The Quirimbas Islands lie in the
Indian Ocean off northeastern
Mozambique, close to
Pemba, the capital of the province of
Cabo Delgado. The
archipelago consists of about 32 islands, including
Ibo,
Matemo,
Medjumbe, Quirimba,
Metundo,
Quisiva,
Vamizi Island and
Rolas Island all going up to the
Tanzanian border.
History
Originally home to
fishing settlements, the islands' population grew around Arab
trading posts and throve under the
Portuguese trading routes when it was known as the Ilhas de São Lázaro (Islands of St. Lazarus) during the 16th century. When the Portuguese started occupying cities in the islands such as Ibo, the Arab merchants fled to other parts of the island to operate in.
[ The Arab merchants refused to trade with the Portuguese, in which started an attack resulting in 60 Muslim merchants casualties and property being burnt down.][ The island was in control by the Portuguese until Mozambique gained independence in 1975. Before independence, only four of the 32 islands were inhabited.]Quirimbas National Park
The Quirimbas National Park (QNP) is a protected area in the Cabo Delgado Province of Mozambique, encompassing the southern part of the Quirimbas Islands, as well as a significant mainland area. The mainland region of Taratibua contain various inse ...
, spanning an area of , includes the 11 most southerly islands, which are partly surrounded by mangroves. The park was established in 2002 as a protected area.
World Heritage Status
The Quirimbas Islands are currently on the tentative list for becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was submitted in 2008.
Gallery
File:Querimbo-1775.jpg, A map of the island in 1775
File:Medjumbe Island Pool Deck.jpg, The coast of Medjumbe Island
File:Ilha do Ibo-sunset-02.jpg, Beach of Ibo Island
References
External links
The Quirimbas Archipelago - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
{{Authority control
Archipelagoes of Mozambique
East African coral coast
Geography of Cabo Delgado Province
Mozambique Channel
Southern Zanzibar–Inhambane coastal forest mosaic