Xai-Xai

Xai-Xai (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈʃaj ˈʃaj]) is a city in the south of Mozambique. Until 1975, the city was named João Belo. It is the capital of Gaza Province. As of 2007 it has a population of 116,343.[1]

"João Belo" redirects here. For other uses, see João Belo (disambiguation).
Xai-Xai
João Belo
Municipal Council of Xai-Xai
Municipal Council of Xai-Xai
Xai-Xai is located in Mozambique
Xai-Xai
Xai-Xai
Coordinates: 25°03′00″S 33°39′00″E
Country Mozambique
ProvincesGaza Province
DistrictXai-Xai District
Elevation
9 m (30 ft)
Population
 (2007)[1]
 • Total116,343
 • Languages
Portuguese Tsonga
Time zone+2
ClimateAw

History

Portuguese rule

Xai-Xai, formerly João Belo, developed in the early 1900s, under Portuguese rule, as a companion port to Lourenço Marques (now Maputo), though its economic significance was never on par with Mozambique's largest city.[2] Before independence from Portugal in 1975, Xai-Xai was known as João Belo, in the Overseas Province of Mozambique.[3] João Belo grew and developed under Portuguese rule as a port, agricultural and industrial centre (rice and cashew were harvested and processed), a provider of services, including a district hospital and banking, and an administrative centre. Tourism was also important with beaches and hotels.[4] In 1970, the city had 63,949 inhabitants.

Post-independence from Portugal

It was hit hard by the 2000 Limpopo floods, with some buildings 3 metres (10 ft) under water.[5] However, shortly after the waters receded the town was opened for business again.[5]

Geography

Xai-Xai is located close to the Indian Ocean, on the Limpopo River.[6] It is 200 kilometres (120 mi) from the capital, Maputo, and is in a wide, fertile plain where rice is grown.[6] It is at an elevation of 9.8 m (32 ft).[3]

Xai-Xai is situated 5.2 km (3+1⁄4 mi) from Donguene, 4.0 km (2+1⁄2 mi) from Macandene, 2.8 km (1+3⁄4 mi) from Chiluane and 800 m (1⁄2 mi) from Tavene.[3]

Climate

Xai-Xai has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen climate classification Aw).

Climate data for Xai-Xai
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 31.2
(88.2)		 30.9
(87.6)		 30.2
(86.4)		 28.9
(84.0)		 27
(81)		 25
(77)		 24.9
(76.8)		 26.3
(79.3)		 27.7
(81.9)		 29.1
(84.4)		 30
(86)		 30.9
(87.6)		 28.5
(83.4)
Daily mean °C (°F) 26.5
(79.7)		 26.4
(79.5)		 25.6
(78.1)		 23.6
(74.5)		 21.2
(70.2)		 18.8
(65.8)		 18.5
(65.3)		 20.0
(68.0)		 21.7
(71.1)		 23.4
(74.1)		 24.7
(76.5)		 25.9
(78.6)		 23.0
(73.5)
Average low °C (°F) 21.7
(71.1)		 21.9
(71.4)		 20.9
(69.6)		 18.4
(65.1)		 15.3
(59.5)		 12.6
(54.7)		 12.1
(53.8)		 13.6
(56.5)		 15.7
(60.3)		 17.6
(63.7)		 19.4
(66.9)		 20.8
(69.4)		 17.5
(63.5)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 134.7
(5.30)		 131.9
(5.19)		 104.5
(4.11)		 99.0
(3.90)		 89.0
(3.50)		 63.9
(2.52)		 49.6
(1.95)		 32.8
(1.29)		 33.6
(1.32)		 66.3
(2.61)		 71.6
(2.82)		 123.2
(4.85)		 1,000.1
(39.36)
Source: World Climate [7]

Attractions

Xai-Xai is a bustling town with markets, shops, restaurants, bars, petrol stations, banks, and a post office.[6] A few blocks from the central market, there is an open-air furniture factory, located underneath several cashew trees.[8] The beach of Praia do Xai-Xai, approximately 12 km from Xai-Xai, has been a popular tourist attraction since Mozambican tourism, originally under Portuguese administration, was first developed before 1975.[6] A coral reef running parallel to the shore offers good snorkeling and protects the beach from strong waves.[6] In addition, the Wenela Tidal Pool, two kilometres (1+1⁄4 mi) south of the town, includes a natural tunnel and blow hole that links the pool to the Indian Ocean.[6] Right on Praia de Xai Xai Beach there is a giant rock pool that forms at medium and low tides that is up to 200 metres long, forming a giant safe pool for families and swimmers.[9]

Demographics
Year Population[1]
1970 63,949
1997 103,251
2007 116,343

Transport

Xai Xai was served by the 762 mm (2 ft 6 in) gauge Gaza Railway, which went to the city of Manjacaze and beyond. It lies on the EN1 road which connects with the roads from the Namaacha and Ressano Garcia borders.[6] It is possible to travel to Xai-Xai by charter flight from Maputo.[6]

In 2017, the People's Republic of China pledged $60 million to build an airport in Xai-Xai.[10]

That airport was inaugurated in 2021[11] and is served by one airline, LAM Mozambique.

Sister city

See also

References
  1. "Mozambique: largest cities and towns and statistics of their population". World Gazetteer. Retrieved 2008-06-17.
  2. Fitzpatrick, Mary (2007). Lonely Planet Mozambique. Lonely Planet. p. 82. ISBN 978-1-74059-188-1.
  3. "Maps, Weather, and Airports for Xai-Xai, Mozambique". FallingRain Genomics. Retrieved 2008-06-17.
  4. JOÃO BELO-XAI-XAI, a film of João Belo, Portuguese Mozambique, before 1975.
  5. "Gaza Province » Cities and towns » Xai-Xai". go2africa.com. Retrieved 2008-06-17.
  6. "Xai Xai". Southern Africa Places. Retrieved 2008-06-17.
  7. "Climate Statistics for Xai-Xai, Mozambique". Retrieved January 24, 2012.
  8. "Xai Xai Accommodation and things to do". Mozambique Connection. Archived from the original on March 31, 2007. Retrieved 2008-06-17.
  9. "Xai Xai Hotels and information". Retrieved 2017-01-15.
  10. Tebele, Mpho (December 15, 2017). "China to finance Xai-Xai airport in Mozambique". The Southern Times. Retrieved December 19, 2017. The Chinese government has pledged to grant $60 million to Mozambique to build an airport at Xai-Xai, capital of the southern province of Gaza.
  11. "Mozambique's President inaugurates newly Completed Chongoene Airport, Praises China's role in Africa's Growth". 3 December 2021.

25°03′S 33°39′E

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