About Pemba

Pemba is a part of the Zanzibar Archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. As tourism on the neighboring island of Zanzibar grows, many adventurous travelers have been heading to Pemba.

Farming

Farming still takes up most of the island as soil is particularly fertile. Clove production generates the largest amount of income.

Fishing

Commercial fishing makes up a significant portion of the economy. Game fishing is also gaining in popularity as the tourism industry grows.

Residents

Many of Pemba's residents are descendants of Omani traders who settled on the island in the tenth century. The Waswahili are the original inhabitants and over a third of all residents are Muslim.

Traditional Medicine

Until relatively recently, Pemba was known for occasional political violence. Additionally, Tanzanians from across the country would travel there as it was known as a center for witchcraft and traditional medicine.

Scuba Diving

Pemba is fast becoming known as one of the best places to scuba dive along the East African coast. Warm waters, untouched reefs and a great variety of marine life abound.

References

• Tanzania: The Land and Its People, John Ndembwike, 2006