Niambieni
JF-Expert Member
- Jul 20, 2011
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Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, 6° south of the equator and 36 km from the Tanzanian mainland coast, It is 108 km long and 32 km wide with an area of 2,461 km2 (950 sq m) Zanzibar is mainly low lying, its highest point is 120 metres.
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About Zanzibar
Zanzibar- dhow race
The Zanzibar islands are partners to the United Republic of Tanzania. 1964 Zanzibar united with the former colony of Tanganyika to form Tanzania. It is located in the Indian Ocean and consists of many islands, the main two being Unguja (sometimes called Zanzibar) and Pemba. Together with Mafia Island (south of Zanzibar), these three Islands form the Spice Islands. Want more information about what to do in Zanzibar?
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Zanzibar archipelago. A number of smaller islands and islets is around Zanzibars archipelago. Only two of them, Tumbatu and Uzi, are inhabited. Other minor islands around Unguja include Bawe, Chapwani, Changuu, Chumbe, Kizingo, Kwale, Latham, Mautani, Miwi, Mnemba, MwanawaMwana, Nianembe, Popo, Pungume, and Ukanga.
Zanzibar womenUnguja (Zanzibar)Island. Zanzibar is characterised by its beautiful palm fringed white sandy beaches. The coral reefs that surround the East Coast are rich in marine diversity and is perfect for snorkeling and day trips. You will also have the possibility to swim with dolphin. The historic Stone Town – said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa, is a breath taking place and when wandering around the narrow alleys you feel as being in the ancient Persia.
The land is divided into three main areas, the plantation area, the coral rag area and the indigenous forests.
Pemba Island. Pemba is known as "The Green Island" and is situated about 50 kilometres to the north of the Unguja (the Island proper of Zanzibar) and 50 kilometres east of mainland Tanzania, across the Pemba Channel. West of Pemba's capital Chake-Chake, on a long stretched peninsula called RasMkumbuu, one can find some of the oldest and best preserved series of early ruins on the islands (Ndagoni ruins, probably 14th century). East of Chake-Chake one can find the MkamaNdume ruins at Pujini village (south of the airport) within easy reach by road from Chake-Chake. This fortification is the only known early fortification on the whole coast of East Africa; it is dated to the fifteenth century.
Geography, weather, and climate. Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, 6° south of the equator and 36 km from the Tanzanian mainland coast, It is 108 km long and 32 km wide with an area of 2,461 km2 (950 sq m) Zanzibar is mainly low lying, its highest point is 120 metres. It is in the UTC +3 time zone, and does not use Daylight Saving Time. The heat of summer is seasonally often cooled by windy conditions, resulting in sea breezes, particularly on the North and East coasts. Being near to the equator, the islands are warm all year round, but officially, summer and winter peak in December and June respectively. Short rains can occur in November but are characterised by short showers which do not last long. The long rains normally occur in April and May although this is often referred to as the ‘Green Season' and it typically does not rain every day during that time.
Government and politics. Zanzibar has a government of national unity. As a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania, Zanzibar has its own government, known as the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. It is made up of the Revolutionary Council and House of Representatives. The local Zanzibari government is based in Stone Town, on the west coast of Unguja. Population. According to the most recent census of 2002, the total population of Zanzibar was 984,625 – with a steady annual growth rate of 3.1% People of Unguja mostly speak kiunguja ("the language of Unguja"), which is the dialect of the Swahili language that was used as the main model for the definition of standard Swahili. Economy. Zanzibar Islands are the Archipelago Island that have the most developed tourism industry. This accounts for a substantial part of Zanzibar's economy. Agriculture (including the production of spices such as cloves) and fishing are other relevant activities. All along the east coast, most villages also rely on seaweed farming.
