Independence Day of Tanzania is celebrated annually on December 9 — commemorating the day of (Dec. 9, 1961) when the British colony of Tanganyika (today Tanzania) declared its independence from the British colonial rule and a year later on (Dec. 9, 1962) it became a republic.
The celebration of December 9 in Tanzania is committed to the declaration of independence of Tanganyika from Great Britain in 1961 and the making of the Republic in 1962. The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and pride in the country.
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Tanzania’s Independence Day is a public holiday, which is commended each year. The day respects the nation’s freedom heroes, its courageous sons, and daughters who battled for the freedom of their country from British colonial rule.
Tanzania National Day: How Many Years & Which Anniversary?
Tanzania Independence Day in falls on Thursday, 9 December – marking Tanzania’s 60 years of Independence. This year, Tanzanians will celebrate Tanzania’s 60th Anniversary of Independence.
Tanzania National Day |
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| Celebrating the Tanzania’s 1961 declaration of independence from Great Britain and the making of the Republic in 1962. | |
| When Celebrated: | December 9 |
| Upcoming Date: | December 9 |
| Significance: |
The British colony of Tanganyika (today Tanzania) declared its independence from the British colonial rule.
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| Type: |
Public/National/State Holiday
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| Where Celebrated: |
United Republic of Tanzania
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| Celebrations: |
Parades, Flag Raising Ceremony, Festivals, Seminars, Cultural Dances, Music
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| Greeting: |
Happy Tanzania Independence Day
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| How Many Years of Independence: |
60 Years of Independence
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Tanzania Independence Day Celebrations
Happy Tanzania Independence Day Wishes
Happy Tanzania Independence Day Greetings
Happy Tanzania Independence Day Quotes
Tanzania Independence Day Dates
Tanzania Independence History
Tanzania Before Colonization
Tanzania is home to probably the oldest human settlements that archeologists have found. The area Olduvai Crevasse in northern Tanzania is referred to as “The Cradle of Mankind” since fossils observed there are believed to be more than 2 million years old. The Laetoli footprints in the zone are believed to be as old as 3.6 million years.
The Bantu-speaking tribes, who are in majority in current Tanzania, migrated to the area around 2000 years ago. They embraced a large number of the traditions and customs of the local people and furthermore presented ironworking skills and new thoughts of the organization.
The Bantu-language Swahili, which today is Tanzania’s national language, spread along the coastal districts as the language of the emerging trade empire. The trade network connected East Africa’s interior with trade partners all through the Indian Ocean.
The German & British Colonization of Tanzania
The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed on the East African coast in 1498. Some years later, Portugal captured Zanzibar. The Portuguese ruled Zanzibar for around 200 years until the Omani Sultan Seyyid Said built up a fortress on the island, moved his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar and made it the century of the Arab slave trade. The sale of slaves was restricted in 1876 and in 1890 Britain assumed control over the control of Zanzibar.
European exploration of the interior nation started in the mid-19th century and German colonial interests started around the 1880s. At the start of the 1890s the Hehe, chief Mkwawa drove a guerrilla war against the Germans. He was in the long run defeated and committed suicide.
The Britain invasion of East Africa amid World War I implied an end to the German colonial rule in Tanzania (known as Tanganyika at the time) and the start of British colonial rule in the country. Under British rule, efforts were taken to battle malaria fever, the tsetse fly and bilharziasis.
Tanzania Gains Independence
Following the Second World War, the Tanganyika area was set under the United Nations (UN) trusteeship, which ordered Britain with the development of the region. Different independence movements rose around this time, including the Tanganyika Africa National Union (TANU), headed by Julius Nyerere, now the former president of Tanzania.
Support for TANU grew, and by 1960, the first-ever elections were planned for Tanganyika.
On 9 December 1961, Tanganyika turned into an independent republic and came to be known as Tanzania.
In 1962, it turned into a one-party state under Julius Nyerere, following Nyerere’s ideologically-determined policy of socialism. The impacts of this can even now be found in present-day Tanzania, however, major efforts have recently been made to stimulate the economy.
Zanzibar Becomes part of Tanzania
Zanzibar picked up freedom from Britain in December 1963 and in 1964 the two new countries (Tanzania and Zanzibar) joined to shape, what is today, the United Republic of Tanzania. Zanzibar still holds a high level of self-rule.
Nyerere is viewed as the Father of the Nation and ruled the independent republic according to his concept of African Socialism: Ujamaa. He represented Tanzania until 1985 where he handed over power to Ali Hassan Mwinyi. In 1992 the multiparty system was introduced in the country.
Tanzania Independence Day is celebrated every year on December 9.
The National Flag of Tanzania
The national flag of Tanzania is uniquely designed, consisting of a yellow-edged black diagonal band, partitioned diagonally from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is green and the lower triangle is blue.
The flag was adopted in 1964, after the unification of Zanzibar and Tanganyika, thus becoming the national flag of the United Republic of Tanzania. Since its the flag of two states that merged to form the United Republic of Tanzania, it has elements from the two former states.
What Do The Colors Mean On The Tanzanian Flag?
The colors and symbols of the Tanzanian flag carry cultural, political, and regional meanings. Here’s what the flag of Tanzania symbolizes:
- Green Color – represents the country’s natural vegetation and rich agricultural resources
- Black Color – represents the Swahili people who are native to Tanzania
- Blue Color – represents the Indian Ocean, and the country’s numerous lakes and rivers
- Yellow Color – the thin yellow stripes surrounding the black band, represent Tanzania’s mineral wealth
Tanzania Independence Day Celebrations
Tanzanians proudly celebrate their independence on December 9. It’s the day when the country escaped out from under British rule in 1961. The national day event is a huge patriotic parade followed by smaller events and festivals occurring everywhere throughout the country. A host of Tanzanian independence day celebrations are arranged all through the nation including an end of the week-long celebration and a grand festival at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Independence Day in Tanzania is praised with patriotic enthusiasm and fervor. The day starts with prayers for harmony and stability in the region.
The festivals begin with a flag-raising ceremony, trailed by a military parade including the gun salute. Many Tanzanians including foreign tourists also, make a beeline to enjoy the military parades and unique independence day exhibitions.
There are Tanzania Independence Day seminars and speeches by the government authorities, where tribute and honor are paid to Tanzania’s freedom fighters and ancient rulers who battled for the nation’s independence.
Special Independence Day functions are held all through the nation, where the inhabitants are taught how the independence of Tanzania was picked up from Britain’s colonial rule and how their ancestors struggled to get a separate homeland for their future generations.
On Independence Day, all public and private buildings are embellished with national flags. Numerous residents beautify their homes and towns with flags and lights. Firework shows are also put together on the eve of Tanzania Independence Day.
The Tanzania Independence Day festivities possess the streets with music and dancing. The beautiful cultural dances and music exhibitions further add glitz and glory to the occasion.
For some Tanzanians, Independence Day is a one-of-a-kind holiday they anticipate every year. Families and friends plan a picnic to recreational spots, where they chill, unwind and enjoy. Traditional dishes, cultural dances, and special entertainment shows are all a part of Tanzania Independence Day celebrations.
Happy Tanzania Independence Day Wishes
Happy Independence Day Tanzania! On this Independence Day, let’s pledge to set aside all our differences and shun hatred to work together for a better future of the people of Tanzania.
Happy Celebrating December 9. “Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity” Long Live Tanzania.
May our country live long. We should pay thanks to our all Leaders who worked hard and our ancestors who Sacrificed a lot for us.
May we understand, value, love and cherish the beautiful nation we were gifted after immense sacrifice and struggle.
May the morning sun brings hope and fortunes to our country today as we are celebrating our 58 years of Independence. Happy freedom to all you proud Tanzanians!
Happy Tanzania Independence Day Greetings
The Love of My Nation Is Worthiness, The Adoration For My People Is Unending, All That I Need For My Nation Is Peace & Happiness, Let Me Be The First To, Wish You A Happy Tanzania Independence Day!
Let the spirit of freedom a chance to soar high up today. I wish you a fabulous celebration on Tanzanian Independence Day !
Let every other nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we will pay any value, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any companion, restrict any enemy, guarantee the survival and success of freedom – Long Live Tanzania!
To achieve incredible things, you must not only act but also dream; Not only plan but also believe – Happy Freedom Day to All Tanzanians!
Tanzanian flags are flying high in Tanzanian skies – the entire country is celebrating together. Happy Independence Day.
Happy Tanzania Independence Day Quotes
A powerful nation made a strong history with its valor and determination. Wishing you incredible joy on this shining day.
Land of the free, home of the bold & brave.
Today, we are going to praise our independence in the name of Tanzania, there’s only one word we know which characterizes freedom, harmony, and happiness.
Warm congrats to my Tanzanian friends observing Independence Day of Tanzania.
On this Independence Day, let us take an approach and make a promise to take our country on the way of prosperity with the goal so that people can carry on with a happy life!
Tanzania Independence FAQs & Facts
Want to know more about Tanzania’s Independence? Here we have answered your most frequently asked questions related to Tanzania’s independence story.
Who Did Tanzania Gain Independence From?
Tanzania gained its independence from Britain. In 1954, a major independence movement started in the nation, which finished in 1961, marking Tanzania’s independence from Britain.
When Did Tanzania Gain Its Independence?
Tanzania gained its independence on December 9, 1961. It was on this day in 1961, the British colony of Tanganyika declared its independence, and a year later on the same date, December 9, 1962, it became a republic.
What Was The Name Of Tanzania Before It Gained Independence?
Tanzania was previously known as Tanganyika.
Was Tanzania A German Colony?
Yes, Tanzania was once a German colony. In the late 1800s, Germany took Tanganyika from Oman however soon lost it to Britain after World War I.
Was Tanzania A British Colony?
Yes, Tanzania was once a British colony. The Britain invasion of East Africa amid World War I implied an end to the German colonial rule in Tanzania (known as Tanganyika at the time) and the start of British colonial rule in the country.
Are Tanzania and Zanzibar The Same Country?
Zanzibar is actually a state of Tanzania. It’s the ‘zan’ in tan-zan-ia. (The ‘tan’ refers to Tanganyika, the mainland.)
Zanzibar has an amount of self-administration. The Revolutionary Council (Serikali ya Mapinduzi Zanzibar) still rules, and the islands have their very own chosen administration and taxes. Zanzibaris are Tanzanian nationals.
Zanzibar and Tanzania, have two different presidents, which sounds a bit strange!
The Portuguese ruled Zanzibar for around 200 years until the Omani Sultan Seyyid Said built up a fortress on the island, moved his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar and made it the century of Arab slave trade. The sale of slaves was restricted in 1876 and in 1890 Britain assumed control over the control of Zanzibar.
Throughout the hundreds of years, Zanzibar and the coastal mainland had been ruled as a part of Muscat and, at the same time, partly colonized by first Portugal, later Germany, at that point, de facto, the UK.
During the 20th century, the islands were controlled as a protectorate by the British under a League of Nations/UN command to disestablish the slave trade.
Zanzibar achieved complete independence toward the finish of 1963 as an established sultanate until a bloody a while later, ousting the sultan.
Zanzibar picked up freedom from Britain in December 1963 and in 1964 the two new countries (Tanzania and Zanzibar) joined to shape, what is today, the United Republic of Tanzania. Zanzibar still holds a high level of self-rule.
Is Zanzibar a nation?
It’s a somewhat self-governing state in Tanzania; it is not an independent country. The armed force that safeguards it is the Tanzanian Armed force.
What is the meaning of Tanzania?
The name “Tanzania” is formed from a clipped compound of the names of the two states (Tanganyika and Zanzibar) that joined to shape, what is today, the United Republic of Tanzania.
The ‘zan’ in tan-zan-ia refers to Zanzibar. The ‘tan’ refers to Tanganyika, the mainland.
How Did Tanzania Become a Country?
This was the end of a long period of foreign control that had started in 1498 when Portuguese explorers first sailed along the southeast African coast on their approach to India.
Portugal before long took control of the entire territory, however in 1699, Tanganyika was seized by Bedouin invaders from the Mideast nation of Oman. Oman additionally took control of the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, which are a part of the advanced country of Tanzania.
In the late 1800s, Germany took Tanganyika from Oman however soon lost it to Britain after World War I. In 1954, a major independence movement started in the nation, which finished in 1961.
What Is The Motto Of Tanzania?
The motto of the United Republic of Tanzania is Uhuru na Umoja, written in Swahili and means “Freedom and Unity”.
Tanzania Independence Day Dates
| Holiday | Year | Date | Day | National Day Anniversary |
| Tanzania Independence Day | December 9 | Sunday | 57th Anniversary | |
| Tanzania Independence Day | December 9 | Monday | 58th Anniversary | |
| Tanzania Independence Day | December 9 | Wednesday | 59th Anniversary | |
| Tanzania Independence Day | December 9 | Thursday | 60th Anniversary | |
| Tanzania Independence Day | 2022 | December 9 | Friday | 61st Anniversary |
| Tanzania Independence Day | 2023 | December 9 | Saturday | 62nd Anniversary |
| Tanzania Independence Day | 2024 | December 9 | Monday | 63rd Anniversary |
| Tanzania Independence Day | 2025 | December 9 | Tuesday | 64th Anniversary |
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