The People of Zanzibar

Zanzibar & Pemba Island comprise of many cultural influences. The region is a clash of co-existing cultures from many parts of the world. It is what makes this region of Africa so unique.

The people of Zanzibar have predominantly an Arabic background. The Arabic influences are a mix of Shirazi (from Persia) Arabs Comorians (from the Comoro islands). Though a minority, there are also historical Asian, Subcontinent Asian, European communities on the island, as well as Bantu communities that predominate all.

The island of origin of the locals often closely determines what tribe an individual belongs to. The Waunguja Tribe emanate from Unguja,  the Wapemba Tribe from Pemba island, and the Watumbatu Tribe come from Tumbatu island.