Zanzibar, semiautonomous archipelago and island, Tanzania

Zanzibar zănˈzĭbär, zănzĭbärˈ [key], semiautonomous archipelago (2012 pop. 1,303,569), Tanzania, E Africa, in the Indian Ocean c. 20 mi (32 km) off the mainland, consisting of the island of Zanzibar or Unjuga (2012 pop. 896,721), 600 sq mi (1,554 sq km), Pemba, and neighboring smaller islands. The main towns of the archipelago are Zanzibar (or Stone Town), Chwaka, Kizimkazi, and Koani (all on Zanzibar) and Wete, Chake Chake, and Mkoani (on Pemba). Zanzibar island, which is low-lying, with a maximum elevation of about 390 ft (120 m), is subdivided into three regions.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Independence and Union
• Asian, European, and Arab Influences
• Early History
• Economy
• People
• Bibliography

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