Language

Official language: Kiswahili and English

                                Kiswahili is the first language

 

Brief history of Kiswahili: Kiswahili is basically a Bantu language that originated along the coast. However during the interaction of Bantu and far east people in the name of trade in the early first century CE, Kiswahili had derived many words from the foreigners especially Arabs. As the result of advancing trade between Bantu and Arabs, also Persians and Indians the language continued to grow with the combination of foreign languages. However, only part of Kiswahili consist of foreign words the rest remain Bantu. Speakers of Kiswahili are known for their common name 'Swahili people'.

 

Social conventions

Upon meeting people hands are always shaken, to say hello 'Jambo' is a standard word for greetings. Traditionally, a practice of using the right hand, to shake hands, to give or receive anything is what is believed and considered to be kind and respectful. This is practiced everywhere in urban or rural localities.

 

Dress code: Casual wear. However, in Zanzibar since the population is mostly of Muslim influence it is required to dress respectably covering legs and bare arms in public, Muslim women wear 'hijab' and if Christian, most women wrap a type of clothing called 'khanga' with any well covering tops to cover their bottom, So far you can wear anything that looks better for you just make sure they cover you up well because wearing a khanga is not a rule. this exclude dress code on beach.

 

During Ramadhan; eating, smoking and drinking in daylight is totally unpleasant, however this does not include eating, smoking or drinking in tourists hotels or restaurants.

 

 

Religion

About 35-40% of the population is Muslim (most residence in Zanzibar), 40-45% of population is christian, in both mainland and islands, fewer traditional beliefs and Hindu.