Nampula

Nampula Factsheet

Nampula is the capital and largest city of Nampula Province, the third-largest urban area in Mozambique, and is an important business center in the northern region of the country.

Location: The city is located in the interior of Northern Mozambique, at approximately 15.12° S latitude and 39.27° E longitude, inland from the Indian Ocean coast and Mozambique Island.

Climate: Nampula has a tropical savanna climate with a distinct wet and dry season. The moist, rainy season lasts from November to April and is followed by a dry season from May to October. The average annual temperature is around 23°C.

Brief Historical Background and Status as the Capital: Founded by the Portuguese, Nampula burgeoned during the colonial era due to its location on the main railway line from the interior to the coast. After independence, it continued to grow and is now the economic and cultural center of Northern Mozambique.

Population Size: The city has experienced rapid population growth and now has more than half a million residents, reflecting varied cultural backgrounds including the Makhuwa and Mwani ethnic groups.

Main Economic Activities and Industries: The Nampula region's economy centers on agriculture, with cash crops like cotton, cashew, and tobacco. The city is also a commercial hub with robust markets and is significant for retail and services, owing partly to its position adjacent to the Nacala Corridor, a key transit route for the north.

Transportation Networks and Utilities: Nampula serves as a major transportation junction for Northern Mozambique. The road network linking it to the coast and neighboring provinces, enhanced by the development of the Nacala Corridor, and the presence of the railway line bolster the city's connectivity.

Key Infrastructure Points: Ports, Airports, Roads: The Nampula International Airport connects the city with domestic and international destinations. The development of the Nacala Corridor includes the construction of a deep-water port in Nacala, the improvement of roads, and the railway for efficient freight movement, cementing Nampula's status as a key logistical node.

Tourist Attractions: Close to the city are the fascinating Mozambique Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Ribáuè area's beautiful rock formations. Within Nampula itself, the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Fatima's captivating architecture draws visitors.

Distance to Maputo: Nampula is approximately 2,100 km northeast of Maputo. By road, this distance can take over 30 hours to cover, depending on conditions and means of transport. Flights from Nampula to Maputo generally take around 2.5 hours.

This fact sheet provides an overview of Nampula that underscores its strategic significance in terms of geography, economics, and transportation within Mozambique. It highlights the city's cultural heritage as well as its developing potential as a major commercial and transit hub in the north.

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