Pemba, Mozambique

Province

Pemba, formerly Porto Amélia, is a port city in the north of Mozambique.

Geography

Pemba is the capital of the province of Cabo Delgado and their economic and administrative center. The city lies on the southern edge of a lagoon ( 13,000 ha) of the Indian Ocean.

Population

The population is estimated at approximately 120,000 (2007). Here live Macua, Makonde and Mwani. ChiMacua is the most common language in addition to Portuguese, many inhabitants also speak Swahili as a foreign language.

History

Since the 14th century a trading center is established. The Portuguese were talking here from the 17th century a small settlement, but in 1904 moved the Companhia do Niassa ( Njassagesellschaft ) headquartered here.

1843 rebelled peoples in Pemba against Portuguese rule, which they were obliged to pay tribute.

Culture and sights

The old town consists mainly of traditional wooden huts and is located in a forest of baobab trees. There is a Souk with traditional silversmithing. In the new town, there are buildings from the colonial period, including a very impressive palace. The remaining houses there are simple concrete structures, such as those found in many places in Africa.

The south of the city center of Praia do Wimbe ( Wimbe - beach ) offers an 8 km long sandy beach. There are several hotels and restaurants of different price ranges, a casino, two diving centers and a number of bars and nightclubs.

The coral reefs are attractive to tourists for fishing and diving. In addition, the city is the starting point for trips in the Quirimbas Archipelago and Ibo.

Economy and infrastructure

With the traditional dhows and fishing trade is operated (especially Tanzania).

The power supply is reliable, the mobile coverage nationwide. Many aid agencies operating in the hinterland due to its great infrastructure and maintain offices in the city.

Traffic

There is a public bus, group and individual taxis and two rental car agencies. Since 2005, the road is expanded by Montepuez to a paved highway.

The international airport, offers twice weekly direct flights to Johannesburg as well as multiple weekly flights to Dar es Salaam, once a week with onward flight to Nairobi. In domestic flights daily consist of at least one compound according to Maputo, with a stopover (s) either in Beira and / or Nampula respectively Inhambane.

Education

The city hosts the Universidade Católica de Moçambique (UCM ), a private university that was founded by the Catholic Church in 1996 and whose financial statements are nationally recognized. In addition, there is a state university.