Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Introduction to Attractions

Part of Tanzania. It consists of Unguja Island (Zanzibar Island), Pemba Island, and nearby smaller islands, covering an area of 2,657 square kilometers. Located in the western part of the Indian Ocean, the two main islands are 36 kilometers and 57 kilometers from the mainland, respectively. The population is about 630,000, mainly Swahili people, with the rest being Arabs, Indians, Pakistanis, and others. The islands are all composed of coral reefs and have low and flat terrain. The climate is hot and humid, with annual precipitation of 1,500–2,000 mm and an average annual temperature of 25°C. It was occupied by Portugal in 1503. From the 17th century, it belonged to the Sultanate of Muscat. In 1856, it became the independent Sultanate of Zanzibar. In 1890, it became a British protectorate. It declared independence in 1963. In 1964, the People's Republic of Zanzibar was established and united with Tanganyika in the same year to form the United Republic of Tanzania. The economy is mainly agricultural, with cloves and coconuts being major products. It is known as the "Island of Cloves," with 4.5 million clove trees producing over 70% of the world's supply, mostly on Pemba Island. There are also more than 5 million coconut trees, mostly concentrated on Zanzibar Island. Additionally, rice, cassava, sugarcane, fruits, and other crops are produced. Industry is mainly focused on clove oil extraction and coconut processing. The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the western coast of Zanzibar Island, serving as the administrative, economic, and transportation hub of the region. It has a population of about 150,000. Established in the early centuries AD, it was once an important trading port along the East African coast before declining for a time. In the early 19th century, it became a center for the slave trade, and maritime trade flourished again. In 1824, Sultan Seyyid Said ibn Sultan established his capital here. It is now an important transshipment port in East Africa, with thriving entrepôt trade. Industries include clove oil extraction, coconut processing, agricultural machinery repair, leather production, and shoemaking. It is the world’s largest exporter of cloves and clove oil. The city has an international airport.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania