Saurimo, formerly known as Henrique de Carvalho, is a city in Angola. It is the capital of Lunda Sul Province. As of 2014, Saurimo has a population of 393,000 people, which steadily grows as a result of migration.[2]

Saurimo
Henrique de Carvalho
Saurimo is located in Angola
Saurimo
Saurimo
Location in Angola
Coordinates: 9°39′S 20°24′E / 9.650°S 20.400°E / -9.650; 20.400
Country Angola
ProvinceLunda Sul Province
Founded1927
Elevation
1,081 m (3,547 ft)
Population
 (2014)[1]
 • Total
442,437
Time zoneUTC+1 (WAT)
ClimateAw

History

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The city was formerly known as Henrique de Carvalho, a Portuguese explorer, who visited the region in 1884 and first made contact with the local Lunda people.[3] In 1956, Saurimo was raised to city status.[3]

Geography

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Saurimo is located in northeastern Angola at an elevation of 1,084 m (3,556 ft) above sea level. It is a garrison town and local market center.[3]

Economy

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The main economic activities in Saurimo include agriculture, farming, and diamonds. Other smaller industries include fishing and handicraft. The SMC (Sociedade Mineira de Catoca) is one of the world's largest mining areas, along with Endiama which helps distribute its diamonds worldwide.

Transportation

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Saurimo is served by Saurimo Airport, which has scheduled service to the capital Luanda. As of April 2023, there are announcements of a branch line from Luena on the Benguela Railway to Saurimo.[4]

Notable people

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References

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  1. ^ Citypopulaton.de Population of provinces and municipalities in Angola
  2. ^ "Angola: Provinces, Major Cities, Urban Localities & Urban Agglomerations - Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  3. ^ a b c "Saurimo | Angola, Lunda, & Airport | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  4. ^ Tecnológica, I&IT-Investigação e Inovação. "DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL". Portal Oficial do Governo da Republica de Angola (in European Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-05-06.