Zanzibar’s history is marked by periods of Omani rule, British protectorate, and independence before joining the mainland to form Tanzania. The island was part of Oman’s commercial empire, becoming its capital in the 19th century, and later becoming an independent sultanate. British influence led to a protectorate and eventually, Zanzibar gained independence in 1963. A revolution in 1964 led to the island uniting with Tanganyika to form Tanzania.