Every year people from different parts of the
world come to Canada in search of new opportunities. In recent years, there
has been an increase in the number of Tanzanians who have come to Canada.
Some come to work or study. Others come as refugees. Although most Tanzanians
are familiar with English, they will find Canadian life very different
from life in their own country. They have left behind friends, relatives
and a familiar way of life. It will take them time to adjust to Canadian
culture. |
 |
You may be a volunteer with the HOST program,
where you will have the opportunity to meet people from Tanzania. You may
have met newcomers from Tanzania at your workplace, school or place of
worship. If you have some understanding of their background, you will find
it easier to understand the challenges that these newcomers face and help
them adjust to life in Canada.
You can help newcomers from Tanzania by answering
their practical questions about school, work, transportation and shopping.
You can also introduce them to Canadian traditions. In turn, they have
a great deal they can share with you. Tanzanians possess a complex and
fascinating culture. |
Did you know? |
Archaeological
remains almost two million years old were found at Olduvai Gorge in the
Serengeti Plain in northern Tanzania by Louis and Mary Leakey. They have
given scientists many clues about how the earliest humans lived. |
|
|
This cultural profile of Tanzania provides a brief
description of various aspects of Tanzanian life. However, there are more
than 120 ethnic groups in Tanzania, each with its own language or dialect
and traditions. Although this cultural profile provides insight into some
customs, it does not cover all facets of life in Tanzania. The culture
described may not apply in equal measure to all newcomers from Tanzania.
Summary Fact Sheet |
 |
Official
Name |
United Republic
of Tanzania |
Capital |
Dodoma |
Type of
Government |
Republic |
Population |
30 million |
Area |
945,090 sq.
km |
Major
Ethnic Groups |
Bantu, Nilotes,
Hamites, Arabs, Asians |
Languages |
Swahili,
English, other indigenous languages |
Religions |
Islam, Christianity,
traditional beliefs |
Unit of
Currency |
Tanzanian
Shilling |
National
Flag |
Divided diagonally
into two triangles, from the lower hoist side to the upper outside corner;
the upper triangle green, the lower triangle blue, the dividing line black
edged with yellow. |
Date of
Union |
April 26,
1964 |
|
|

|