Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Dar es Salaam ('haven of peace' in Arabic) is Tanzania's largest city, principal port and economic capital. Although Dodoma is the official capital, Dar remains the country's commercial heart and one of East Africa's fastest-growing cities.
Highlights
- Tanzania's main Indian Ocean port
- Gateway to Zanzibar, Selous Game Reserve and Kilimanjaro
- National Museum and Village Museum (Makumbusho)
- Coco Beach and Kigamboni Peninsula
History
Founded in the 1860s by Sultan Majid of Zanzibar, Dar became German East Africa's capital in 1891 and remained Tanganyika's capital after British takeover and at independence in 1961. Tanzania began moving government functions to Dodoma in the 1970s, but Dar still hosts most ministries and businesses.
Economy
Dar es Salaam handles about 95% of Tanzania's maritime trade and contributes roughly 17% of national GDP. The port is being expanded; the city hosts the country's stock exchange (DSE) and the major banking, insurance and telecom sectors.
Neighborhoods
Masaki and Oysterbay are upscale diplomatic and expat areas; Kariakoo is a vast traditional market and trading district; Mikocheni and Mbezi are middle-class residential.
Distances from Dar es Salaam
Calculate distance and flight time from Dar es Salaam to other major African cities: