The second annual Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2008 was released recently by the World Economic Forum and this year’s Report,...
The second annual Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2008 was released recently by the World Economic Forum and this year’s Report, under the theme Balancing Economic Development and Environmental Sustainability, places a particular focus on this issue, both through a reinforced environmental component of the Index used to measure travel & tourism (T&T) competitiveness and through topics covered by the analytical chapters.
In the latest report, 130 countries were profiled and one of the key indices looked at was the country’s natural environment.
Natural environment is a terminology that encompasses all living and non-living things that occur naturally in a region. This includes a few key components such as complete ecological units that function as natural systems without massive human intervention, including all vegetation, animals, microorganisms, rocks, atmosphere and natural phenomena that occur within their boundaries.
It also includes universal natural resources and physical phenomena that lack clear-cut boundaries, such as air, water, and climate, as well as energy, radiation, electric charge, and magnetism, not originating from human activity.
When the natural environment of all the 130 for the Report were examined, the east African country of Tanzania was ranked #1 in the world. The country is bordered by Kenya and Uganda on the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the west, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique on the south by the Indian Ocean to the east.
Tanzania’s natural beauty is best exemplified by the mountainous region in the north-east of the country, where Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, is situated. Standing at 5,895 meters (19,340 ft), Mount Kilimanjaro provides a dramatic view from the surrounding plains. The highest point on Kilimanjaro is Uhuru Peak, which is one of the Seven Summits (the highest mountains of each of the seven continents). Due to Kilimanjaro's equatorial location and high elevation, almost every climate type on earth is represented, including a year-round snow-topped summit.
Central Tanzania comprises a large plateau, with highland areas, plains and arable land. The Great Rift Valley runs through the middle of the country.
The eastern shore is hot and humid, with the island of Zanzibar lying just offshore. Zanzibar is actually an archipelago of several small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, informally referred to as "Zanzibar"), and Pemba.
To the north and west are Lake Malawi (Nyasa) and the Great Lakes of Lake Victoria (Africa's largest lake), and Lake Tanganyika (Africa's deepest lake, known for its unique species of fish) which are shared with Malawi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Kenya and Uganda respectively.
In the south west of the country are the spectacular Kalambo Falls, which are the second largest in Africa and are located near the southern tip of Lake Tanganyika.
Tanzania’s main river is the Rufiji which lies entirely within the country. The river is formed by the convergence of the Kilombero and Luwegu rivers. It is approximately 600 km (375 mi) long, with its source in southwestern part of the country and its mouth on the Indian Ocean. The river's delta contains the largest mangrove forest in the world.
Much of Tanzania's environment is protected by a system of National Parks. The rolling plains of the Serengeti National Park are home to millions of animals and birds including herds of antelope, zebra and wildebeest. These bovids participate in a large scale annual migration. Up to 250,000 wildebeest perish each year in the long and arduous movement to find forage in the dry season. Tanzania is also home to 130 amphibian and over 275 reptile species, many of them strictly endemic and included in the IUCN Red lists of different countries.
Other conservation areas include Arusha National Park, Gombe Streams National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ruaha National Park and Tarangire National Park.
The coral island of Chumbe, which forms part of the archipelago of Zanzibar is one of the most well known nature reserves in East Africa and aims to promote awareness of coral reef ecology.
Tanzania has put in a lot of effort to protect its environment as it sees it as a vital tool in bringing in tourists that would help to boost it economy.
A list of African countries and how their natural environments were ranked is shown below.
African Ranking World Ranking Country
In the latest report, 130 countries were profiled and one of the key indices looked at was the country’s natural environment.
Natural environment is a terminology that encompasses all living and non-living things that occur naturally in a region. This includes a few key components such as complete ecological units that function as natural systems without massive human intervention, including all vegetation, animals, microorganisms, rocks, atmosphere and natural phenomena that occur within their boundaries.
It also includes universal natural resources and physical phenomena that lack clear-cut boundaries, such as air, water, and climate, as well as energy, radiation, electric charge, and magnetism, not originating from human activity.
When the natural environment of all the 130 for the Report were examined, the east African country of Tanzania was ranked #1 in the world. The country is bordered by Kenya and Uganda on the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the west, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique on the south by the Indian Ocean to the east.
Tanzania’s natural beauty is best exemplified by the mountainous region in the north-east of the country, where Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, is situated. Standing at 5,895 meters (19,340 ft), Mount Kilimanjaro provides a dramatic view from the surrounding plains. The highest point on Kilimanjaro is Uhuru Peak, which is one of the Seven Summits (the highest mountains of each of the seven continents). Due to Kilimanjaro's equatorial location and high elevation, almost every climate type on earth is represented, including a year-round snow-topped summit.
Central Tanzania comprises a large plateau, with highland areas, plains and arable land. The Great Rift Valley runs through the middle of the country.
The eastern shore is hot and humid, with the island of Zanzibar lying just offshore. Zanzibar is actually an archipelago of several small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, informally referred to as "Zanzibar"), and Pemba.
To the north and west are Lake Malawi (Nyasa) and the Great Lakes of Lake Victoria (Africa's largest lake), and Lake Tanganyika (Africa's deepest lake, known for its unique species of fish) which are shared with Malawi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Kenya and Uganda respectively.
In the south west of the country are the spectacular Kalambo Falls, which are the second largest in Africa and are located near the southern tip of Lake Tanganyika.
Tanzania’s main river is the Rufiji which lies entirely within the country. The river is formed by the convergence of the Kilombero and Luwegu rivers. It is approximately 600 km (375 mi) long, with its source in southwestern part of the country and its mouth on the Indian Ocean. The river's delta contains the largest mangrove forest in the world.
Much of Tanzania's environment is protected by a system of National Parks. The rolling plains of the Serengeti National Park are home to millions of animals and birds including herds of antelope, zebra and wildebeest. These bovids participate in a large scale annual migration. Up to 250,000 wildebeest perish each year in the long and arduous movement to find forage in the dry season. Tanzania is also home to 130 amphibian and over 275 reptile species, many of them strictly endemic and included in the IUCN Red lists of different countries.
Other conservation areas include Arusha National Park, Gombe Streams National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ruaha National Park and Tarangire National Park.
The coral island of Chumbe, which forms part of the archipelago of Zanzibar is one of the most well known nature reserves in East Africa and aims to promote awareness of coral reef ecology.
Tanzania has put in a lot of effort to protect its environment as it sees it as a vital tool in bringing in tourists that would help to boost it economy.
A list of African countries and how their natural environments were ranked is shown below.
African Ranking World Ranking Country
1 1 Tanzania
2 11 Uganda
3 17 Zambia
4 21 South Africa
5 24 Kenya
6 31 Botswana
7 33 Zimbabwe
8 34 Ethiopia
9 38 Cameroon
10 42 Namibia
11 51 Senegal
12 54 Benin
13 61 Mozambique
14 67 Burkina Faso
15 70 Nigeria
16 74 Madagascar
17 77 Mali
18 83 Burundi
19 86 Egypt
20 91 Chad
21 93 Mauritania
22 94 Tunisia
23 95 Gambia
24 97 Algeria
25 114 Libya
26 118 Morocco
27 126 Mauritius
Info source: ClickAfriqueUpdated: 6/20/2008
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Tanzania is a much visited tourist destination in Africa. Many holiday makers now go on holiday to Tanzania and stay in holiday home accommodation. In the last few years it has become possible to rent holiday villas, self catering holiday apartments and game lodges in Tanzania. Taking a vacation in Tanzania and staying in holiday home accommodation is a great way of spending a holiday.
Tanzania is a country with a multi cultural heritage and has more game parks and game reserves than any other wildlife destination in the world. It is a holiday destination with pristine coral reefs and some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of Africa. It is also the largest country in East Africa and has the highest mountain of the continent, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tanzania is also home to the enigmatic spice islands of Zanzibar and the world famous Serengeti National Park. It is home to over 120 tribal groups and this diversity of cultures ensures that Tanzania has vibrancy to its culture and traditions that no other country in Africa can offer.
The Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s oldest national park and is considered to be the best wild life refuge in the world. The open plains of the national park are home to many different species of large animals and birds. It is also home to the great migration and tourists from around the world come to Tanzania to witness this rare and interesting occurrence.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is another popular tourist attraction in Tanzania. The conservation area comprises of a significant archaeological site of Olduvai Gorge and Ngorongoro Crater. The Crater was once the site of an active volcano and now houses about 30,000 animals including buffalo, rhino and zebra. The lakes in the region attract a wide variety of bird species and many bird watchers come here on vacation.
The Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park is another famous place in Tanzania. The towering solitary peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro dominates the entire landscape of the area. The rainforest on the slope of the mount is home to a large number of different types of wildlife species. This dormant volcano has remarkable snow-capped peaks and glaciers. This highest free standing mountain is Africa’s highest peak.
The Stone town of Zanzibar was built by Arab and Indian merchants in coral stone during the nineteenth century. The stone town is characterized by the dilapidated architecture, mosques, bathhouse, old fort, interior courtyards, markets and the remnants of the Omani Arab and Persian influences of the past. The scent of the spices lingers through the region. The Sultan’s palace and the ruins of the old slave market are popular tourist attractions.
Tanzania has many white beaches and beautiful villages around the Zanzibar region. It is possible to rent holiday villas and self catering holiday apartments in this part of Tanzania. The pristine beaches are filled with dhows and fishermen. Holiday apartments are found in the region for the tourists to relax and unwind amidst the splendid beaches.
The fishing village of Nungwi is famous for boat building and a popular destination for the younger tourists. Many rent holiday apartments in this region of Tanzania and enjoy the local night life. During the day they can try their hand at diving and deep-see fishing. The isolated beach of Matemwe has a fine coral reef and is perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Many holiday makers choose to come to Tanzania and rent holiday home accommodation. While staying in holiday villas and self catering holiday apartments they are able to sample the true flavour of life in Tanzania.
About the Author Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It has holiday villas, ski chalets and self catering holiday apartments to rent on line as a holiday home rental. To see an example of holiday villas in Tanzania have a look at Holiday Villas in Tanzania
Info source: ClickAfriqueUpdated: 6/20/2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tanzania is a much visited tourist destination in Africa. Many holiday makers now go on holiday to Tanzania and stay in holiday home accommodation. In the last few years it has become possible to rent holiday villas, self catering holiday apartments and game lodges in Tanzania. Taking a vacation in Tanzania and staying in holiday home accommodation is a great way of spending a holiday.
Tanzania is a country with a multi cultural heritage and has more game parks and game reserves than any other wildlife destination in the world. It is a holiday destination with pristine coral reefs and some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of Africa. It is also the largest country in East Africa and has the highest mountain of the continent, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tanzania is also home to the enigmatic spice islands of Zanzibar and the world famous Serengeti National Park. It is home to over 120 tribal groups and this diversity of cultures ensures that Tanzania has vibrancy to its culture and traditions that no other country in Africa can offer.
The Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s oldest national park and is considered to be the best wild life refuge in the world. The open plains of the national park are home to many different species of large animals and birds. It is also home to the great migration and tourists from around the world come to Tanzania to witness this rare and interesting occurrence.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is another popular tourist attraction in Tanzania. The conservation area comprises of a significant archaeological site of Olduvai Gorge and Ngorongoro Crater. The Crater was once the site of an active volcano and now houses about 30,000 animals including buffalo, rhino and zebra. The lakes in the region attract a wide variety of bird species and many bird watchers come here on vacation.
The Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park is another famous place in Tanzania. The towering solitary peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro dominates the entire landscape of the area. The rainforest on the slope of the mount is home to a large number of different types of wildlife species. This dormant volcano has remarkable snow-capped peaks and glaciers. This highest free standing mountain is Africa’s highest peak.
The Stone town of Zanzibar was built by Arab and Indian merchants in coral stone during the nineteenth century. The stone town is characterized by the dilapidated architecture, mosques, bathhouse, old fort, interior courtyards, markets and the remnants of the Omani Arab and Persian influences of the past. The scent of the spices lingers through the region. The Sultan’s palace and the ruins of the old slave market are popular tourist attractions.
Tanzania has many white beaches and beautiful villages around the Zanzibar region. It is possible to rent holiday villas and self catering holiday apartments in this part of Tanzania. The pristine beaches are filled with dhows and fishermen. Holiday apartments are found in the region for the tourists to relax and unwind amidst the splendid beaches.
The fishing village of Nungwi is famous for boat building and a popular destination for the younger tourists. Many rent holiday apartments in this region of Tanzania and enjoy the local night life. During the day they can try their hand at diving and deep-see fishing. The isolated beach of Matemwe has a fine coral reef and is perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Many holiday makers choose to come to Tanzania and rent holiday home accommodation. While staying in holiday villas and self catering holiday apartments they are able to sample the true flavour of life in Tanzania.
About the Author Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It has holiday villas, ski chalets and self catering holiday apartments to rent on line as a holiday home rental. To see an example of holiday villas in Tanzania have a look at Holiday Villas in Tanzania
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