Tanzania Information The country is one of the poorest in the world according to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. It is on the coast of east Africa just below the equator. The climate in Dar Es Salaam is hot and humid with lowlands next to the Indian Ocean. I suggest to all volunteers to read about travel to Tanzania in published guides such as from Lonely Planet or Discovery Channel. This will give basic information about the people, climate, economy, cautions and other useful data. About 35% of the population is Muslim and 35% is Christian. Most of the Muslims are near the coast where Dar Es Salaam resides. Modest clothing, especially for women, is advised. Most of the people are very friendly. Many will invite you into their homes for a visit. English is taught in their schools at an early age. Most of the population will speak or understand some English. Tanzanians may have three languages. One may be the language of their original tribe. Kiswahili is the unifying language of East Africa. Westerners know it as Swahili. Tanzanians appreciate your effort at learning some Kiswahili and it will definitely assist you when teaching or going to the market. Spoken greetings are frequent and sometimes lengthy. There are different greetings based on the age of the greeter and the greeted. Volunteers can buy books or CD's to assist in learning Kiswahili. The Pemsleur CD's are good for beginners. The currency is Tanzania Shillings (TSH). Inflation is very high in Tanzania. Its value to your local currency should be checked prior to departure. The airport has currency exchange for no fee. They will not take older currency bills due to counterfeit concerns. Other currencies are not used in the marketplace near the schools. Away from the airport, it is likely that you will need to go into Dar Es Salaam to a bank to exchange travelers cheques. It is a lengthy process. ATM's are available in Dar Es Salaam. SIMM cards for international long distance for GSM cel phones are available at the airport and in Dar Es Salaam.