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Journalists Under Attack

Journalists Under Attack

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Security News

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