Zanzibar is the smaller of the two states whose union formed the United Republic of Tanzania, is also populated by mostly African Bantu people whose ancestors moved to the islands from the mainland

However, the population has a significant minority of Shirazi people who trace their ancestors from the gulf in the Middle East. Since these people formed the ruling class in the 19th century, they have had a huge influence on the culture and way of life of all Zanzibar is. Whilst about a third of the population of people on mainland Tanzania are Muslims, in Zanzibar, Muslims comprise 99% of the population

Some Facts about Zanzibar

1. The name Zanzibar means ‘coast of the blacks’, and comes from the Persian word Zangibar – ‘zangi’ meaning black-skinned and ‘bar’ meaning coast
2. Zanzibar is commonly know as “Island of Spices” because the main economic activities after tourism is spices cultivation and exports – mainly cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper.
3. Zanzibar is a collection of more than 50 big and small islands
4. Zanzibar is a year-round never miss destination with moderate temperature between 28C and 32C and night-time lows between 20C and 25C. February is the most humid month, while March to May are the wettest.
5. Zanzibar was the first country in Africa to introduce color television – in 1973.
6. The capital of Zanzibar is Zanzibar City
7. The historic town is “Stone Town”, famed for its labyrinth of narrow streets, historic buildings and ancient spice markets.
8. Zanzibar is the most affordable island and beach in north to south of Africa and yet offering almost all the experiences a traveler may look or want for
9. Zanzibar hosts the possibly extincted Zanzibar Leopard. It also host the rare Red Colobus Monkeys in Jozani Forest in the main island of Unguja. The monkeys are endemic – there are only up to 3,000 individuals left.
10. With living reefs surrounding the islands, Zanzibar is a prime dive destination.
11. Zanzibar has a huge Arab influence, the population being predominately Muslim. The oldest traces of Islam can be found in a Mosque at the Southern-most end of Unguja Island at Kizimkazi. Kizimkazi Mosque is one of the oldest Islamic buildings on the East African coast.