Rebels in Zanzibar begin a revolt known as the Zanzibar Revolution and proclaim a republic.

Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa. It is located in the Indian Ocean, and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja and Pemba Island. The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historic centre, Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site.

The Zanzibar Revolution began on 12 January 1964 and led to the overthrow of the Sultan of Zanzibar Jamshid bin Abdullah and his mainly Arab government by the island's majority Black African population.

January 12 is the 12th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 353 days remain until the end of the year.