Dodoma is the political capital of Tanzania, and the largest city in the country. It's located in the central part of the country, on the banks of the Rufiji River. Dodoma is a relatively new city, founded in 1907 by the Germans. The city has a population of over 410,000, and is the commercial and cultural center of the region. Dodoma is an important transportation hub, with a major railway junction and an international airport. The city is home to several universities and colleges, and is a center of Islamic culture and learning in East Africa. The city is home to a large market, and is a popular destination for tourists visiting Tanzania.