Daressalaam

Home to 2.8 million people and considered to be the 9th fastest growing city in the world, Dar es Salaam is the largest and wealthiest city in the country of Tanzania. Translated, its name means House of Peace. However, it was not always called Dar es Salam. It was actually formerly called Mzizima. It was founded by Sultan Seyyid Majid of Zanzibar in the year 1862. Over the years, the small village of Mzizima turned into a sprawling metropolis. In fact, Dar es Salaam used to be the country’s capital until 1964, when it was replaced by Dodoma. But even then, this city’s status as the most important center of business and government in Tanzania has not changed. This may be partly due to Dar es Salaam’s ideal location: right next to a natural harbour in the Indian Ocean. It is a major hub of transportation in Tanzania, and many highways and railways originate from this city. Even the country’s main international airport, Julius Nerere International Airport, is situated here. As such, Dar es Salaam is a center of trade and industry. This city has a very high concentration of small businesses, establishments, and services. Aside from being the economic center, however, Dar es Salaam is also the educational center of Tanzania. Several universities can be found here such as the University of Dar es Salaam, the Open University of Tanzania, the Ardhi University, the Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, and the International Medical and Technological University. It also has some of the finest and most exclusive schools in the whole country such as the International School of Tanganyika, Dar es Salaam International School, The Ali Hassan Mwinyi Elite School, and the Heaven of Peace Academy.