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Coordinates: 25°03′S 33°39′E / 25.050°S 33.650°E / -25.050; 33.650
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{{Short description|Capital city of Gaza, Mozambique}}
{{redirect|João Belo}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Xai-Xai
|official_name = Xai-Xai
|other_name =
|other_name = João Belo
|native_name =
|native_name =
|nickname =
|nickname =
|motto =
|motto =
|image_skyline = Xai-Xai street scene.jpg
|image_skyline = Conselho Municipal Xai-Xai (9496291468).jpg
|imagesize =
|imagesize =
|image_caption = A street scene in Xai-Xai
|image_caption = Municipal Council of Xai-Xai
|image_flag =
|image_flag =
|flag_size =
|flag_size =
|image_seal =
|image_seal =
Line 80: Line 83:
|postal_code_type = <!-- enter ZIP code, Postcode, Post code, Postal code... -->
|postal_code_type = <!-- enter ZIP code, Postcode, Post code, Postal code... -->
|postal_code =
|postal_code =
|area_code =
|area_code =
|blank_name = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]
|blank_info = [[Tropical savanna climate|Aw]]
|website =
|website =
|footnotes =
|footnotes =
}}
}}


'''Xai-Xai''' ({{IPA-pt|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.<ref name=wg>{{cite web|url=http://world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gcis&lng=en&des=wg&srt=npan&col=abcdefghinoq&msz=1500&geo=-153 |title=Mozambique: largest cities and towns and statistics of their population |accessdate=2008-06-17 |work=World Gazetteer |date= |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231073437/http://world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gcis&lng=en&des=wg&srt=npan&col=abcdefghinoq&msz=1500&geo=-153 |archivedate=December 31, 2008 }}</ref>
'''Xai-Xai''' ({{IPA|pt|ˈʃaj ˈʃaj}}) is a [[List of cities in Mozambique|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.<ref name=wg>{{cite web|url=http://world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gcis&lng=en&des=wg&srt=npan&col=abcdefghinoq&msz=1500&geo=-153 |title=Mozambique: largest cities and towns and statistics of their population |access-date=2008-06-17 |work=World Gazetteer }}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>


==History==
==History==


===Portuguese rule===
===Portuguese rule===
Xai-Xai, formerly João Belo, developed in the early 1900s, under [[Portugal|Portuguese rule]], as a companion port to Lourenço Marques (currently [[Maputo]]), though its economic significance was never on par with Mozambique's largest city.<ref>{{cite book |title=Lonely Planet Mozambique |last=Fitzpatrick |first=Mary |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=2007 |publisher=[[Lonely Planet]] |location= |isbn=1-74059-188-7 |page=82 }}</ref> Before independence from Portugal in 1975, Xai-Xai was known as João Belo, in the [[Overseas Province of Mozambique]].<ref name=FR>{{cite web| url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/MZ/2/XaiXai.html |title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Xai-Xai, Mozambique |work=FallingRain Genomics |accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> 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.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfUfd-aItuY JOÃO BELO-XAI-XAI], a film of João Belo, Portuguese Mozambique, before 1975.</ref> In 1970, the city had 63,949 inhabitants.
Xai-Xai, formerly João Belo, developed in the early 1900s, under [[Portugal|Portuguese rule]], as a companion port to Lourenço Marques (now [[Maputo]]), though its economic significance was never on par with Mozambique's largest city.<ref>{{cite book |title=Lonely Planet Mozambique |last=Fitzpatrick |first=Mary |year=2007 |publisher=[[Lonely Planet]] |isbn=978-1-74059-188-1 |page=82 }}</ref> Before independence from Portugal in 1975, Xai-Xai was known as João Belo, in the [[Overseas Province of Mozambique]].<ref name=FR>{{cite web| url=https://www.fallingrain.com/world/MZ/02/XaiXai.html |title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Xai-Xai, Mozambique |work=FallingRain Genomics |access-date=2008-06-17}}</ref> 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.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfUfd-aItuY JOÃO BELO-XAI-XAI], a film of João Belo, Portuguese Mozambique, before 1975.</ref> In 1970, the city had 63,949 inhabitants.


===After independence from Portugal===
===Post-independence from Portugal===
It was hit hard by [[2000 Mozambique flood|2000 floods of the Limpopo]], with some buildings {{convert|3|m|0}} under water.<ref name=go2africa>{{cite web |url=http://www.go2africa.com/mozambique/xai-xai |title=Gaza Province » Cities and towns » Xai-Xai |accessdate=2008-06-17 |work=go2africa.com |date= }}</ref> However, shortly after the waters receded the town was opened for business again.<ref name=go2africa/>
It was hit hard by [[2000 Mozambique flood|the 2000 Limpopo floods]], caused by four weeks of heavy rainfall accompanying [[Cyclone Leon-Eline]], leaving some buildings {{convert|3|m|0}} under water.<ref name=go2africa>{{cite web |url=http://www.go2africa.com/mozambique/xai-xai |title=Gaza Province » Cities and towns » Xai-Xai |access-date=2008-06-17 |work=go2africa.com }}</ref> However, shortly after the waters receded the town was opened for business again.<ref name=go2africa/>


==Geography==
==Geography==
Xai-Xai is located close to the [[Indian Ocean]], on the [[Limpopo River]].<ref name=sap>{{cite web |url=http://www.places.co.za/html/xai_xai.html |title=Xai Xai |accessdate=2008-06-17 |work=Southern Africa Places |date= }}</ref> It is {{convert|200|km}} from the capital, [[Maputo]], and is in a wide, fertile plain where rice is grown.<ref name=sap/> It is at an elevation of {{convert|32|ft}}.<ref name=FR/>
At an elevation of {{convert|32|ft|m|order=flip|abbr=on}},<ref name=FR/> Xai-Xai is located on the [[Limpopo River]], close to the [[Indian Ocean]],<ref name=sap>{{cite web |url=http://www.places.co.za/html/xai_xai.html |title=Xai Xai |access-date=2008-06-17 |work=Southern Africa Places }}</ref> and in a wide, fertile plain where rice is grown.<ref name=sap/> It is {{convert|200|km}} from the capital, [[Maputo]], and is {{convert|3+1/4|mi|km|1|order=flip|abbr=on}} from [[Donguene]], {{convert|2+1/2|mi|km|1|order=flip|abbr=on}} from [[Macandene]], {{convert|1+3/4|mi|km|1|order=flip|abbr=on}} from [[Chiluane]] and {{convert|1/2|mi|m|order=flip|abbr=on}} from [[Tavene]].<ref name=FR/>

Xai-Xai is situated {{convert|3.2|mi}} away from [[Donguene]], {{convert|2.5|mi}} away from [[Macandene]], {{convert|1.7|mi}} away from [[Chiluane]] and {{convert|0.5|mi}} away from [[Tavene]].<ref name=FR/>


===Climate===
===Climate===
Xai-Xai has a [[tropical savanna climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Aw'').

{{Weather box
{{Weather box
| width = auto
|location = Xai-Xai
| metric first = yes
|single line = y
| single line = yes
|metric first = y
| location = Xai-Xai (1961–1990)
|Jan high C = 31.2
|Feb high C = 30.9
| Jan high C = 31.2
|Mar high C = 30.2
| Feb high C = 30.9
|Apr high C = 28.9
| Mar high C = 30.2
|May high C = 27
| Apr high C = 28.9
|Jun high C = 25
| May high C = 27.0
|Jul high C = 24.9
| Jun high C = 25.0
|Aug high C = 26.3
| Jul high C = 24.9
|Sep high C = 27.7
| Aug high C = 26.3
|Oct high C = 29.1
| Sep high C = 27.7
|Nov high C = 30
| Oct high C = 29.1
|Dec high C = 30.9
| Nov high C = 30.0
|Jan mean C = 26.5
| Dec high C = 30.9
|Feb mean C = 26.4
| Jan low C = 21.7
|Mar mean C = 25.6
| Feb low C = 21.9
|Apr mean C = 23.6
| Mar low C = 20.9
|May mean C = 21.2
| Apr low C = 18.4
|Jun mean C = 18.8
| May low C = 15.3
|Jul mean C = 18.5
| Jun low C = 12.6
|Aug mean C = 20.0
| Jul low C = 12.1
|Sep mean C = 21.7
| Aug low C = 13.6
|Oct mean C = 23.4
| Sep low C = 15.7
|Nov mean C = 24.7
| Oct low C = 17.6
|Dec mean C = 25.9
| Nov low C = 19.4
|Jan low C = 21.7
| Dec low C = 20.8
|Feb low C = 21.9
| rain colour = green
|Mar low C = 20.9
| Jan rain mm = 134.7
|Apr low C = 18.4
| Feb rain mm = 131.9
|May low C = 15.3
| Mar rain mm = 104.5
|Jun low C = 12.6
| Apr rain mm = 99.0
|Jul low C = 12.1
| May rain mm = 89.0
|Aug low C = 13.6
| Jun rain mm = 63.9
|Sep low C = 15.7
| Jul rain mm = 49.6
|Oct low C = 17.6
| Aug rain mm = 32.8
|Nov low C = 19.4
| Sep rain mm = 33.6
|Dec low C = 20.8
| Oct rain mm = 66.3
|Jan precipitation mm = 134.7
| Nov rain mm = 71.6
|Feb precipitation mm = 131.9
| Dec rain mm = 123.2
| Jan rain days = 9.1
|Mar precipitation mm = 104.5
| Feb rain days = 8.8
|Apr precipitation mm = 99.0
| Mar rain days = 7.5
|May precipitation mm = 89.0
|Jun precipitation mm = 63.9
| Apr rain days = 6.9
|Jul precipitation mm = 49.6
| May rain days = 6.6
| Jun rain days = 5.6
|Aug precipitation mm = 32.8
| Jul rain days = 4.0
|Sep precipitation mm = 33.6
|Oct precipitation mm = 66.3
| Aug rain days = 3.3
| Sep rain days = 5.5
|Nov precipitation mm = 71.6
| Oct rain days = 6.0
|Dec precipitation mm = 123.2
| Nov rain days = 6.8
|source = World Climate <ref>{{cite web
| Dec rain days = 8.9
|url = http://www.world-climates.com/city-climate-xai-xai-mozambique-africa/
| source 1 = [[World Meteorological Organization]]<ref>{{cite web
|title = Climate Statistics for Xai-Xai, Mozambique
|url = https://worldweather.wmo.int/en/city.html?cityId=127
|accessdate = January 24, 2012}}</ref>
|title = World Weather Information Service
|publisher = World Meteorological Organization
|access-date = 18 August 2024}}</ref>
}}
}}


==Attractions==
==Attractions==
Xai-Xai is a bustling town with markets, shops, restaurants, bars, petrol stations, banks, and a post office.<ref name=sap/> A few blocks from the central market, there is an open-air furniture factory, located underneath several cashew trees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mozambiqueconnection.co.za/xaixaiinfo.html |title=Xai Xai Accommodation and things to do |accessdate=2008-06-17 |work=Mozambique Connection |date= |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070331142628/http://www.mozambiqueconnection.co.za/xaixaiinfo.html |archivedate=March 31, 2007 }}</ref> The beach of [[Praia do Xai-Xai]], approximately 12&nbsp;km from Xai-Xai, has been a popular tourist attraction since [[Tourism in Mozambique|Mozambican tourism]], originally under [[Portuguese East Africa|Portuguese administration]], was first developed before 1975.<ref name=sap/> A coral reef running parallel to the shore offers good snorkeling and protects the beach from strong waves.<ref name=sap/> In addition, the [[Wenela Tidal Pool]], {{convert|2|km}} south of the town, includes a natural tunnel and blow hole that links the pool to the [[Indian Ocean]].<ref name=sap/>
Xai-Xai is a bustling town with markets, shops, restaurants, bars, petrol stations, banks, and a post office.<ref name=sap/> A few blocks from the central market, there is an open-air furniture factory, located underneath several cashew trees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mozambiqueconnection.co.za/xaixaiinfo.html |title=Xai Xai Accommodation and things to do |access-date=2008-06-17 |work=Mozambique Connection |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070331142628/http://www.mozambiqueconnection.co.za/xaixaiinfo.html |archive-date=March 31, 2007 }}</ref> [[Praia do Xai-Xai|Xai-Xai Beach]], approximately 12&nbsp;km from Xai-Xai, has been a popular tourist attraction since [[Tourism in Mozambique|Mozambican tourism]], originally under [[Portuguese East Africa|Portuguese administration]], was first developed before 1975.<ref name=sap/> A coral reef running parallel to the shore offers good snorkeling and protects the beach from strong waves.<ref name=sap/> In addition, the [[Wenela Tidal Pool]], {{convert|2|km|mi|frac=4|spell=in}} south of the town, includes a natural tunnel and blow hole that links the pool to the [[Indian Ocean]].<ref name=sap/>
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mozambicanhotels.com/xai-xai-hotels |title=Xai Xai Hotels and information |accessdate=2017-01-15 }}</ref>
Right on 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mozambicanhotels.com/xai-xai-hotels |title=Xai Xai Hotels and information |access-date=2017-01-15 }}</ref>


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
Line 179: Line 187:


==Transport==
==Transport==

[[File:Beach in xaixai.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Praia do Xai-Xai]]]]
Xai Xai was served by the {{RailGauge|762mm}} 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.<ref name=sap/> It is possible to travel to Xai-Xai by charter flight from Maputo.<ref name=sap/>
Xai-Xai was served by the {{RailGauge|762mm}} 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.<ref name=sap/> It is possible to travel to Xai-Xai by charter flight from Maputo.<ref name=sap/>

In 2017, the [[People's Republic of China]] pledged $60 million to build an airport in Xai-Xai.<ref>{{cite news |publisher=The Southern Times |quote=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. |first=Mpho |last=Tebele |title=China to finance Xai-Xai airport in Mozambique |url=https://southernafrican.news/2017/12/15/china-to-finance-xai-xai-airport-in-mozambique/ |date=December 15, 2017 |access-date=December 19, 2017}}</ref>

[[Xai-Xai Chongoene Airport|That airport]] was inaugurated in 2021<ref>{{cite web | url=https://airspace-africa.com/2021/12/03/mozambiques-president-inaugurates-newly-completed-chongoene-airport-praises-chinas-role-in-africas-growth/ | title=Mozambique's President inaugurates newly Completed Chongoene Airport, Praises China's role in Africa's Growth | date=3 December 2021 }}</ref> and is served by one airline, [[LAM Mozambique]].


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Conselho Municipal Xai-Xai (9496291468).jpg|Municipal Council of Xai-Xai
Beach in xaixai.jpg|[[Praia do Xai-Xai]]
Xai-Xai train station (9493131901).jpg|Xai-Xai train station
Xai-Xai train station (9493131901).jpg|Xai-Xai train station
Prawns at Xai-Xai market.JPG|Prawns at Xai-Xai market
Prawns at Xai-Xai market.JPG|Prawns at Xai-Xai market
Line 202: Line 214:
{{Provincial capitals of Mozambique}}
{{Provincial capitals of Mozambique}}


[[Category:Populated places in Mozambique]]
[[Category:Limpopo River]]
[[Category:Limpopo River]]
[[Category:Populated places in Gaza Province]]
[[Category:Populated places in Gaza Province]]

Latest revision as of 03:42, 19 August 2024

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 / 25.05000°S 33.65000°E / -25.05000; 33.65000
Country Mozambique
ProvincesGaza Province
DistrictXai-Xai District
Elevation
9 m (30 ft)
Population
 (2007)[1]
 • Total
116,343
 • Languages
Portuguese Tsonga
Time zone+2
ClimateAw

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]

History

[edit]

Portuguese rule

[edit]

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

[edit]

It was hit hard by the 2000 Limpopo floods, caused by four weeks of heavy rainfall accompanying Cyclone Leon-Eline, leaving some buildings 3 metres (10 ft) under water.[5] However, shortly after the waters receded the town was opened for business again.[5]

Geography

[edit]

At an elevation of 9.8 m (32 ft),[3] Xai-Xai is located on the Limpopo River, close to the Indian Ocean,[6] and in a wide, fertile plain where rice is grown.[6] It is 200 kilometres (120 mi) from the capital, Maputo, and is 5.2 km (3+14 mi) from Donguene, 4.0 km (2+12 mi) from Macandene, 2.8 km (1+34 mi) from Chiluane and 800 m (12 mi) from Tavene.[3]

Climate

[edit]

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

Climate data for Xai-Xai (1961–1990)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 31.2
(88.2)
30.9
(87.6)
30.2
(86.4)
28.9
(84.0)
27.0
(80.6)
25.0
(77.0)
24.9
(76.8)
26.3
(79.3)
27.7
(81.9)
29.1
(84.4)
30.0
(86.0)
30.9
(87.6)
28.5
(83.3)
Mean daily minimum °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 rainfall 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)
Average rainy days 9.1 8.8 7.5 6.9 6.6 5.6 4.0 3.3 5.5 6.0 6.8 8.9 79
Source: World Meteorological Organization[7]

Attractions

[edit]

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] Xai-Xai Beach, 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+14 mi) south of the town, includes a natural tunnel and blow hole that links the pool to the Indian Ocean.[6] Right on 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

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

Transport

[edit]

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.

[edit]

Sister city

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Mozambique: largest cities and towns and statistics of their population". World Gazetteer. Retrieved 2008-06-17.[dead link]
  2. ^ Fitzpatrick, Mary (2007). Lonely Planet Mozambique. Lonely Planet. p. 82. ISBN 978-1-74059-188-1.
  3. ^ a b c "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. ^ a b "Gaza Province » Cities and towns » Xai-Xai". go2africa.com. Retrieved 2008-06-17.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h "Xai Xai". Southern Africa Places. Retrieved 2008-06-17.
  7. ^ "World Weather Information Service". World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  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 / 25.050°S 33.650°E / -25.050; 33.650