Zanzibar Map

Description:

Description:

Description:

Description:

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, consisting of several islands in the Indian Ocean, located approximately 25-50 kilometers off the east coast of mainland Tanzania. The two main islands are Unguja (commonly known as Zanzibar) and Pemba.

The archipelago covers an area of approximately 2,462 square kilometers (951 square miles). The main island, Unguja, has a length of 85 kilometers and a width of 39 kilometers. The capital of Zanzibar, Stone Town, is located on the western coast of Unguja and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

Historically, Zanzibar served as a crucial trading hub for spices, slaves, and ivory during the 18th and 19th centuries. The islands were controlled by various powers throughout history, including the Portuguese, Omani Arabs, and British. Zanzibar gained independence from Britain in December 1963 and united with Tanganyika in April 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania.

The archipelago's economy is primarily based on tourism, spice production (particularly cloves), and seaweed farming. The islands are famous for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and the endangered Red Colobus monkey, which is endemic to Zanzibar. The climate is tropical, with average temperatures ranging between 23°C and 28°C throughout the year.

The population of Zanzibar is approximately 1.9 million people (as of 2022), with the majority being of African descent, mixed with Arab, Persian, and Indian heritage. The predominant religion is Islam, and the main languages spoken are Swahili and English. The islands maintain their own government, president, and house of representatives, though foreign affairs, defense, and several other matters are handled by the union government in mainland Tanzania.