Mozambique Niassa Province
Niassa Province Fact Sheet
Niassa is a sparsely populated province in northwest Mozambique that boasts some of the country's most stunning, untouched wilderness areas.
General Description: Characterized by its rugged terrain and rich natural resources, Niassa offers a glimpse into a less developed part of the country, with expansive forests, wildlife reserves, and a landscape dotted with remote villages. Its vast expanse and low population density afford it a feeling of untouched beauty and untamed nature.
Surface Area: Niassa is the largest province in Mozambique, covering an impressive area of approximately 129,056 square kilometers, which is roughly equivalent to the size of many smaller countries around the world.
Geographical Limits:
- North: It borders Tanzania, separated by the Rovuma River.
- South: The province of Zambezia and Nampula are Niassa's neighbors to the south.
- West: Niassa shares a boundary with the country of Malawi, alongside Lake Malawi (known in Mozambique as Lake Niassa).
- East: The province of Cabo Delgado lies to Niassa's east.
Main Cities: The provincial capital is Lichinga, situated near Lake Niassa, providing a hub for administration, commerce, and transport. Other notable towns include Cuamba, which acts as an important rail and road junction.
Number of Districts: Niassa is divided into 16 districts, reflecting its size and the diverse communities nestled within its terrain.
Name of Districts: The districts include Cuamba, Lago, Lichinga, Majune, Mandimba, Marrupa, Maúa, Mavago, Mecanhelas, Metarica, Muembe, N'gauma, Nipepe, Sanga, Chimbonila, and Lago.
Climate: Niassa experiences a subtropical climate with two distinct seasons: a rainy season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. The proximity to Lake Niassa and the altitude of the highlands influence the weather patterns, leading to cooler temperatures compared to the rest of the country.
Population: With just over one million inhabitants according to recent estimates, Niassa is one of the least densely populated regions in Mozambique, contributing to its vast areas of untouched nature and wilderness.
Languages: While Portuguese is the official language for administrative purposes, many residents speak local languages such as Yao, Makua, and Nyanja, reflecting the region's cultural diversity.
Major Products: Agriculture is the mainstay of Niassa's economy, with tobacco, cotton, and maize among the important crops. Animal husbandry is also practiced, and there's potential for growth in mining and eco-tourism, given the province's natural resources and beautiful landscapes.
Main Roads: The transportation infrastructure in Niassa is developing, with major roads, including the one connecting the capital Lichinga to the second most important city, Cuamba. The EN14 is a significant artery that allows for travel from Lichinga to the Tanzanian border. The province is also part of the Nacala Logistics Corridor, a rail and road network that links the interior to the port of Nacala, facilitating trade and movement.
Niassa is a province where the beauty of the natural environment is unmatched, where a traveler can experience the solitude and the serenity of untouched Africa, and where the economy is ripe with potential due to its natural resources and vast arable lands.
Map of Niassa Province
7-day weather forecast for Niassa Province
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