Country Information
The Zanzibar archipelago (Arabic: Zinj el-Barr = land of the Blacks) is currently a province of Tanzania and consists of three main islands, Unguja or Zanzibar Island, Pemba and Mafia, and a large number of smaller islands. Unguja lies about 35 km off the coast of the Tanzanian mainland, Pemba lies approx. 40 km northeast of Unguja. The Zanzibar archipelago is separated from the mainland by the Zanzibar Channel.
Unguja is a maximum of 100 km long and 35 km wide and has a total area of approx. 1650 km2; Pemba is a maximum of 70 km long and 23 km wide. Some of the other islands are no bigger than a coral reef.
* wherever Zanzibar is mentioned in the text, the main island of Unguja is meant.
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Landscape
Zanzibar is generally quite flat, with some more hills in the west and centre of the island; the highest point is 120 metres.
Holidays and Sightseeing
Zanzibar currently attracts fewer than 100,000 tourists per year, but the number of tourists is growing. The island is known for its diving spots in and around the coral reefs. Kitesurfing is also on the rise.
Stone Town is the old capital of Zanzibar, with an interesting market and winding streets. There are also a number of small museums. The Sultan's Palace and Beit-el-Ajaib on the waterfront are of interest. Also, take a look at the old slave market, which is now the site of the Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ.
The main reason to visit Zanzibar is its immaculate white-sand beaches, particularly those along the north and east coasts. There are excellent opportunities for diving and deep-sea fishing. Zanzibar is one of the most beautiful diving areas in the Indian Ocean, with stunning coral reefs. For enthusiasts, there are chances to see whale sharks or swim with dolphins.
Zanzibar has had influences from Arab, African and Asian cultures. This makes it an exotic destination.
Born in Zanzibar
Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara (Gujarati: ફારોખ બલ્સારા; Stone Town, Zanzibar, 5 September 1946 – London, 24 November 1991), was a British rock musician. He rose to fame as the lead singer and frontman of the band Queen, becoming one of the greatest and most popular rock artists and pop singers of all time. He was known for his extravagant stage persona and energetic performances. He is also noted for his four-octave vocal range, an exceptional feat for a male singing voice.
Climate and Weather
Zanzibar has a tropical climate with warm and sunny weather all year round. The average annual temperature fluctuates between 24 and 28°C.
On Zanzibar, an average of approximately 1500 mm of rain falls annually. In the west, short, heavy showers occur throughout the year, and April and May are the main rainy months.
Source: landenweb.nl
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