Dar es Salaam was the former capital of Tanzania. It is a major city located along the eastern coast of Africa, on the shores of the Indian Ocean. The name Dar es Salaam means "Haven of Peace" in Arabic. It served as the capital of Tanzania until 1974. Even though the official capital was later moved to Dodoma, Dar es Salaam remains the largest city in the country and an important economic and administrative center.

The decision to shift the capital to Dodoma was made to place the central government in a more central location within the country. However, many government offices, foreign embassies, and major businesses still remain in Dar es Salaam. The city continues to be the commercial heart of Tanzania, with a busy port, major industries, universities, and cultural institutions.

Dar es Salaam also holds historical significance because it was the main city during both the colonial period and after independence. It developed rapidly and played a major role in the early years of Tanzania’s nationhood. Today, it is still considered the most prominent urban area in the country, even though Dodoma is the official capital.