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The United Republic of Tanzania

The United Republic of Tanzania is the union of two African countries, Tanganyika on the mainland and Zanzibar, an island off the coast of East Africa.

Tanganyika was ceded to the Germans around 1886. After World War II in 1918 it came under British control through a League of Nations' mandate. In December 1961 the country was granted independence with Julius Nyerere, leader of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU), as prime minister. When the contry became a republic a year later Nyerere became president.

As early as the 8th century Zanzibar had been used as a base for Arab trade with Africa. The Portuguese arrived in the 16th century. In the 18th century both British and German colonists lay claim to the area. Zanzibar became a British protectorate in 1890. It was granted independence by the British in December 1963.

In January 1964 President Nyerere of Tanzania opened talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume of Zanzibar for a union of their two countries. The union was sealed by the adoption of an Act of Union on April 26, 1964. The United Republic of Tanzania therefore celebrates its national day on this date.