Zanzibar

Zanzibar comprises a pair of islands off the east coast of Africa called Zanzibar and Pemba. It was an independent nation at one stage, then a colony of the United Kingdom. Shortly after regaining independence in late 1963 it joined with the mainland state of Tanganyika to form Tanzania in 1964, which it remains a part of to this day.

The main town and economic centre is Stone Town[?] on the actual island of Zanzibar.

Zanzibar was a centre for the eastern slave trade during the 17th-19th centuries, when it was ruled by the Sultan of Oman. The British government forced the cessation of slave trading in the late 19th century.

Zanzibar's main industries are spices (including nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper) and tourism. Zanzibar is also the only home of the red colobus monkey.

Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar.