Tanzania is a country located in East Africa known for its vast wilderness areas. It includes the plains of the Serengeti National Park, a safari mecca populated by the "big five" game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), and Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain. Offshore lie the tropical islands of Zanzibar, with Arabic influences, and Mafia, with a marine park home to whale sharks and coral reefs. The nation has a diverse population that includes over 120 different ethnic groups. Tanzania's official languages are Swahili and English, and the currency is the Tanzanian shilling. The country's economy is heavily based on agriculture, which accounts for more than one-quarter of the GDP, provides 85% of exports, and employs approximately 80% of the workforce. Tanzania is also rich in natural resources and has a burgeoning tourism sector, which is growing due to the country's rich wildlife and historical sites. The government system is a unitary presidential republic, and it has been relatively stable since gaining independence from Britain in 1961. The capital city is Dodoma, where the country's president and administrative functions are based, although the largest city and former capital is Dar es Salaam, which is the main commercial port and center for trade. Tanzania is known for its cultural heritage, including traditional music and art, and is the birthplace of the famous Tingatinga painting style. The country faces challenges such as poverty, health issues, and education, but it is also known for its peaceful coexistence among diverse religious and ethnic groups.