TUMBATO AND ZANZIBARI

Even though the peoples living on the island of Zanzibar are of different tribes, for the purpose of this profile they are considered as one. Bantu peoples, who migrated from the mainland, were the first inhabitants of Zanzibar. Intermarriage occurred with the Arab slave and ivory traders from the east. Over the centuries more African peoples from the mainland came to Zanzibar and more intermarriages took place. As a result of the intermarriages between the Africans and the Arabs the Swahili language was born.

During the sixteenth century the Portuguese explored the costs of Africa and found Zanzibar quite fertile. German colonization of east Africa started in 1884 and in 1890 Zanzibar was declared a British protectorate. Zanzibar was infamous for its slave trade during the nineteenth century, but after considerable pressure exerted on the sultans by Britain this trade was finally abolished. In 1963 Zanzibar achieved its independence from Britain and a year later it united with Tanganyika to form Tanzania.

Before the Portuguese came to Zanzibar, the inhabitants were agriculturalists. Crops such as rice, millet, sugar cane, and various fruit were grown. Today agriculture still forms an important part of Zanzibar's economic life. As a religion Islam dominates daily life. Various Islamic holy days are celebrated. The community of Ithnaasheriyya commemorates the death of Husain, son of Ali and Fatima, annually. Perhaps the most important Event of all is the month of Ramadan. During this time the pace on the island slows down."

• Country: Tanzania
• Population (year): 32.9 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 51%
• Percent Evangelical: 9.7%
• Openness to Missionaries: Open"

1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Who is Jesus Christ to them?

97% Believe Jesus is a Good Man, a Prophet, a Teacher, but not God's Son.
3% Believe Jesus is the Son of God

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every 33 persons (total believers - 12 000)(3%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Churches to population: 1 church for every 16 000 persons (total churches - 25)
Communities without a church: 101

4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

The Bible was released in 1952 and work on the Braille Scriptures is in progress.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

In some areas there are fierce Islamic opposition.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Literature: Yes
Radio: FEBA broadcasts 21 hours per week in Swahili
Trans World Radio broadcasts 19 hours per week in English

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

No, the Islamic influence is very strong.

8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?

Yes, the existing church is not strong enough to reproduce itself."