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Zanzibar
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Map showing the island of Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa, including major towns such as Zanzibar City, Bububu, and Chwaka, as well as nearby islands, reefs, and key geographic features. An inset locates Zanzibar along the eastern coast of Africa. Zanzibar Zanzibar red colobus monkey Historical map of eastern Africa around 1850 showing major states such as Kefa, Buganda, and the Sultanate of Zanzibar, along with minor states, stateless peoples, and the Maasai. Red lines trace major trade routes connecting inland regions to the Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula, and Indian Ocean, while green arrows indicate directions of expansion by groups like the Oromo and Maasai. Major lakes, rivers, and mountain landmarks are labeled throughout the region. Historical map of eastern Africa around 1914, showing the region divided among British, German, French, and Italian colonial powers. Different territories are color-coded by colonial ruler, with key locations such as British East Africa (Kenya and Uganda), German East Africa (including present-day Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi), Italian Somaliland, and French Somaliland labeled. Major lakes, rivers, and cities are also marked.
Video thumbnail image shows British forces in front of the sultan's palace after the bombardment during the 1896 Anglo-Zanzibar War.
The Sultan's palace in Stone Town, Zanzibar City, features whitewashed walls, arched windows, a red-tiled roof, and a palm tree in front.
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Island, New Caledonia.
Islands and Archipelagos
Mount Kenya in Mount Kenya National Park is the highest mountain in Africa. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Giant Lobelia in foreground. (Mt. Kenya; Mt. Kenya National Park; mountains; rugged mountain; African geography, African landscape, stratovolcano)
Africa’s Physical Features

Zanzibar: References & Edit History

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  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

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  • Samuel Sparenga

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Add new Web site: Official Tourism Site of Zanzibar, Tanzania. Oct 16, 2026
Add new Web site: IUCN - Aquaculture and Marine Conservation - Zanzibar Case Study (PDF). Oct 10, 2025
Add new Web site: GlobalSecurity.org - Zanzibar: Independence, Revolution, and Union. Jun 19, 2025
Add new Web site: Siyabona Africa - Islands of Zanzibar. Apr 25, 2025
Media added. Jul 31, 2024
Add new Web site: HistoryWorld - History of Zanzibar. Jun 04, 2019
Cross-references added. Nov 09, 2017
Media added. Nov 09, 2017
In History section, added detail about the Anglo-Zanzibar War in 1896. Jun 19, 2015
Add new Web site: Official Site Of Tanzania. Jun 20, 2011
Photos added. Sep 11, 2009
Geologic time data updated. Sep 11, 2009
Article restructured. Aug 19, 2009
Population data updated. Dec 01, 2006
Added new Web site: Zanzibar. May 24, 2006
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
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