Sofala

Sofala is a coastal province in central Mozambique. Its capital is Beira. The name comes from the historic Sofala region, a Swahili-Portuguese trading zone near the lower Zambezi estuary that gave its name to the area and to early Portuguese fortifications along the coast.

Geography and climate: The province runs along the Indian Ocean and inland river valleys. It has a tropical climate with a rainy season from November to April and a dry season the rest of the year, and it is vulnerable to tropical cyclones and floods.

History: The Sofala area has long been a center of trade linking inland Africa with the Swahili coast. In the 15th–16th centuries, the Portuguese established forts and trading posts here. After Mozambique's independence in 1975, Sofala became a province within the republic. The region has experienced conflict and natural disasters in recent decades.

Administration and economy: The Port of Beira lies in Sofala and serves as a key gateway for central Mozambique. The Beira Corridor rail and road links connect Beira with neighboring countries. The economy is based on fishing, agriculture (cassava, maize, sugarcane), forestry, and growing tourism, highlighted by Gorongosa National Park.

Demographics and culture: Portuguese is the official language; local languages such as Emakhuwa and Ndau are widely spoken. The population is diverse, reflecting coastal trade routes and inland communities. The province comprises several districts and towns beyond Beira.