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Island of Mozambique, Mozambique

Introduction

The Island of Mozambique is a small island located off the coast of northern Mozambique, in East Africa. It has been a major maritime trade center for centuries due to its strategic location between Europe and Asia. The island has played an important role in African history, serving as a hub for European colonization and later as a base for African resistance movements.

The Island of Mozambique is situated approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) northwest of the city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It consists of two main islands: Ilha de Moçambique and Ilha da Cabo de São Vicente. The island's unique geography, with its rocky coastline and sandy beaches, makes it an attractive destination for tourists and a popular spot for fishing and boating.

Key Facts

  • Population: approximately 20,000
  • Language: Portuguese (official), Swahili (widely spoken)
  • Currency: Mozambican metical (MZN)
  • Government: constitutional monarchy with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government
  • Area: 1,100 square kilometers (426 square miles)
  • Capital city: Nampula

Historical Context

The Island of Mozambique has been inhabited since the Stone Age. The island's strategic location made it an important hub for maritime trade between Europe and Asia in ancient times. During the Portuguese colonial period, the island became a major center for European settlement, with many Portuguese settlers establishing communities along the coast.

In 1505, the Portuguese established the city of Mozambique as a trading post, which they named Ilha de Moçambique (Island of Mozambique). The city grew rapidly and became an important center for trade between Europe and Asia. In the 17th century, the Dutch established their own colony on the island, which they called Cape Verde.

Significant Contributions

  • Maritime trade: The Island of Mozambique was a major hub for maritime trade between Europe and Asia in ancient times.
  • Portuguese colonial legacy: The island has been an important center for European settlement, with many Portuguese settlers establishing communities along the coast.
  • African resistance movements: The island has played an important role in African history as a base for African resistance movements against colonization.

Notable Attractions

  • Fortaleza de São Tiago (St. James' Fort): A 17th-century Portuguese fort that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Museu Nacional de Mozambique (National

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  • Generation time: 2024-11-01 18:45:34
  • Keywords: Island of Mozambique, Mozambique, wiki, history, attractions, facts
  • URL: https://worldbestplaces.com/places/island_of_mozambique_mozambique