What is the capital of Tanzania?
Tanzania's capital is Dodoma, located in the centre of the country. However, Dar es Salaam remains the main economic hub and the country's largest city.
Dodoma, official capital
Dodoma has been the political capital of Tanzania since 1973. This city of over 400,000 inhabitants is located in the geographical center of the country, in the region of the same name. It is home to the government headquarters, parliament and the main national institutions.
Dar es Salaam, economic heart
Despite its capital status, Dodoma remains less developed than Dar es Salaam, the former capital and true economic center of the country. This coastal metropolis of over 4 million inhabitants concentrates:
- The main port and commercial activities
- The headquarters of major companies
- Julius Nyerere International Airport
- The majority of embassies and consulates
Key takeaways
Most travelers arrive via Dar es Salaam, the natural gateway to the northern parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) and the beaches of Zanzibar. Dodoma remains primarily an administrative destination.