Mozambique Manica Province
Manica Province Fact Sheet
Manica is a province in central Mozambique known for its scenic landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and fertile plains that support a range of agricultural activities.
General Description: Manica's terrain is marked by the Eastern Highlands that stretch along the border with Zimbabwe. This highland region is more temperate, providing a climate suitable for different types of agriculture compared to Mozambique's coastal lowlands. The province is also rich in mineral resources, notably gold.
Surface Area: The province covers an area of approximately 61,661 square kilometers, which makes it a medium-sized province within Mozambique's geographical context.
Geographical Limits:
- North: It is bordered by Tete province.
- South: The province of Sofala lies to the south of Manica.
- West: Manica shares a significant border with Zimbabwe to the west.
- East: The province is bound by Inhambane to the southeast, though it is predominantly bordered by Sofala.
Main Cities:
- Chimoio is the provincial capital and a key center for commerce and trade.
- Manica town, after which the province is named, and Gondola are other important urban centers within the province.
Number of Districts: Manica province is made up of 9 districts.
Name of Districts: The districts include Barué, Gondola, Guro, Machaze, Macossa, Manica, Mossurize, Sussundenga, and Tambara.
Climate: The province's climate is largely subtropical highland with warm summers and cool to cold winters. The rainy season occurs from November to March, while the dry season spans from April to October. Due to its elevation, some areas in Manica experience milder temperatures than the rest of Mozambique, which can be quite hot.
Population: Manica has a population of around 1.9 million people, as per recent estimates.
Languages: Portugese is the official language used throughout Mozambique, including in Manica for government and education. The local languages spoken in the province include Shona, Ndau, and Sena.
Major Products: The province's economy is based on agriculture, with key crops including bananas, rice, maize, legumes, and vegetables. Manica is also known for its tea and tobacco plantations. The mining of precious stones and gold also contributes to the local economy.
Main Roads: The major roads in Manica include the EN6, which connects the port city of Beira in Sofala province with Zimbabwe, passing through Chimoio. Roads in this province are crucial for international trade, particularly for landlocked Zimbabwe.
Main Airport: Chimoio Airport (Aeroporto de Chimoio), with the IATA code VPY and ICAO code FQCH, serves the capital Chimoio and the surrounding region. It handles domestic flights within Mozambique, such as those to and from Maputo.
Distance from Chimoio City to Capital Maputo by Road: The distance from Chimoio city to Maputo is around 1,020 kilometers if traveling along the major highways, including the EN6 and EN1. The journey by road typically takes around 12-14 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Manica province, with its green highlands and rich soils, serves not only as an agricultural heartland but also as an important trade corridor between the central regions of Mozambique and neighboring Zimbabwe. Its blend of economic activities, from farming to mining, along with its natural beauty, make it a unique and important region within Mozambique.
Map of Manica Province
7-day weather forecast for Manica Province
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