Mozambique Inhambane Province
Inhambane Province Fact Sheet
Inhambane is a picturesque coastal province in the southern part of Mozambique, known for its historical significance, beautiful beaches, and vibrant marine life.
General Description: The province boasts an extensive coastline along the Indian Ocean, dotted with various bays and lagoons. It's a popular tourist destination, especially for visitors interested in beach holidays, diving, and exploring the rich cultural heritage of the region. Inhambane is considered one of the oldest settlements on the East African coast, with a history of maritime trade that dates back to the 11th century.
Surface Area: Inhambane covers around 68,615 square kilometers, featuring both coastal areas and inland regions with varying landscapes.
Geographical Limits:
- North: It is bordered by Sofala province.
- South: To the south lies Gaza province.
- West: Inhambane shares a western boundary with the province of Manica.
- East: The province is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the east, home to some of Mozambique's most celebrated beaches.
Main Cities:
- Inhambane city, which shares its name with the province, is not only the provincial capital but also a city steeped in history with significant Portuguese colonial architecture.
- Maxixe, situated across the bay from Inhambane city, is the economic hub of the province and its largest urban settlement.
Number of Districts: The province is divided into 14 districts.
Name of Districts: These include Funhalouro, Govuro, Homoíne, Inharrime, Inhambane, Jangamo, Massinga, Morrumbene, Mabote, Panda, Vilanculos, Zavala, and the cities of Inhambane and Maxixe.
Climate: Inhambane has a tropical savanna climate, with a warm, wet season extending from October to March and a cooler, dry season from April to September. The province is sometimes affected by tropical cyclones during the wet season.
Population: The province is home to around 1.5 million people, making it moderately populated in the context of Mozambique.
Languages: Portuguese is the official language in the province. Local languages also popularly spoken in the region include Bitonga and Chopi.
Major Products: Inhambane's economy is largely based on agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. Major crops include cashew nuts, coconut, and citrus fruits. The coastal waters are renowned for an abundance of marine life, and fishing is a significant economic activity. In recent years, tourism has grown in importance, especially around towns like Vilanculos and Tofo, which serve as gateways to the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Main Roads: The EN1 highway is the primary thoroughfare traversing Inhambane, running north-south and connecting the province to the rest of the country.
Main Airport: Inhambane Airport (Aeroporto de Inhambane), with the IATA code INH and ICAO code FQIN, serves the provincial capital and surrounding areas. The airport supports domestic flights, including routes to and from Maputo.
Distance from Inhambane City to Capital Maputo by Road: The distance from Inhambane city to Maputo is approximately 470 kilometers. Normally, it takes about 6 to 8 hours to travel this distance by road, depending on the conditions of the road and the type of transportation.
Inhambane province, with its idyllic beaches, historical cities, and vibrant culture, has become synonymous with a laid-back, tropical lifestyle and a destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Its growing tourism industry, alongside traditional sectors like agriculture and fishing, highlights its importance within Mozambique's diverse economic landscape.
Map of Inhamane Province
7-day weather forecast for Inhambane Province
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