Where is Mafia Island located?

Mafia Island ("Chole Shamba") is an island in Tanzania. As one of the six districts of the Pwani Region, Mafia Island is governed from the mainland, not from the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar, of which it has never been considered to be a part politically. The economy is based on fishing, subsistence agriculture and the market in Kilindoni. The island attracts some tourists, mainly adventure scuba divers, game fishermen, and people wanting relaxation.

Mafia Island is mentioned at least as early as the 8th century. The island once played a major role in ancient trade between the people of East Asia and East Africa. It was a regular stop for Arab boats. The name "Mafia" derives from the Arabic "morfiyeh", meaning "group" or "archipelago", or from the Swahili "mahali pa afya", meaning "a healthy dwelling-place".