Tanzania’s Independence Day is celebrated on 9 December, commemorating Tanganyika’s independence from Britain in 1961.
Tanganyika became independent on 9 December 1961, with Julius Nyerere serving as the country’s first prime minister. The former British territory later became a republic in 1962.
The modern United Republic of Tanzania was created on 26 April 1964, when Tanganyika united with the People’s Republic of Zanzibar. That union date is commemorated as Union Day, not Independence Day.
Independence Day is a national public holiday marked by official ceremonies and civic celebrations. It is also distinct from Nyerere Day on 14 October, which honours Julius Nyerere, and Saba Saba Day on 7 July, associated with the founding of the Tanganyika African National Union.