Mutare

Province

Mutare, Umtali until 1982, with 170 106 inhabitants ( 2002 census ), the fourth largest city in Zimbabwe and is located in the province of Manicaland.

Geography

Mutare is located in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, 256 km south-east of Harare, close to the demolition to the coastal plain. The border with Mozambique is only 8 km away.

History

1890 received A.R. Coquhoun concessions for areas and Fort Umtali was built between the rivers Tsambe and Mutare. The word Mutare means " a piece of metal ." This name was given to the river probably when gold was found in Penhalonga Valley, in which the Mutare flows.

1891, the town was relocated 14 km from the city center today for " Old Mutare ." 1896, when Cecil Rhodes bought up large parts of the city, she was transferred back again because of the construction of the railway line from Bulawayo to Beira. From this period with flamboyants (flame trees ) and purple flowering jacaranda -lined streets come. The settlement agreed to the municipality in 1914 and received city rights in 1971.

1982 were counted 69 621 inhabitants, in 1992 there were already 131 367. The 2002 census showed a population of 170 106. Mutare is now one of the fastest growing cities in Zimbabwe.

Culture and sights

Mutare is due to its alpine surrounding land with deep pine forests and numerous protected areas as the city with the highest recreational value in the country. The city is located north of Bvumba mountains and south of the Imbeza valley. Home to the Mutare Museum, the Utopia House Museum dedicated Kingsford Fairbridge, the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Mutare. The nearby Murahwa Hill, are known for their rock paintings. In Cross Kopje is a memorial for the victims of the First World War from Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Religion

Mutare is the seat of the Diocese of Mutare.

Economy and infrastructure

The town has banks, a functioning telephone network, regular air traffic at Mutare private airport, electricity and water supply. It lies on the so-called Beira Corridor to Mozambique, so a much frequented railway line and well developed road between Harare and the port of Beira. In the city are sawmills and there is a paper mill and furniture industries.

In the surrounding forestry and cattle breeding is operated mined gold cauldron Massi, terraced tea and coffee, cereals, cotton and tobacco. The processing of these goods determines the industry of Mutare. Tourism also plays a big role. Near the town is the Marange diamond field, also known as Chiadzwa.

Mutare is home to a number of training facilities, including Zimbabwe College of Forestry, SADC Forestry Technical College, Mutare Technical College, Africa University, Mutare Teachers College, Marymount Teachers College. There are public and private hospitals.