Zanzibar Island (Unguja), Pemba Island, and surrounding islands

Location About 40km off the coast of east Africa, in the Indian Ocean, about 6°S
of Equator

Size Zanzibar 1,660km², Pemba 985km²

Climate Wet season mid-Mar to end May; short rains Nov; rest of year generally
dry. Average temperature 26–28°C

Status Separate state within United Republic of Tanzania, governed by
Revolutionary Council and House of Representatives

Population 984,625 (2002)

Life expectancy 48

Main town Zanzibar Town, population 205,870 (2002)

Economy Fishing, agriculture, tourism

Languages Swahili (official), also Arabic

Religion Islam

Currency Tanzanian shilling (TSh)

Exchange rate £1 = TSh2,340, US$1 = TSh1,240, 1 = TSh1,584 (May 2006)

International telephone code +255

Time GMT +3

Electrical voltage 230v 50Hz; round or square three-pin 'British-style' plugs

Weights and measures Metric

Flag Green triangle top left, light blue triangle lower right, divided diagonally by
yellow stripe with black edging

National anthem Mungu ibariki Afrika (God Bless Africa)

Public holidays 1 January, 12 January, 26 April, 1 May, 7 July, 9 December, 25
December