Unbeknown to many Dodoma is the national capital of The United Republic Of Tanzania. Dodoma, formally Dodoma City is also the capital of Dodoma Region. Let’s take a closer look at Dodoma City Tanzania.
Geography
The nation’s political capital and the seat of government is situated almost in the centre of Tanzania. The city is located 453 kilometers west of the the country’s former capital Dar es Salaam. Most of Dodoma’s inhabitants are of the Gogo, Sanawe, Rangi, and Burungi descent. In addition, Dodoma has a population of 410,956.
History
To begin with, Dodoma was a small market town. It was also a stopover on the overland caravan route during the earliest days of trade. This caravan route traveled from the Swahili Coat inland towards Lake Tanganyika. German colonists established modern Dodoma during construction of the Tanzanian central railway in 1907. Moreover, the layout depicted the typical colonial planning of the time with a European quarter segregated from a native village. In a bid to fabricate immense social and economic improvement, the Tanzanian government moved the capital from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. In addition, the decision was meant to ensure that neither the Muslims nor Christians felt under-represented.
Economy
Firstly, the majority of the population is predominantly engaged in small-scale farming. Furthermore, industries produce wood, furniture, beverages, processed food, milled rice, flour, soap and oil. Lastly, the sparsely populated agricultural region is a market centre for groundnuts, castor beans, sunflower seeds, gum, maize, rice, wheat, coffee, tea, tobacco and sorghum. Cattle rearing is also a significant agricultural activity undertaken throughout the region.
Transport
1. Airport
To start with Dodoma Airport is under the management of the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority and services the Tanzanian capital. Also, the city can be accessed by flights operated by Air Tanzania, Auric Air and Flightlink. In addition, the airport currently handles small air crafts. However, there are plans to undertake construction of a bigger airport with increased runway length and weight-bearing capacity.
2. Railway
A 465 kilometer Central Railway Line connects Dodoma with Dar es Salaam in the east. The Dodoma Train Station located near Kikuyu Avenue services the city.
3. Road link
Firstly, a major highway through the Morogoro region connects Dodoma with Dar es Salaam. Secondly, to there are road links to Mwanza and Kigomo to the west. Lastly, the existence of the Great North Road provides the city with a link to Arusha in the North.
Education
Among the many universities in Dodoma, are the St John’s University of Tanzania and the University of Dodoma. The Anglican Church of Tanzania owns and operates the former university. The latter university has a capacity of close to 35,000 tertiary students. Both universities opened to the general public and commenced operations in 2007.
In addition, The Anglican Church also possesses the only international school in Dodoma. Established in 1950, Cano Andrea Mwaka School provides English National curriculum education to children from nursery to form 4.
Attractions
1. Bunge – Tanzanian Parliament Buildings
The African inspired architecture is a marvel and well worth a visit. However, visits are restricted to occasions when Parliament is in session.
2. Museum of GeoSciences
The GeoSciences museum is home to a rather small collection of rock samples and geological information. If you’re not a geological or rock enthusiast then the museum might not be for you.
3. Nyerere Square
The historically significant Nyerere Square is a memorial to the first president of the Republic of Tanzania. The Central Business District is the location of the Nyerere Square. It is well worth a visit.
4. Lion Rock
Alternatively known as Simba Hill, Lion Rock offers an unsurpassed panorama of Dodoma from the northeast end of the region. Although it is quite a steep hike up the hill, the breathtaking views at the top make up for it.
5. Kondoa Irangi Rock Paintings
A series of caves carved into the side of a hill looking out over the plain constitute the Kondoa Irangi Rock Paintings. Some of the caves Contain human-made markings and paintings estimated to date back as far as 50,000 years.
