Independance

Following elections and Independence in 1963, the broad-based and predominantly African 'Afro-Shirazi Party' (ASP) had the majority of the popular vote, but despite this, power was held by a coalition of two parties supported by the British. At this time, there was a growing movement for independence from colonialism and its ties throughout East Africa, with independence for Tanganyika in 1961, Uganda in 1962 and Kenya in 1963. Following the Zanzibar revolution of 1964, the ASP's Abeid Karume became Prime Minister. Later that year, Karume and Tanganyika's Julius Nyerere signed an Act of Union between Zanzibar and Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania (see flag opposite - the blue triangle represents Zanzibar's part of the Union - Zanzibar's own flag can be found here). In 1977, the mainland party and ASP merged to form Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) which remains in power today. Zanzibar is semi-autonomous, with its own President and House of Representatives.

See Zanzibar's incredible history today!

Zanzibar's rich heritage is still evident today. In Stone Town there is a fortress, two sultans' palaces, two cathedrals, colonial mansions, and a Persian style public bath-house. Many buildings have ornately carved doors with brass studs on them - the more impressive the door, the richer the original occupant. Outside town, there are more ruined palaces, other Shirazi remains, the famous Persian baths, and caves where slaves were once imprisoned. When in Zanzibar, a Historic City Tour is a must.