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Pwani
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BAGAMOYO (PWANI REGION):


Bagamoyo is a small town in Coastal Region. The town has played various historical roles in Tanzania.  Apart from being a slave and ivory port, it was also a German headquarter in 1891.The name Bagamoyo comes from Swahili words "bwaga moyo" (throw down your heart), possibly a despair expressed by people who were captured as slaves of knowing that they face a long uncertain future. 

Bagamoyo is Tanzania’s seventh world heritage site and is the oldest town in Tanzania. Bagamoyo history has been influenced by Arab and Indian traders, the German colonial government and Christian missionaries.

Bagamoyo, which is located opposite to Zanzibar was first settled in by fishermen and cultivators. Towards the end of the 18th century Muslim Diwans from Oman settled here, built dwellings and established their families and retinues of slaves. Its closeness as a mainland port to Zanzibar led to its development as a center for caravans and an expansion of slave trade, and Ivory soon followed.

During the slave trade, it was not uncommon to see hundreds of slaves walking through the streets of Bagamoyo chained together by the neck. Slaves were collected from the interior by capture, purchase or trade and then shipped to Zanzibar or Arab countries. The town of Bagamoyo was the centre of the 19th century slave trade.
 
Bagamoyo is one of the most fascinating towns in East Africa many of European explores passed through this town, including Burton, Speke, Grant, Stanley and Livingstone.

Bagamoyo Lies75 kilometers, north of Dar es Salaam.

A point to know:
Jakaya Kikwete who is the current Tanzanian president is coming from Bagamoyo. He was born in Msoga village.

Population: Bagamoyo has approximately 230000 people. Bellow is a table for the whole Pwani Region, including Kibaha, Mkuranga, Rufiji, Kisarawe, and Mafia.
 
Link: http://www.bunge.go.tz/bunge/Mp_ByRegion.asp


Male Population

440,161

Female Population

448,993

Total Population

889,154

Total Household Number

200,919

Average Household Size

4.4

Intercensal Growth Rate 1988 - 2002 (%)

2.4


Link: http://www.tanzania.go.tz/census/pwani.htm  

Cultural Heritage, and Traditions:

Due to its influence by Arabs, and German colonial government, Bagamoyo has identical cultural heritage, and traditions that can be found throughout the Cities along the Tanzania's Indian Ocean Coast.

 

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