Portuguese influence was only made possible through the royal “prazo” concessions but from the second half of the 19th century some of the most important agricultural and commercial companies started operating in the area and established major coconut and sugar plantations.

Quelimane gained city status in 1942 and at the present moment occupies an area of 117 km2 divided in 5 suburbs and has a population of approximately 185.000 inhabitants.

The city of Mocuba (1921) lies at the centre of an important highway system leading to and from the province as well as into Malawi. It was here that some primary and processing cotton and tea industrial companies took root.

It has a population of 36.000 inhabitants and is spread over an area of 32 km2 with 13 suburbs.
The city of Gurué (1972) is located in a mountainous region of great agricultural potential such as the production of tea, corn and cotton. It has an area of 107 km2 organized into 23 suburbs and a population of 99.325 inhabitants.

The village of Milange is siuated in an equally priviledged area of tea plantations. It has an area of 50 km2 with 14 suburbs and an estimated population of 50.000 inabitants.

Beaches: the beach at Zavala, 45 km out of town, is a favourite destination for visitors to the province.