By: Natasha Archary

Dar es Salaam is no longer Tanzania’s capital, after the country named the city of Dodoma its new capital after 50-years.
Following a public referendum which was motioned 50-years ago, Tanzania made gradual strides in changing its capital city, for social and economic reasons.
The decision was also made to centralize the capital within the country.
Dodoma was named the new capital of Tanzania on 20 May, with the new State House building opening.
However, Dodoma might not be ready to handle a population influx with two regions of the capital already pushing high numbers.
Two districts in Dodoma currently comprise of 765 179 and 486 176 people.
Public Administration expert for Tanzania, Ambrose Kessy, said there were a number of factors for the move, which included overcrowding and strain on infrastructure.
“The population of Dar es Salaam is 5, 383 728 and its suffering from overcrowding and infrastructural strain. Moving the capital aimed to redistribute some of the population and ease pressure on resources and public service in Dar es Salaam.
The rate of population growth in Dar es Salaam has decreased from 5.6% in 2012, to 2.1% in 2022.
Economic challenges have also played a role, as Tanzania has had to carefully allocate its limited budget. Moving an entire capital city also poses logistical challenges.”
The history of Tanzania’s capital city is complex, stretching back to the German colonial era.
Dar es Salaam was chosen by the German government to take advantage of its protected harbour.
The former capital of Tanzania is also the largest city in the country, and the financial hub.
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