Home
Travel The World


Zanzibar

Travel The World


An island region off the east African coast.To be precise east of the Tanzania mainland. Zanzibar consists of a group of coral islands in the Indian Ocean. Pemba and Unguja are the largest of these islands. The capital city Stone Town is situated on the western shore of Unguja also called Zanzibar.

The word "Zanzibar" is said to be of Persian or Arabic origin. The name is derived from Zangh Bar, which in Persian means "the Negro Coast." The Arabs, on the other hand believe the name originated from Zayn Z'al Barr, meaning "Fair is this land"


       

Zanzibar is surrounded by beautiful islands. Unguja,Pemba, Tumbatu and Mafia are Zanzibar's main islands.
Some of the other surrounding islands and islets:Changuu, Chumbe, Snake Island (Nyoka), Bawe, Chapwani, Kibandiko, Kizingo, Kwale, Latham, Makutani, Miwi, Mnemba, Nianembe, Popo, Ukanga, Uzi, Pungume, Tumbatu
People of Zanzibar
The majority of Zanzibaris are of native origin.Natives include the Wahadimu, Wapemba, Watumbatu, Wadiba, Hadimu and Tumbato.
The minority groups:
Arabs, Asians, Comorians and Europeans
About 90% of Zanzibaris are Moslems. Islam was brought to this region in the 7th century.The remaining 10% are made up of Christians and Hindus. The official languages: Kiswahili and English.