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History
The city of Pemba is situated on the southern peninsular side of one of the most beautiful bays in the world, and is at the foot of a hill rising gradually to a plateau covered with cashew trees.
It has a surface area of 88 km2, divided into 10 suburbs and is essentially inhabited by peoples of the Amaka ethnic group (originally part of the Makua group converted to Islam), Mwani (on the coast), Ameto Makwas (from Montepuez) and Makwa proper.
The history of the town is linked to an early attempt at colonization by the Portuguese with the so-called 8th of December settlement initiated by Jerónimo Romero which faded away 5 years later.
Later in 1897 the Niassa Company established a military post here and in 1902 it transfers its administrative headquarters from Ibo Island to Pemba in the continent.
Called Porto Amélia since 1899, it regained its original name after independence.
Related links
Mozambique History
