Modern History - Official documents ceding independence to Tanzania were signed by the United Kingdom at Arusha in 1961.

Arusha was elevated to city status in 2005.

One of the principal industries is tourism, with the city playing host to numerous safari companies, hotels and lodges.
Among Arusha's notable districts are the Central Business Area, located by the Clocktower, Sekei in the North-West which is largely residential with a vibrant nightlife, Njiro, a rapidly-growing suburb in the South, and Tengeru, a lively market-town in the East.

Arusha has a lively music scene, notably Tanzanian hip hop, blending Maasai and Swahili influences with western music, locally known as Bongo Flava. A good example of this genre is the band, X Plastaz.