Cuanza River

Cuanza River
The Cuanza River in Angola

The Cuanza River (also spelled Coanza, Kwanza, Quanza, or Kuanza) is a river in Angola. It empties into the Atlantic Ocean just south of the nation's capital, Luanda.

Rich biodiversity has been found in the Angolan river, according to research reported on the Science and Development Network website. Angola's first biodiversity tally of the Kwanza River has so far found 50 fish species. Researchers from the National Fishing Research Institute and the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity say genetic testing may reveal new species.[1]

Overview

The river gives its name to two provinces of Angola: Cuanza Norte, which lies on the river's north bank, and Cuanza Sul, on the south bank. It is also a source of hydroelectric power for Angola, in the form of the Capanda Dam in Malanje Province, finished in 2004. The dam also provides water for irrigation of sugarcane and other crops in the lower Cuanza valley. The rivers's lower course is navigable for about 150 miles and was the original route of Portuguese penetration into north Angola.

The Angolan monetary currency is named after the river. The Barra do Kwanza, the mouth of the river, is gradually being developed to appeal to tourists and day-trippers from the captital, Luanda situated some 60 km to the north. Even a golf course is under development. Overnight accommodation is available but, due to very limited availability and high demand, pre booking is essential. Sport fishing is excellent, notably Tarpon. 90 kg examples are not unusual. The river, from the bridge to the sea, forms the Northern border of the Quissama National Park.

References

  1. ^ "Sub-Saharan Africa news in brief: 13–25 March, 2008". SciDev.Net (website). Accessed May 2010.

External links


Coordinates: 9°21′S 13°09′E / 9.35°S 13.15°E / -9.35; 13.15


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Cuanza River — ▪ river, Angola also spelled  Coanza,  Kuanza,  Kwanza,  or  Quanza   river in central Angola, rising about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Chitembo on the Bié Plateau at an elevation of 5,000 feet (1,500 metres). It flows northward for about 320… …   Universalium

  • Cuanza — may refer to Cuanza River there are two provinces including the name: Cuanza Norte Cuanza Sul This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the same title. If an internal link led you here, you may wis …   Wikipedia

  • Cuanza Norte Province — Coordinates: 9°1′S 15°4′E / 9.017°S 15.067°E / 9.017; 15.067 …   Wikipedia

  • Cuanza Sul Province — Cuanza Sul is a province of Angola. It has an area of 55,660 km² and a population of approximately 600,001. Sumbe is the capital of the province. Municipalities in this province include Porto Amboim, Seles, Conda, Amboim, Quilenda, Libolo,… …   Wikipedia

  • Cuanza Vlei Rat — Conservation status Least Concern (IUCN 3.1) Scientific classification Kingdo …   Wikipedia

  • Cuanza — or Kwanza geographical name river 600 miles (965 kilometers) SW Africa in central Angola flowing NW into the Atlantic …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • Cuanza — Cuan·za also Kwan·za (kwänʹzə) A river rising in central Angola and flowing about 805 km (500 mi) generally northwest to the Atlantic Ocean. * * * …   Universalium

  • Río Cuanza — País que atraviesa  Angola …   Wikipedia Español

  • Congo River — The Congo River River The Congo River near Mossaka …   Wikipedia

  • Kwango River — Coordinates: 3°14.666′S 17°22.416′E / 3.244433°S 17.3736°E / 3.244433; 17.3736 …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”