Govuro District

Govuro District is a district of Inhambane Province in south-east Mozambique. Its principal town is Nova Mambone. The district is located at the northeast of the province, and borders with Machanga District of Sofala Province in the north, Inhassoro District in the south, and Mabote District in the west. In the east, the district is bounded by the Indian Ocean. The area of the district is 3961 km2. It has a population of 34,809 as of 2007.

Geography
The Save River makes the northern border of the district and of Inhambane province, separating it from Sofala Province. There are several lakes in the district, the largest being Lake Zimbire and Lake Chimedje.

The climate is tropical arid in the interior of the district and tropical humid at the coast. The annual rainfall at the coast achieves 1500 mm, mainly falling in February and March.

History
Since 1891, the area was exploited by the Mozambique Company. In 1942, it was included into Govuro Circunscrição, a type of administrative unit used in Portuguese colonies in Africa. The name originates from the Govuro River, one of the minor rivers flowing to the ocean in the south of the district.

In 1986, Mabote District, which was previously a posto belonging to Govuro District, was made a separate district.

Administrative divisions
The district is divided into two postos, Save (three localities) and Mambone (two localities).

Demographics
As of 2005, 42% of the population of the district was younger than 15 years. 33% did speak Portuguese, and Chopi language was the mothertongue for the majority of the population of the district. The Roman Catholic Church was the predomininant church, with 24.7% of the population. 73% were analphabetic, mostly women.

Economy
In 2005, 1% of the households in the district had electricity.

Agriculture
The main agricultural products are maize, cassava, cowpea, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and rice.

Transportation
There is a road network in the district which includes the 60 km stretch of the national road EN1, crossing the eastern part of the district. Approximately 200 km of roads in the interior of Govuro District a in a bad state and need rehabilitation.