The Swahili Coast

The Swahili Coast is a long shore on the east side of Africa. Long ago, it was home to many busy trading cities. These cities were along the coasts of Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The Swahili people traded with lands as far away as India and China. They mixed African, Arab, and Asian ideas to make their own special culture.

Busy Trading Cities

Cities like Kilwa, Mombasa, and Zanzibar were full of traders. People sold gold, ivory, spices, and cloth. Ships called dhows sailed back and forth across the Indian Ocean. The winds changed with the seasons, which helped sailors travel. Traders brought goods from all over Asia to the African coast.

Swahili Culture

The Swahili people speak a language called Swahili. It mixes African Bantu words with some Arabic words. They built beautiful houses and mosques out of coral stones. Swahili cities had tall buildings, public baths, and busy markets. The Swahili culture is still strong in East Africa today.

Fun Facts

• The word 'Swahili' comes from an Arabic word meaning 'of the coast.'
• Swahili is spoken by over 100 million people today.
• The city of Kilwa was once called the most beautiful city in Africa.

Did You Know?

Chinese coins and pottery from over 600 years ago have been found on the Swahili Coast, showing how far trade reached.