Maputo
Maputo is the capital and largest city of Mozambique. Located near the southern end of the country, it is within 120 kilometres of the borders with Eswatini and South Africa. The city has a population of 1,088,449 distributed over a land area of 347.69 km2 (134.24 sq mi). The Maputo metropolitan area includes the neighbouring city of Matola, and has a total population of 2,717,437. Maputo is a port city, with an economy centered on commerce. It is also noted for its vibrant cultural scene and distinctive, eclectic architecture. Maputo was formerly named Lourenço Marques until 1976.
Some of the key events about Maputo
- 1887The city was founded as Lourenço Marques, named after the Portuguese trader who first explored the area
- 1894The city was devastated by a severe cyclone
- 1898Construction of the iconic Central Railway Station began, later becoming a symbol of the city
- 1907The city was elevated to the status of capital of Portuguese East Africa
- 1962The first university in Mozambique, Eduardo Mondlane University, was established in the city
- 1975The city was renamed Maputo after Mozambique gained independence from Portugal
- 1975Many Portuguese residents fled the city following Mozambique's independence, causing economic disruption
- 1977The city experienced severe food shortages due to economic mismanagement
- 1984A major drought affected the region, causing widespread hunger in Maputo
- 1992The General Peace Agreement was signed in Rome, ending the Mozambican Civil War and bringing peace to Maputo
- 1992The city suffered from severe infrastructure damage due to the Mozambican Civil War
- 2000Maputo was hit by catastrophic floods, causing significant destruction and loss of life
- 2003Maputo Special Reserve was established, protecting diverse wildlife near the city
- 2008The city experienced violent riots over rising food and fuel prices
- 2011The Maputo-Katembe Bridge project was launched, becoming the longest suspension bridge in Africa upon completion
- 2013Maputo faced a severe water crisis due to drought and aging infrastructure
- 2015Maputo was designated as a UNESCO City of Design, recognizing its cultural and creative industries
- 2019The city hosted the Africa Cup of Nations beach soccer tournament, showcasing its sporting capabilities
- 2019The city was struck by Cyclone Idai, causing extensive damage and flooding
- 2020COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted Maputo's economy and healthcare system
Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.
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