Mozambique

Coordinates: 18°15′S 35°00′E / 18.250°S 35.000°E / -18.250; 35.000

Mozambique (/moʊzæmˈbiːk/ or /mɔːzæmˈbiːk/), officially the Republic of Mozambique (Portuguese: Moçambique or República de Moçambique, pronounced: [ʁɛˈpublikɐ di musɐ̃ˈbiki]), is a country in Southeast Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest. It is separated from Madagascar by the Mozambique Channel to the east. The capital and largest city is Maputo (known as "Lourenço Marques" before independence).

Between the 1st and 5th centuries AD, Bantu-speaking peoples migrated from farther north and west. Swahili, and later also Arab, commercial ports existed along the coasts until the arrival of Europeans. The area was explored by Vasco da Gama in 1498 and colonized by Portugal from 1505. After over four centuries of Portuguese rule, Mozambique gained independence in 1975, becoming the People's Republic of Mozambique shortly thereafter. After only two years of independence, the country descended into an intense and protracted civil war lasting from 1977 to 1992. In 1994, Mozambique held its first multiparty elections and has remained a relatively stable presidential republic.

Resort island

A resort island is a mass of land that is surrounded by water, to which many people go for recreation, rest, etc. Or it can simply defined as an island or an archipelago that contains resorts, hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and its amenities, and might offer all-inclusive accommodations. It primary focus on tourism services and offer leisure, adventure, and amusement opportunities.

Resort island is often confused or identified with island resort, which is a resort located on an island. Island resort is almost the same with seaside resort or beach resort, which offers beaches and water sport activities, such as sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing, the only difference is that seaside resorts might located on the continent's seaside, while island resorts must be located on an island or archipelago.

Resort island mostly rely on its natural beauty to attract visitors, such as pristine beaches, rich biodiversity of its coral reefs and forest, or its secluded and private location. While others might rely on their man-made built attractions, such as spas, amusement parks, casinos or its nightlifes.

Bazaruto Island

Bazaruto (Portuguese: Ilha do Bazaruto, from Ushurutswa, island of the mist) is a sandy island located approximately 80 kilometres (50 mi) southeast of the mouth of the Save River, Mozambique (21°38′S 35°30′E / 21.633°S 35.500°E / -21.633; 35.500Coordinates: 21°38′S 35°30′E / 21.633°S 35.500°E / -21.633; 35.500). It is the largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago and in the Bazaruto National Park.

The warm, southward-flowing Mozambique Current seems to contribute to the increasing buildup of the sandy coastline. Because the water along this coastal area is very clear, much of the sub-surface channel pattern around the island is discernible. Several narrow lines of plankton bloom parallel the shoreline on the satellite photo below. Bazurato Archipelago holds the largest population of Dugong in Mozambique of more or less than 120 animals.

The coastal plains show numerous lakes and a swampy environment that appears to be karst topography. Underlying the area is limestone rock that has eroded into a pockmarked landscape, creating water-filled sinkholes. Rainfall in this humid tropical climate amounts to around 850 mm (33 inches) annually, largely concentrated in the months December to March.

Ponta do Ouro

Ponta do Ouro (also Ponta d'Ouro in English meaning "tip of gold", in reference to an existing cape at the southern part of the beach) is a town in the extreme south of Mozambique, lying on the Mozambique Channel south of Maputo and just north of the border with South Africa. It is known for its beach, for its dolphins and for its offshore diving and deep-sea fishing. From other points in Mozambique, Ponta do Ouro can only be reached by a 4x4 vehicle as there are no tarred roads.

The currency is the Metical, but the South African Rand and the US Dollar are also accepted. Shopping is very limited in Ponta. There is a petrol station, bank, pharmacy, hardware stores, bottle stores and other small shops in town. Fresh bread can be purchased at the local market. Basic food items like vegetables, fruits can be purchased at this market. No luxurious items are available anywhere in Ponta do Ouro. Holiday accommodation is readily available. There are 3 to 4 modern and comfortable resorts in Ponta on the beachfront and surrounding areas. Other resorts date from pre-war and although quite primitive with limited facilities are very popular with tourists due to reasonable pricing and excellent location on the beachfront. It is commonly referred to as 'Ponta' by visiting South Africans.

The White Pearl

The White Pearl may refer to: