 People |
Tanzania is a real heterogeneous country with different nationalities, tribes and ethnic groups. Tanzania's population, estimated at about 31 million, is comprised of about 120 tribal groups.
 Ethnic groups |
In the mainland: native African 99% (of which 95% are of Bantu origin), other 1% (consisting of Asian, European, and Arab)
In Zanzibar: Arab, native African and mixed Arab/native African.
| Tribes |
The Maasai, who occupy a large track of land known as Maasailand stretching from the Central Province in Kenya to the north all the way to Singida and Dodoma Regions in Tanzania to the south, have peculiar tribal organisation.
The central feature is the age-grade system, under which every young man passes through the grades of junior warrior- morani, senior warrior- lepaiyani to elders - orpaiya.
The Maasai in Tanzania are divided into three divisions: Kisongo, Paraquyo - to which all the Maasai in Kenya belong - and Waarusha. There are differing theories on the origins of the Waarusha: one that states this division originates from the Gweno - an off-shoot of the Wapare; and another that states that this division is Kwavi, who were driven by the Kisongo to the extreme south- past Ngorongoro-of the Maasailand.
When a young Maasai man reaches the age of 18 years, he is sent for training on bravery, adulthood and how to look after cattle. On completion of this training he also undergoes circumcision after which he moves to a special boma - household- build by his mother at the edge of the manyatta- homestead. He has now become a morani and he is expected to defend the manyatta against all invaders -man and animals.
Girls, known as ndito are groomed into womanhood once they reach the age of 15. They will be trained in housekeeping, how to milk a cow and how to look after the husband, after which they are also circumcised. They will now be known as Esyangiki or Esipolie. Maasai women elders are known as Ndasati. The traditional ceremony held for this purpose is known as Elatip and normally lasts fort two to three days and includes ngomas, feasting and fun-fare. The number of animals slaughtered for elatip goes together with the number of boys (ilmoran) and girls (ndito) involved. It is usual for members of other tribes or societies to be invited to this ceremony.
Their culture centres on their cattle, which provide many of their needs, milk, blood and meat fir their diet, and hides and skins for clothing. The Land, cattle and all elements related to cattle are considered sacred.
The Makonde, known throughout East Africa for their ebony woodcarving, are one of Tanzania's largest ethnic groups. They originated in northern Mozambique, where many still live. Beginning in the 18th century, large numbers of Makonde began to migrate northwards across the Ruvuna River and up the coast, as well as onto the Makonde plateau around Newala. Some of the migrations were likely undertaken to escape flooding in the Ruvuma Valley. | More Makonde followed later in the 19th century, seeking relief from famine in Mozambique and refuge from the raids of traders. The Mozambican War, which was especially brutal in the north of the country, sparked another large influx, with up to 15,000 Makonde coming over the border during the 1970s and 1980s in search of safe haven and better employment.
While some returned following the 1992 peace accords, many stayed and have now become integrate into Tanzania life. In Tanzania, apart from a significant carving community in Dar es Salaam, the Makonde have settled primarily in the Mtwara, Newala and Lindi districts in the South -east, with the largest concentrations on the Makonde plateau.
Although the Makonde on both sides of the Ruvuma are considered to be a single ethnic entity, there are now numerous cultural and linguistic differences between the two groups. It is the Tanzania Makonde who have been primarily responsible for the development of modern Makonde sculpture.
The Makonde, like many tribes in the Southeast, are matrilineal. Although customs are gradually changing, children and inheritances normally belong to the women, and it is common for husbands to move to the village of their wives after marriage. Settlements are widely scattered - possibly a remnant of the days when the Makonde sought to evade slave raids - and there is no tradition of a unified political system. A hereditary chief and a council of elders govern each village.
Due to their isolated location, the Makonde have remained largely insulated from colonial and post-colonial influences, and are considered to be one of Tanzania's most traditional groups.
| Religions |
Considering this melting pot of peoples and culture, there is no doubt that there are a great variety of religions in Tanzania as well.
45% of Tanzanians are Christian and 35% Muslim. The reminders are adherents of traditional religions that centre on ancestor worship, the land and various ritual objects. There are also small communities of Hindus, Sikhs, and Israelis.
Muslims have traditionally been concentrated along the coast and represent 99% of the population in Zanzibar.
| Languages |
Kiswahili or Swahili
This language is the national language. Kiswahili is the mother tongue of the Bantu people living in Zanzibar and nearby coastal Tanzania; Although Kiswahili is Bantu in structure and origin, its vocabulary draws on a variety of sources, including Arabic and English, and it has become the lingua franca of central and eastern Africa.
English is the official language. It is primary language of commerce, administration, and higher education.
Kiunguju is the name for Swahili in Zanzibar
Arabic is widely spoken in Zanzibar.
More than 100 other languages are spoken by ethnic groups across the country both in rural areas and urban areas. |
