Dar es Salaam, an Arabic name meaning “haven of peace,” was formally founded by the Majid bin Sayyid (c. 1834-1870), the Sultan of Zanzibar, in 1866. British forces took control of Dar es Salaam and German East Africa during World War I. They renamed the colony Tanganyika but retained Dar es Salaam as the capital.

How did Dar es Salaam get its name?

In 1865 or 1866, Sultan Majid bin Said of Zanzibar began building a new city very close to Mzizima and named it Dar es Salaam. The name is commonly translated from Arabic as abode (home) of peace, from dar (house), and es salaam (of peace).

Why did Tanzania change its name?

On 26 April 1964, Tanganyika united with Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The country was renamed the United Republic of Tanzania on 29 October of that year. The name Tanzania is a blend of Tanganyika and Zanzibar and previously had no significance.

Is Dar es Salaam the fastest growing city?

Population Growth While Dar es Salaams population doesnt seem that large compared to some of the worlds other cities, it is one of the fastest-growing in Africa. In fact, it is the third fastest-growing city in Africa and the ninth fastest-growing in the world.

What language is spoken in Dar es Salaam?

Swahili Tanzania has two official languages, Swahili (kiSwahili) and English. Swahili, the national language, is a composite of several Bantu dialects and Arabic that originated along the East African coast and on the island of Zanzibar. Swahili is the lingua franca of the country, and virtually all Tanzanians speak it.