Our Nation

Summary: When two people of the opposite sex get together as husband and wife, they form a family. A family is social group of people who are closely related to each other. A combination of various families forms a Clan. A group of different clans form tribes who have the same Culture, History and Language. The combination of various tribes makes up the population of a nation.

A Nation and its Components

Definition of a Nation

A nation can be defined as a large group or community of people living in a defined geographical area and sharing a common history, culture, and language under one government. Examples of nations include Tanzania, Japan, Zimbabwe, India, and Uganda. For a nation to be recognized as sovereign, it must have the freedom to decide and implement its own policies without external interference.

The Components of our Nation

To analyze the components that make up our nation, several key elements must be considered:

1. Sovereignty
2. People
3. Culture
4. Boundaries
5. Government

Sovereignty

The term “Sovereignty” originates from the Latin word “superanus,” meaning “supreme.” It refers to the supreme power exercised by a nation to control all individuals and associations within its territory. National sovereignty ensures that a nation can independently manage its political, economic, and social affairs without external interference.

Importance of National Sovereignty

National sovereignty is crucial for several reasons:

• It fosters good relations with other nations through the formulation of effective foreign policies.
• It maintains peace and security within the nation by enforcing national laws and regulations.
• It promotes national stability, encouraging both local and foreign investment.
• It protects citizens from domination by external forces.

Hindrances to National Sovereignty

Several factors can hinder national sovereignty:

• Poverty: Economic dependency on foreign aid can compromise a nation’s sovereignty.
• Civil Wars: Internal conflicts may necessitate international intervention to protect human rights.
• Natural Hazards: Disasters can strain a nation’s resources, prompting requests for foreign assistance.

Population

Population refers to the number of people living in a defined area. Tanzania, for example, has a population exceeding 60 million, with over 80% residing in rural areas. The country comprises over 125 ethnic groups, with Kiswahili as the common language. The Bantu ethnic group constitutes the largest portion of the population, contributing to national unity and diversity.

Boundaries

National boundaries delineate Tanzania’s territory from neighboring countries. Formed on April 26, 1964, Tanzania emerged from the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The country spans 945,202 square kilometers and is bordered by both natural features and human-made boundaries.

Natural boundaries include:

• Indian Ocean: East
• Mount Kilimanjaro: North
• Ruvuma River: South
• Lake Nyasa: Southwest
• Lake Victoria: North
• Lake Tanganyika: West

Tanzania shares borders with eight nations:

• North: Kenya, Uganda
• West: Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo
• South: Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia

The Indian Ocean borders Tanzania’s eastern coastline, while Zanzibar and Pemba islands lie off the mainland’s coast.

The Government

The government serves as the administrative organ of the state, comprising elected and selected officials responsible for controlling and enforcing the laws and regulations of the country. It operates through three primary organs:

1. The Executive

The Executive is the central branch of the government, consisting of the president, the cabinet, civil servants, and armed forces. It holds responsibility for executing various governmental functions and policies.

2. The Judiciary

This organ interprets the laws and resolves disputes within the state, ensuring adherence to legal principles and justice.

3. The Legislature (Parliament)

The Legislature, also known as parliament, is the law-making body of the state. Its members, elected or appointed, represent constituencies and contribute to the formulation and enactment of laws. The President of Tanzania, although part of parliament, is not a member and does not engage in parliamentary debates. However, the president plays a crucial role in the legislative process by signing bills into laws.

Culture

Definition of Culture

Culture encompasses the customs, beliefs, social organization, and way of life unique to a particular group of people. It shapes societal norms, traditions, and identity.

Exercise 1

Questions to Answer

1. In your own words, define the term “Nation” and provide five examples of nations (other than those mentioned).
2. Propose five solutions to safeguard national sovereignty.
3. Create a map of Tanzania highlighting its national boundaries.
4. Explain why the President of Tanzania is considered part of parliament but not a member of the National Assembly.
5. List five components that constitute a nation.

The National Symbols

Tanzania’s National Symbols

Definition of National Symbols

National symbols are tangible and intangible representations that embody a nation’s identity, culture, and historical events. They include items like flags, coat of arms, anthems, and currency.

Major National Symbols in Tanzania

1. The National Flag

• Represents Tanzania’s independence and sovereignty.
• Colors: Green (land and vegetation), Yellow (natural wealth), Black (people), Blue (ocean and water bodies).

1. Presidential Standard

• Symbolizes the office of the President of Tanzania.

1. The Coat of Arms

• Emblematic representation of the nation’s unity, resources, and aspirations.

1. National Anthem

• Musical representation of national pride and unity.

1. Uhuru Torch

• Symbol of freedom and enlightenment.

1. National Currency

• Represents economic strength and stability.

1. National Language

• Kiswahili, a unifying language spoken throughout Tanzania.

1. The National Constitution

• Fundamental legal document outlining governance and rights.

1. National Festivals (Holidays) in Tanzania

• Celebrations that commemorate significant events in Tanzanian history.

Significance of Each National Symbol

• The National Flag: Represents independence and sovereignty.
• Presidential Standard: Symbolizes the President’s authority and leadership.
• The Coat of Arms: Reflects national unity and aspirations.
• National Anthem: Unites citizens in national pride.
• Uhuru Torch: Symbolizes freedom and enlightenment.
• National Currency: Reflects economic stability and prosperity.
• National Language: Unifies diverse ethnic groups.
• The National Constitution: Guarantees fundamental rights and governs the state.
• National Festivals: Commemorate historical milestones and cultural heritage.

Importance of national flag

1. It is a symbol of our independence/sovereignty
2. It is a symbol of freedom and unity of the people
3. The National flag is also a symbol of the nationality and a symbol of Tanzania culture

Presidential standard

The presidential standard is a flag which is used during official ceremonies where the president is in attendance. It has a green background with a blue and the coat of arms in the middle. The coat of arms on the presidential standard has no crops, human figure or the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The coat of arms

The coat of arms is an official seal or stamp of the government which comprises different colors and landmarks of Tanzania. It act as national badge and, therefore, all government publications bear this official seal. Our coat of arms has twelve components. These components represent various national interests such as state power, economic bases, national culture and history.

Compositions of the coat of arms

The coat of arms comprises of the following things:

1. Two human figures – The man and the woman represent the people of Tanzania. The two figures also symbolize the need for cooperation between men and women in order to bring about development.
2. Two elephant tusks – These represent our national heritage in terms of wildlife. Tanzania has beautiful national parks and game reserves in which different animals and plants are found in their natural habitats.
3. Shield and spears – They represent weapons that were used by Tanzanians to resist colonialism. These weapons represent the readiness of the people to defend their independence
4. Golden band on the upper part of the shield – This represent the mineral wealth of the country
5. Uhuru Torch – It symbolizes freedom, enlightenment, knowledge and prosperity.
6. National Flag –It represent our sovereignty.
7. Red band on the shield– this represent the fertile red soil found in our country
8. Crossed Axe and hoe – These represent the tools which Tanzanians use to develop their country.
9. Sea waves – These represent water bodies found in Tanzania. Approximately 62,000Km square of Tanzanian`s total area is made up of water bodies. This includes the Indian Ocean, rivers, lakes and swamps.
10. Peak of mount Kilimanjaro– This is the highest mount in Tanzania and Africa in general which represents attractive geomorphological features.
11. Crops (cotton and gloves) – At the feet of the man there is a branch of a glove tree. At the feet of the women there is the branch of cotton plant which stands for the cash crops produced in Tanzania.
12. The wards “Uhuru na Umoja” which means freedom and unity express the belief that, Tanzanian`s strength depends on people`s solidarity.

Importance of the coat of arms

1. It is used as the symbol of the authority and official government seal.
2. It symbolizes our national culture and history.
3. It symbolizes state power.

National Anthem

This is the official song which reflects people`s national feelings, desire, glory and pride in their nationality. The Tanzanian national anthem is sung during important national occasions such as when a special announcement is made by the president; when foreign heads of states visit our country; When the president or the vice president and the prime minister visit another country officially, and when our national teams are playing against teams of other countries; before and after the president addresses the nation; and when the national flag is hoisted.

Importance of the national anthem

• It is a symbol of our nationality , freedom and it unifies Tanzanians
• It makes citizens feel proud of their country
• National anthem expresses a sense of belonging to Tanzania and Africa
• It identifies Tanzania outside the country.

Uhuru Torch

This is the touch of freedom which also known as independence touch introduced by the first president of Tanzania Mwl. J.K.Nyerere as a symbol of freedom, unity, love, dignity, solidarity and hope among Tanzanians. It was first lit on top of Mount Kilimanjaro at midnight on 9th December 1961. This was the day Tanganyika got independence from Britain.

Importance of Uhuru Torch

1. It symbolizes freedom and light
2. It promotes unity in the country
3. It also promotes peace, dignity, respect and hope among Tanzanians
4. It promotes co-operation among Tanzanians and development in aspects of life

National currency

Is the system of money that a country uses. Our national currency is the Tanzanian shilling. Currency is also called money. Money is used for measuring value, trading and paying for goods and services in a country. Tanzania money is the form of notes and coins.

Importance of national currency

1. It acts as a medium of exchange in trade transactions that is selling and buying of goods and services in the country
2. It is used to measure value and identify the nationality and freedom of a nation
3. It is the means of settling debts.

National Language

This is the language spoken by all the people within a country. The national language of Tanzania is Kiswahili.

Importance of the national language

1. The national language acts as the media of communication within a county.
2. It symbolizes the culture of the nation concerned which is Tanzania
3. It unifies people with a common history.
4. It also identifies the country internationally

The National Constitution

A national constitution is the system of laws and principles by which the nation is governed by. A constitution provides guidelines which society must follow. Our country Tanzania is ruled according to the constitution that was enacted 1977. Since that time year, it has been undergoing some amendments to suit the contemporary needs.

Importance of the national constitution

1. The government rules by the will of the people through the constitution
2. The constitution is the basic law from which all other laws are created.
3. Under constitution there is separation of power between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.
4. The constitution provides for elections through which the people elect their representatives in the government
5. The constitution gives people the freedom to enjoy their right.
6. The constitution provides individuals with the mechanism to claim their rights before the courts of law.

Tanzania’s National Festivals and their Significance

Identify Tanzania’s national festivals and their significance

National festivals are special public days created by the state which exempt people from doing any government or official work and therefore people are expected to rest. In Tanzania these days are called Public holidays.

Types of national days

Religious public days

These days are marked by special religious events or festivals according to the beliefs and faith of particular group of people. In Tanzania there are two dominant religious, namely Christianity and Islamic. The public holidays associated with these religious are;

1. Christmas day – falls on 25th December each year
2. Easter holiday – depends on Christian calendar
3. Eid-el-Fitri and Eid –el-Haj – Depend on Islamic calendar and sighting of the moon
4. Boxing day – Falls on 26th December each year

Political public holidays

These are special days that commemorate events which have profound meaning politically. Sometimes they are known as civic national festivals and holidays Political public holidays in Tanzania are;

1. Independence day – falls on December 9th each year
2. Union day – fall on 26th April each year
3. Nane Nane day – Falls on 8th August each year
4. Zanzibar Revolution Day – falls on 12th January each year
5. Nyerere Day – falls on 14th October each year
6. Karume Day – falls on 7th April each year
7. Sabasaba Day – falls on 7th July each year

Universal public days

These are special days for the rest and celebration for all people in the world. These universal holidays are;

1. New Year – falls on 1st January each year
2. Workers day/ labour day – falls on 1st May each year

Importance of national festivals/ public days

The followings are the Importance of national festivals/ public days;

1. These days mark important events in our country
2. The celebration keep the history alive since Tanzania are reminded of what has taken place in their country
3. During these events leaders pass important information to the public
4. Public celebration provides an opportunity for citizens to meet and share views, experience and knowledge.
5. Celebrating together enhance the unity of Tanzanians.
6. Annual celebrations impart on Tanzanians the culture of commemorating important national events.
7. These events helps the leaders to identify problems in the society as citizens highlight their problems through speeches, posters, drama or songs.

Exercise 2

Answer the following questions

• With examples mention three types of national festivals in Tanzania
• When do farmers and traders exhibit their agriculture products, implements and machinery?
• What are the importance of national constitution?
• Mention any five compositions of the coat of arms and explain what each component represent.
• Name various occasions you know where the national anthem is always sung.