Quirimbas Islands

The Quirimbas Islands [kiˈɾĩbɐʃ] lie in the western Indian Ocean off northeastern Mozambique, close to Pemba, the capital of the province of Cabo Delgado. The archipelago consists of about 32 islands, including Ibo, Matemo, Medjumbe, Quirimba, Metundo, Quisiva, Vamizi Island and Rolas Island all going up to the border of the Tanzanian region of Mtwara .^[1]

Quirimbas Islands

Quirimbas Islands seen from space
Geography
Location	Indian Ocean
Coordinates	12°8′48″S 40°34′21″E
Total islands	32
Major islands	Tekomaji Island Rongui Island Queramimbi Island Ibo Matemo Medjumbe Tambuzi Island Quirimba Metundo Tavari Island Quisiva Vamizi Island Rolas Island
Administration
Mozambique
Demographics
Population	120,000 (2024)
Pop. density	16/km2 (41/sq mi)
Languages	Swahili, Mwani and Portuguese
Ethnic groups	Mwani and Swahili

History

The Quirimbas Islands were originally inhabited by Makonde fishing communities. From the medieval period, Swahili trading settlements developed across the archipelago. Their prominence declined in the 16th century as Portuguese maritime routes expanded; during this period the islands were referred to as the Ilhas de São Lázaro (“Islands of Saint Lazarus”).

After the Portuguese established coastal bases, including at Ibo Island, many Swahili merchants relocated elsewhere within the archipelago to continue trading independently. Conflict followed, during which Portuguese forces killed an estimated sixty Muslim merchants and destroyed property.^[2]

The islands remained under Portuguese rule until Mozambique gained independence in 1975. Prior to independence, only four of the archipelago’s approximately 32 islands were permanently inhabited; settlement has since expanded.^[3]

On 23 May 2014, a mud spill was reported offshore near the Quirimbas Islands from a drilling operation run by Anadarko Petroleum.Anadarko Petroleum.^[4]

These islands are now well known for their diving sites, some up to 400 metres (1,300 ft) deep. The Quirimbas National Park, spanning an area of 7,500 square kilometres (2,900 sq mi), includes the 11 most southerly islands, which are partly surrounded by mangroves. The park was established in 2002 as a protected area.^[5]

In the early morning of 3 March 2024, militants of the Islamic State – Central Africa Province seized the island of Quirimba after clashing with local forces, killing and wounding a number of them, while forcing the remnants to flee to the nearby island of Ibo and elsewhere.^[6] Two days later, local sources reported a major attack launched by the same militants against the neighboring island of Ibo, successfully seizing it after fierce clashes; locals of the island accused the government and the municipal authorities of having abandoned them after the attacks.^[7][8]

World Heritage Status

The Quirimbas Islands are currently on the tentative list for becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was submitted in 2008.^[2][9]

Gallery

• 
  A map of the island in 1775
• 
  The coast of Medjumbe Island
• 
  Beach of Ibo Island
• 
  Local fisherman on dhow safari