In April 1964 Tanganyika and Zanzibar united, and in July their flag traditions melded to create the current design. The black stripe is for the majority population, while green is for the rich agricultural resources of the land. Mineral wealth is reflected in the yellow fimbriations (narrow borders), while the Indian Ocean is symbolized by blue.

Tanzania Official name: Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania (Swahili); United Republic of Tanzania (English). Form of government: unitary multiparty republic with one legislative house (National Assembly [232]). Head of state and government: President. Population (1998): 30,609,000. Population projection: (2000) 31,963,000; (2010) 39,390,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1996): 24.0 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$5,174,000,000 (U.S.$170 per capita). Land use (1995): forested 37.0%; meadows and pastures 39.6%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 4.2%; other 19.2%.

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