📖 About Dodoma

Dodoma is Tanzania's official national capital, designated to replace Dar es Salaam following a 1973 public referendum under President Julius Nyerere. After 50 years of gradual transition, the capital move finally became reality when President Samia Suluhu unveiled the new State House in May 2023, completing the relocation of government duties to the city.

In July 2024, Dodoma officially surpassed Arusha to become Tanzania's third-largest city on both infrastructure and population measures. The 2018 Dodoma Capital City (Declaration) Act established the legal framework for development. The city now comprises two districts—Dodoma and Chamwino—with roughly 765,000 and 486,000 people respectively.

Parliament relocated to Dodoma in 2017, and the Office of the President moved to the Mtumba area in October 2019. The city continues developing necessary infrastructure including transport systems, water supply, and housing to accommodate government workers. Despite challenges, Dodoma is finally fulfilling its long-planned role as Tanzania's political and administrative center.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Dodoma's economy increasingly centers on government administration, with growing service and construction sectors supporting the capital transition. The city is known for grape and wine production—unusual for East Africa. Agriculture including livestock and grains supports the regional economy. Government investment drives infrastructure development.

Dodoma's culture reflects central Tanzanian traditions. The Gogo people are the predominant ethnic group, known for distinctive music and dance. The massive Gaddafi Mosque represents the city's religious diversity. The Kondoa rock art sites preserve prehistoric cultural heritage. As the capital, Dodoma increasingly represents Tanzania's national identity beyond its regional roots.

📜 History

Dodoma was a small trading post before German colonial rule established it as an administrative center. The British continued its development after World War I. At independence in 1961, Dar es Salaam was the capital. President Nyerere's 1973 referendum chose Dodoma as the future capital for its central location.

For decades, Dodoma remained the capital only in name. Parliament moved in 2017, the presidency in 2019, and the State House was completed in 2023 under President Samia. The long transition reflects the challenges of building a new capital while Dar es Salaam's commercial importance continued. Today, Dodoma finally functions as Tanzania's true national capital.