Zan'zibar, or zahn ze bahr', or Zanguebar, an island off the eastern coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean, forming a part of the British protectorate of Zanzibar. Its area is 640,000 square miles, and it is mostly low, the highest point being only 1000 feet above the sea. The island is fertile and well cultivated. Cloves, cocoanuts and other tropical products are grown. The population numbers about 150,000 and includes numerous races, among which are Arabs, Persians and representatives of most of the native tribes of eastern Africa. There are only a few Europeans. Zanzibar, the capital and chief town of the island, contains the palaces of the sultan, the barracks, the fort, hospitals and a number of mission stations. It is an important port in the Eastern trade and has some manufactories. The population is about 60,000.