Which Country is Known as Island of Cloves?

Zanzibar is called the "Island of Cloves." It is part of the country of Tanzania, located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar is not just one island but a group of many islands. The two biggest ones are Unguja (commonly Zanzibar) and Pemba.

Akansha Arora Last updated on January 22nd, 2026 01:30 pm

There is a beautiful island in the world that is famous for growing a special spice with a sweet smell. This island has warm weather and rich soil, which makes it perfect for farming species. Long ago, this place became very rich because of one spice that people from many countries wanted to buy. Because of this, the island earned a special name related to that spice.

Island of Cloves

Zanzibar, often called the “Island of Cloves,” is a group of islands that belongs to Tanzania, located in the Indian Ocean off Africa’s eastern coast. The archipelago includes many islands, with the two largest being Unguja (commonly known as Zanzibar) and Pemba. Zanzibar is famous for its spice plantations, rich culture, and beautiful beaches, making it an important and unique part of Tanzania.

Why is Zanzibar Known as the Island of Cloves?

Zanzibar got its famous name because it once produced more cloves than any other place in the world. Cloves are the dried flower buds of a tree called Syzgium aromaticum. These buds are collected, dried in the sun, and used as a spice.

Long ago, the Sultan of Oman, Seyyid Said, ruled over Zanzibar and brought clove plants to the islands. He planted many clove farms, especially on Pemba Island, where the climate and soil were perfect for growing them.

Even today, when walking around Zanzibar, people can still smell the sweet aroma of drying cloves in the air. Though it no longer the top producer, Zanzibar’s history with cloves remains very important.

An Overview of Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. This means it is part of Tanzania but has its own local government. It is made up of many small islands, with Unguja and Pemba being the largest.

The capital city is Zanzibar City, located on Unguja Island. Its oldest area is called Stone Town, which is full of old buildings, narrow streets and rich history. Because of its unique culture and history, Stone Town has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Zanzibar has beautiful beaches, spice farms and a mix of African, Arab and European cultures. It attracts many visitors who want to learn about its past and enjoy its natural beauty.