Dodoma, Capital city in central Tanzania
Dodoma is the capital of Tanzania and sits at 1,135 meters elevation in the central highlands of the country. The city spreads across a dry plain surrounded by low hills and rock formations typical of this region.
German colonial officials founded the settlement in 1907 during railway construction and divided it into separate quarters. The Tanzanian government designated the city as the new capital in 1973 to move administration closer to the geographic center.
The name comes from the Gogo language and means "it has sunk", likely referring to an elephant that became stuck in the muddy Dodoma River. Local markets sell crafts and textiles that reflect the traditions of different communities living here.
The central railway line connects the city to the coast, and several highways lead to all parts of the country. A small airport serves regional connections and makes arrival from other parts of Tanzania easier.
The surrounding area produces wine from locally grown grapes, an uncommon specialty for East Africa. Farmers also grow sunflowers and castor beans for oil that is processed in the region.
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