In southeast Africa lies the beautiful and vibrant country of Mozambique, known for its stunning coastline, national parks, and wildlife reserves. Despite being relatively small, Mozambique is divided into several administrative regions known as provinces. In this article, we will explore just how many provinces there are in Mozambique, as well as provide some information about each one.
Number of Provinces in Mozambique
Mozambique is divided into a total of 11 provinces, each with its own set of unique characteristics and features. These provinces are:
- Cabo Delgado
- Gaza
- Inhambane
- Manica
- Maputo
- Nampula
- Niassa
- Sofala
- Tete
- Zambezia
- Maputo City
Overview of the Provinces
Cabo Delgado
Cabo Delgado is located in the northernmost part of Mozambique, bordering Tanzania to the north, the Indian Ocean to the east, and Nampula and Niassa provinces to the south and west, respectively. The province has a population of over 2 million people and is known for its vast natural gas reserves.
Gaza
Gaza is situated in the southern part of Mozambique, bordering South Africa and Swaziland to the south and the Indian Ocean to the east. Known for its fertile soil, agriculture plays a large role in the province's economy.
Inhambane
Inhambane, located in the southeastern part of Mozambique, is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches and coral reefs. The province's economy is largely driven by fishing, agriculture, and tourism.
Manica
Manica is in the central part of Mozambique, bordering Zimbabwe to the west. The province has a diverse landscape, including mountain ranges and plains, and is known for its gold and diamond mining industries.
Maputo
The province of Maputo is located in the southernmost part of Mozambique and shares a border with South Africa. The capital city of Maputo is located in this province and serves as the country's economic hub.
Nampula
Located in the northern part of Mozambique, Nampula is the country's most populous province with over 6 million people. The province is known for its rich history, including the landmark Ilha de Moçambique, and its agriculture industries.
Niassa
Niassa is situated in the northern part of Mozambique and shares a border with Tanzania to the north. The province has a diverse landscape, including rainforests and savannas, and is known for its wildlife reserves.
Sofala
Sofala is located in the central part of Mozambique, bordering the Indian Ocean to the east. The province has a rich history and was once a prominent trading post for Arab and Indian merchants. Today, the province's economy is largely driven by agriculture and mining.
Tete
Located in the central part of Mozambique, Tete shares a border with Zimbabwe to the west. The province is known for its coal mining industry and is home to several major coal mines.
Zambezia
Located in central Mozambique, Zambezia is the country's second-most populous province with over 5 million people. The province has a diverse landscape, including rainforests and wetlands, and is known for its agriculture and fishing industries.
Maputo City
Maputo City is an independent province located in the southernmost part of Mozambique. It is the country's capital city and serves as the economic and cultural center of Mozambique.
Conclusion
So there you have it - Mozambique is divided into a total of 11 provinces, each with its own unique set of characteristics and features. Whether you're interested in natural gas reserves or coral reefs, there's sure to be a province in Mozambique that piques your interest.
