Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. The archipelago consists of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, as well as several smaller islands. The capital and largest city of Zanzibar is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Zanzibar has a rich history and culture, with influences from Africa, Arabia, Persia, India, and Europe. The island was an important center of trade in spices, ivory, and slaves, and was ruled by a series of sultanates before becoming a British protectorate in the late 19th century. Zanzibar gained independence from Britain in 1963 and merged with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania in 1964.