Tanzania has managed to avoid the internal political upheaval that has plagued so many other African nations. Tribal conflict here simply does not exist, despite the fact that it is one of the most diverse nation in Africa, with more than 120 ethnic groups.

Formerly named Tanganyika, Tanzania peacefully gained its independence from Britain in 1961. Its next door neighbor, Zanzibar, became independent in 1963, and a year later the two nations joined forces, becoming the United Republic of Tanzania. Today, it is often used by other nations as a neutral meeting ground, giving it the unofficial title, "Switzerland of Africa."  On October 29, 1995, Tanzania held its first democratic elections. They were entirely peaceful.