Tanzania (Zanzibar)

About the Flag

Shortly after achieving independence from Britain in the early 1960s, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the nation of Tanzania in 1964. One-party rule ended in 1995 with the first democratic elections held in the country since the 1970s. The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania is a unitary republic consisting of the Union Government and the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government. Zanzibar's semi-autonomous status and popular opposition have led to two contentious elections since 1995, which the ruling party won despite international observers' claims of voting irregularities. The formation of a government of national unity between Zanzibar's two leading parties succeeded in minimizing electoral tension in 2010.

Ship registration is overseen by the Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA). The process of registration involves the observance of the requirements and formalities prescribed under the Merchant Shipping Act No. 3 of 2003 which sets, among other requirements, the qualifications for owning, registering and licensing of Tanzania Ships.