Zanzibar: Main Facts

Geographical Location

The Island of Zanzibar lies at a Latitude of 6° 10' 0 S, and a Longitude: 39° 19' 60 E. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator. Zanzibar Island (known locally as Unguja, but as Zanzibar internationally) is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, occupying a total area of approximately 650 square miles.

Languages

English is well known and spoken all over the island and many people also know how to speak Arabic since they are of the Muslim faith. Be that as it may, Kiswahili still wins out as the main language of Zanzibar. Use only a few words of Swahili when you are in Zanzibar and you will have many friends.

Currency

Exchanged at 1EUR = TSH160, currency of Zanzibar Island is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). Hotels accept Euros but be on the lookout! Hotel exchange rates are usually not as high. Best to exchange your currency at a local Change Bureau into THS as their rates are normally as good as you are going to find.