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Tanzanians are some of Africa's nicest people, having lived mostly in harmony unlike its war-torn neighbors like Uganda and Rwanda. The locals respect their elders and superiors by greeting them "Shikamoo" or "I hold your feet." Tourists are expected to greet the same, and ideally, "Shikamoo bwana" is addressed to a male elderly while "Shikamoo mama" is for the older female. In Zanzibar, "Chei Chei" is the equivalent of "Shikamoo," and although they are used to western ways, everyone is expected to wear clothes that cover the skin as a sign of respect to the region's Muslim traditions.
Tanzanians have three major religions: Islam, Christianity, and indigenous religions. They have more than 126 ethnic groups and each group has its own dialect. There is no official language, but Swahili is the de facto national language. After independence, English, the language of the country's British colonists, became a de facto language alongside Swahili. There are also a small number of Indian, Portuguese, French and German speakers.
Mungu Ibariki Afrika or God Bless Africa is Tanzania's national anthem. Tanzania's music is a mix of local traditions and outside influences, ranging from traditional African music, to string-based taarab (joyful music introduced by the Arabs), to a unique hip hop called bongo flava (Swahili lyrics mixed with English phrases due to British influence), which is common in the outskirts of Dar-es-Salaam. The country also has its own distinct African rumba music and literature.
There are two art styles distinctive to Tanzania: Tinga tinga and Makonde. Tinga Tinga is an abstract painting style invented by Edward Saidi Tingatinga of South Tanzania. It is basically enamel paints on canvas dealing with motifs such as animals and flowers in kaleidoscopic and repetitive patterns. Makonde, on the other hand, is both a sculptural style and a tribe's name in Tanzania and Mozambique. This sculptural style is made of Ujamaas (trees of life) or hard and dark ebony trees.
Tanzanian cuisine is unique and varied. Along the coast, such as in Dar-es-Salaam, Zanzibar and Pemba, foods with pili pili or spices are prevalent, due to the fact that these areas are known for their centuries-old spice trade based on Spice Island in Zanzibar. Coconut milk is also widely used. In the mainland, Tanganyika, the typical fare includes wali (rice), chapati (bread), and cassava. Vegetables are also part of the diet. Popular snacks and street food include mandazi (doughnut-like bread roll), chips mayai (chips omelet), chapati (pancakes) and barbecued corn and potatoes.
As for beverages, chai (tea) is a local favorite along with its derivative, the very saccharine chai maziwa (chai and milk). Coffee is also drunk in the evening, especially when playing bao or cards on the porch. Apart from these, each region has developed its own local brew.
Daladalas or colorful minivans or minibuses are the most common mode of transport in Tanzania. Nonetheless, Tanzanians are notorious reckless drivers; in fact, road accidents are the number one cause of death in the country. The people are also known for taking matters into their hands. This is largely because they do not trust their local police and also due to the belief that any problem can be solved with money. Hence, disputes, especially with a foreigner, are easily solved through payment.