Nampula

The name "Nampula" is said to be derived to the eMakhuwa word "Whampula", which according to local legend refers to a tribal leader of the area in the past. == History ==

Nampula is a relatively new city. It was founded by the Portuguese colonial army in 1907 and elevated to city status in 1956. During the Mozambican War of Independence, Nampula was a strategic military centre for the colonial army in the fight against the FRELIMO liberation movement. Amurane's death led to a collapse of the MDM's support base in Nampula and another opposition party, RENAMO, won subsequent municipal elections led by Paulo Vahanle. Since the establishment of the city, Nampula has had numerous mayors: • Aurélio das Neves • Germano José Joaquim • Francisco Joaquim de Lima • Narciso João Iondela • Ishaca Abdul Ali Baraca • Dionísio Cherewa • Castro Namuaca • Mahamudo Amurane • Paulo Vahanle == Administration ==

Nampula is divided into seven administrative zones, which are also subdivided into localities, as follows: Urbano Central, Anchilo, Muatala, Muhala, Namikopo, Napipine, and Natikiri. == Population ==

Demographics Religion Nampula's dominant religions are Christianity and Islam. A small community of Hindus are also present in the city. Its Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima is the archiepiscopal see of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nampula. == Education ==

The city is home to the Faculty of Health Science, Universidade Lurio. In 2009 a course in optometry was launched, the first of its kind in Mozambique. The course was supported through the Mozambique Eyecare Project. The other partners include the Dublin Institute of Technology, University of Ulster and Brien Holden Vision Institute. As of 2019, 61 Mozambican students have graduated with optometry degrees from Universidade Lurio (34 male and 27 female). The optometry course is now fully embedded within Universidade Lurio's systems and continues to recruit new students every year. Importantly, optometry is now registered as a profession in Mozambique and is recognized through membership of the African Council of Optometry (AFCO). Of the graduates, 26 are now working in public hospitals. In addition, 10 have university teaching posts (five male and five female). Seven of the graduates have enrolled on postgraduate programmes (five male and seven female). There is a Portuguese international school, Escola Lusófona de Nampula, as well as four international English schools, with the oldest being Stella Maris International School. == Transport ==

|235x235px • The city has an airport, Nampula International Airport, which is located 4 kilometres away from the city centre. Kenya Airways currently operates thrice-a-week flights from Nairobi, while Airlink connects to Johannesburg in South Africa. LAM connects to domestic places like Pemba, Lichinga, Tete, Beira, Vilankulo, Quelimane and Maputo. • The Nacala railway serves the city. Additionally, a railway workshop is located in the city. • The bus stand, which can be accessed from any part of the city within 10 minutes, connects with places within Nampula province and in the neighbouring provinces. The tourist location Ilha de Moçambique, is located 200 km east of Nampula and is accessible by numerous minibuses. == Geography ==

The city of Nampula lies in the centre of the province of Nampula and is surrounded by plains and rocky outcrops. The city lies amongst rolling hills and mountains, typical of the interior of northern Mozambique. Climate Nampula has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen climate classification: Aw). == Notable locals ==

Abel Xavier, a Portuguese football player, Carlos Queiroz, a Portuguese football manager formerly in charge of Real Madrid, and football manager, Paulo Fonseca were also from Nampula, at that time a city of the Portuguese Overseas Province of Mozambique. Nazira Abdula, pediatrician and Mozambican Minister of Health, was born in Nampula. Rui Águas, Portuguese racing driver, was born in Nampula. == References ==