Overview

Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of East Africa. It forms a semi‑autonomous region of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Geographic location

• Region: Indian Ocean, east of mainland Tanzania.
• Coordinates: Approximately 6° S latitude, 39° E longitude¹.
• Distance from mainland: Roughly 22 mi (35 km), with sources giving a range of 15‑50 km (9‑31 mi) depending on the specific point measured¹⁴⁶.

Political status

• Zanzibar is not an independent nation; it enjoys a high degree of self‑government while remaining part of Tanzania¹³.

Main islands

• Unguja – often called “Zanzibar Island,” the largest and most populated.
• Pemba – the second‑largest island.
• Numerous smaller islands, including Mafia Island, are also part of the archipelago¹.

Summary

Zanzibar sits in the Indian Ocean, just off Tanzania’s east coast, and is best known for its white‑sand beaches, historic Stone Town, and vibrant Swahili culture. Its semi‑autonomous status gives it its own local government while remaining under Tanzanian sovereignty¹⁵.