Dodoma, Tanzania

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Dodoma, Tanzania

Region: Dodoma

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Geographic Coordinates: -6.173100, 35.741900

Climate: Dry and hot weather with occasional rainfall during the short rainy season in November and December.

Population: 213636

Language: Swahili

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Dodoma is a city located in central Tanzania, Approximately 440 kilometers west of Dar es Salaam. It serves as the capital and administrative center for the country’s government. The city has a population of about 410, 000 people and covers an area of approximately 2, 669 square kilometers. Situated on a plateau at an elevation of around 1, 200 meters above sea level, Dodoma experiences hot and dry weather with temperatures ranging from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The rainy season occurs between November and April.

Dodoma has a rich history dating back to pre-colonial times when it was ruled by various tribal groups. During German colonial rule in the late nineteenth century, Dodoma became an important trading center due to its location on the caravan route between Lake Victoria and the Indian Ocean coast. After Tanzania gained independence from Britain in 1961, Dodoma was chosen as the new capital because it was located more centrally than Dar es Salaam. However, Most government offices did not move from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma until several decades later.

Today, Dodoma is home to many government institutions including parliament buildings, Ministries, Courts and diplomatic missions. The University of Dodoma (UDOM) was established in 2007 and has become one of Tanzania’s leading universities with over twenty thousand students enrolled across various faculties such as law, Engineering and agriculture.

The city also boasts several tourist attractions such as Kondoa Rock Art Sites which are UNESCO World Heritage sites that feature ancient rock paintings dating back thousands of years ago created by early humans who lived in this region before civilization emerged; Hombolo Dam which provides irrigation water for local farmers; Nyerere Square which houses monuments dedicated to Julius Nyerere who led Tanzania’s struggle for independence; Jamhuri Stadium where football matches are played among other sports events; Makumbusho Village Museum which showcases traditional Tanzanian culture and lifestyle; and Dodoma Cathedral which is the largest church in Tanzania.

Dodoma is also known for its agriculture, Particularly maize, Sorghum, Cotton and sunflowers. The city’s strategic location at the center of Tanzania makes it an ideal transportation hub for goods being transported across the country. Dodoma is a vibrant city with a rich history that serves as the administrative center of Tanzania. It has become an important destination for tourists due to its cultural heritage sites and natural attractions. With its growing economy, Expanding education sector and strategic location, Dodoma is poised to become one of Africa’s most important cities in the coming years.

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1. Jamhuri Stadium – a multi-purpose stadium that hosts various sports events and concerts.
2. Nyerere Square – a public square named after Tanzania’s first president Julius Nyerere.
3. Dodoma Cathedral – a Roman Catholic church that serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Dodoma.
4. Bunge la Mwananchi (People’s Parliament) – a replica of Tanzania’s parliament building where citizens can voice their concerns and opinions.
5. Kondoa Rock-Art Sites – UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient rock paintings dating back to 2000 BC.
6. Gaddafi Mosque – one of the largest mosques in East Africa built by former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi as a gift to Tanzania.
7. Hombolo Dam – an artificial lake used for irrigation and fishing activities.

Note: Some attractions may be temporarily closed or have limited access due to COVID-19 restrictions, so it is important to check before planning your visit.

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1. Dodoma is the capital city of Tanzania, known mainly for its government administration.
2. The major industries and businesses in Dodoma include:
   • Government administration
   • Agriculture
   • Education
   • Healthcare
   • Construction
   • Tourism
   • Retail trade & services
3. Dodoma houses several government offices such as the parliament building and presidential palace.
4. The region surrounding Dodoma is known for agriculture production of:
   • Maize
   • Sunflower
   • Cottonseed oil extraction plants
5. There are several universities and colleges located in Dodoma that offer higher education to students from all over Tanzania.
6. Many hospitals and medical centers located in Dodoma provide healthcare services to residents of the city.
7. With a growing population and expanding infrastructure development projects initiated by the government has created a demand for construction companies in recent years.
8. Although not as developed as other regions of Tanzania like Zanzibar or Serengeti National Park but there are some tourist attractions such as historical sites like Old Boma museum which attracts visitors to the city.
9. Small-scale businesses such as retail stores (supermarkets), hotels & restaurants have been set up to cater to people’s needs within the city limits.

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1. Dodoma became Tanzania’s capital city in 1974, replacing Dar es Salaam.
2. Julius Nyerere, Tanzania’s first president, played a significant role in developing Dodoma as a political and administrative center.
3. The University of Dodoma (UDOM) was established in 2007 and has become one of the country’s leading universities.
4. In 2018, President John Magufuli announced plans to move government offices from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma by 2020.
5. The Old Boma Museum is a popular tourist destination that showcases the history and culture of Dodoma and its surrounding areas.
6. The Central Railway Line connects Dar es Salaam to Dodoma and other major cities in Tanzania, making it an important transportation hub for people and goods alike.
7. Edward Sokoine, a former prime minister who shaped national policies related to agriculture and land reform, was born near Dodoma.
8. Other notable individuals associated with the city include Maria Nyerere (wife of Mwalimu Nyerere), former Vice President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, and current Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa (from nearby Rukwa Region).

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1. Chamwino Historical Site and Museum
2. Dodoma Cathedral
3. Dodoma Regional Museum
4. Nyerere Square and Statue
5. Jamhuri Stadium
6. Bunge la Tanzania (Parliament of Tanzania)
7. Mtera Dam
8. Hombolo Cultural Heritage Center
9. Kondoa Irangi Rock Paintings
10. Gaddafi Mosque

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1. Dodoma, the capital city of Tanzania, has a growing sports culture with various popular sports played such as:
• Football (soccer)
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Athletics
• Cricket
2. In terms of football clubs in Dodoma that compete at different levels:
• Dodoma FC is one of the most famous teams founded in 2017 and plays in the Tanzanian Premier League
• JKT Tanzania FC (formerly known as Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa FC) was founded by the Tanzanian army and has won several national championships
3. In basketball, there are several local clubs that compete regularly with:
• Dodoma Warriors Basketball Club being the most successful team having won multiple regional championships
4. Volleyball is also popular in Dodoma with both men’s and women’s teams competing at different levels
5. Athletics events are held regularly at venues such as Jamhuri Stadium and CCM Kirumba Stadium
6. Cricket is a relatively new sport to Tanzania but has been gaining popularity over recent years with several cricket clubs now based in Dodoma that compete against each other regularly
7. Although still developing its sporting culture compared to larger cities like Dar es Salaam or Arusha, Dodama offers opportunities for athletes to participate on different levels of competition across different types of sport disciplines

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1. Dodoma Wine Festival: a celebration of locally produced wines in Dodoma.
2. Nane Nane Agricultural Show: an annual agricultural exhibition showcasing farming practices, technologies, and innovations.
3. Dodoma Cultural Festival: a celebration of the diverse cultures in Dodoma with traditional dances, music performances, and food tasting.
4. Eid al-Fitr: a Muslim festival marking the end of Ramadan with prayers, feasting, and gift-giving.
5. Independence Day (December 9th): commemorating Tanzania’s independence from British colonial rule in 1961 with parades and cultural performances.
6. Mwaka Kogwa Festival: celebrated by the Zanzibari community living in Dodoma to mark their new year.
7. Makuyuni Music Festival: A music festival that brings together local artists to showcase their talents.
8. Saba Saba Day: Commemorating Tanzania’s first multiparty elections held on July 7th, 1992.
9. Uhuru Torch Race: A national event that involves running across different regions carrying a torch as a symbol of unity among Tanzanians.
10. Maji Safi Marathon- An annual marathon aimed at promoting clean water initiatives for communities living around Lake Victoria region.

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Tanzanian Dishes:

1. Wali wa nazi (coconut rice)
2. Ndizi nyama (plantains with meat)
3. Mtori (beef and banana soup)

Popular Restaurants in Dodoma, Tanzania:

1. KFC
2. Pizza Hut
3. Nando’s
4. The Grill House
5. Kilimani City Restaurant

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1. Nyerere Square – a large public square that hosts events and concerts.
2. Jamhuri Park – a popular park for picnics, sports, and outdoor activities.
3. Dodoma Golf Club – an 18-hole golf course located on the outskirts of the city.
4. Bunge Grounds – a recreational area with sports facilities including basketball courts, football fields, and volleyball courts.
5. Wami River – a scenic spot for fishing and camping.
6. Mlimwa Waterfall – a natural waterfall located about 30 km from Dodoma city center that provides hiking opportunities.
7. Hombolo Dam – a man-made lake with opportunities for boating, fishing, and bird watching.
8. Chamwino Forest Reserve- A nature reserve with wildlife viewing opportunities including elephants, giraffes among others.

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