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. Before independence from Portugal in 1975, Xai-Xai was known as João Belo, in the
Overseas Province of Mozambique. 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. In 1970, the city had 63,949 inhabitants.
Post-independence from Portugal It was hit hard by
the 2000 Limpopo floods, caused by four weeks of heavy rainfall accompanying
Cyclone Leon-Eline, leaving some buildings under water. However, shortly after the waters receded the town was opened for business again. ==Geography==