Sumbawanga is a city located in western Tanzania. It is the capital of Rukwa Region. The regional population is approximately 150,000 based on a 2002 census. Many people living in Sumbawanga are Fipa, called so for the native language also spoken there. The name of the town literally translates as "through away you are witches", which may stem from local superstitions and practices relating to spiritual healers; there are still some who practice in the surrounding smaller villages on the plateau. The town has the largest hospital in the region, Rukwa General Hospital, which is government funded, as well as the smaller Dr. Atiman Hospital administrated and run by the Catholic Diocese of Sumbawanga.