|
|
 anzibar is
an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba
Islands, and several islets. It is located in
the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the
Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator.
Zanzibar Island (known locally as Unguja, but as
Zanzibar internationally) is 60 miles long and
20 miles wide, occupying a total area of
approximately 650 square miles. It is
characterized by beautiful sandy beaches with
fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic
Stone Town - said to be the only functioning
ancient town in East Africa.
Vaccinations
In addition to the yellow fever inoculation
(which you must have to enter the country!) you
should check with a travel clinic what the
inoculations are that are recommended for
Zanzibar. We would also like to recommend to ask
your doctor for a "dive" friendly malaria
medication!
Wildlife
There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar, and
forest areas such as Jozani are
 inhabited by
monkeys, bush-pigs and small antelopes. Civets -
and rumor has it, the elusive Zanzibar leopard!
Various species of mongoose can also be found on
the island.
There is a wide variety of birdlife, and a large
number of butterflies in rural areas.
The coral
reefs that surround the East Coast are rich in
marine diversity, and make Zanzibar an ideal
location for snorkeling and scuba diving.
People, Religion and Language
Zanzibar's local people are an incredible
mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of her
colorful history. Islam is the dominant
religion, and practiced by most Zanzibaris,
although there are also followers of
Christianity and Hinduism. Population is
estimated at 800,000, with
the largest
concentration being Zanzibar City which has
approximately 100,000
inhabitants. Zanzibaris speak Swahili (known
locally as Kiswahili), a language which is
spoken extensively in East Africa. Many believe
that the purest form is spoken in Zanzibar as it
is the birth place of the language.
Weather and Climate
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/Tanzania/Zansibar.htm
Government
Zanzibar is an island state within the United
Republic of Tanzania, and has its own
semi-autonomous government made up of a
Revolutionary Council and House of
Representatives. The present government is led
by the island's President, Amani Karume.
Economy
Fishing and agriculture are the main economic
activities of the local people. Zanzibar was
once the world's largest producer of cloves, and
her economy was based on large incomes thus
derived. Although cloves are still a major
export along with coconut products and spices,
tourism has been ear-marked as the primary
foreign exchange earner, with more visitors
coming to Zanzibar each year. At this stage, the
numbers are still low (less than 100,000
annually) and the potential for tourism is
relatively untapped. |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Significance:
Golden
the mineral
wealth
Red
the fertile red soil of Africa
Wavy Band
the land, sea, lakes and coastal lines
Shield
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Burning Torch
freedom, enlightenment and knowledge
Spear
defense of freedom
Clove Bush & Cotton Bush
agriculture in the country
Cross Axe & Hoe
tools that the people use in developing
the country the elephant tusk supported by a man and a woman on both sides of
the shield symbolizing both the themes of cooperation and gender and equality
of the people of Tanzania.
|
|
|
|
