Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, remains the political and economic capital of the country, even though the official seat of government was moved to Dodoma in 1973. The city dates from 1857 and was under the control of Zanzibar, Germany and Britain before Tanzania's independence in 1961.
Often referred to simply as Dar, the city is far from peaceful these days and has few sights for visitors. Most travelers forgo Dar's crowds, noisy markets and humidity and head off to another part of the country. However, if you have time, there are a handful of local museums and craft markets to visit, and the harbor front is fairly diverting with its faded colonial buildings, heaving fish market and busy ferry terminal. People are relaxed and friendly, the main sights of the city center are easily walkable, and it's home to some good international-standard hotels and restaurants. Dar is the main springboard for ferries or flights to the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia.
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