Xai-Xai, formerly João Belo, developed in the early 1900s, under Portuguese rule, as a companion port to Lourenço Marques (currently Maputo), though its economic significance was never on par with Mozambique's largest city.
Before independence from Portugal in 1975, Xai-Xai was known as João Belo, in the Overseas Province of Mozambique. João Belo grew and developed under Portuguese rule as a port, agricultural and industrial centre (rice and cashew were produced and transformed), a provider of services, including a district hospital and banking, and an administrative centre.
Tourism was also important with beaches and hotels. In 1970, the city had 63,949 inhabitants. After independence from PortugalIt was hit hard by 2000 floods of the Limpopo, with some buildings 3 metres (10 ft) under water. However, shortly after the waters receded the town was opened for business again.
Xai-Xai is located close to the Indian Ocean, on the Limpopo River.
It is 200 kilometres (120 mi) from the capital, Maputo, and is in a wide, fertile plain where rice is grown. It is at an elevation of 32 feet (9.8 m). Xai-Xai is situated 3.2 miles (5.1 km) away from Donguene, 2.5 miles (4.0 km) away from Macandene, 1.7 miles (2.7 km) away from Chiluane and 0.5 miles (0.80 km) away from Tavene.
Gaza Province, lying in the fertile Limpopo Valley, is known as the "Bread basket" of Mozambique. There are a lot of rice and cereal crops grown here.
Xai Xai is the capital of this province and is a busy commercial centre. The major facilities are around the beach resorts
A sub division of the Tsonga group of people, The Changanaare the major tribal population group.
The province is 75 450 sq.km in size
|
