The Rio dos Elefantes and the Mazimulhpe River are the principal rivers in the area. Many rivers are seasonal and flow only during the rainy season. There are 10 lakes in the district.[1] The Massingir Dam is located on the Rio dos Elefantes and is an important breeding ground for the Nile crocodile.[3]
The climate is tropical dry semi-arid, with the average annual rainfall being between 600 millimetres (24 in).[1]
The district was established in 1972, after the construction of the dam.[1]
Demographics
As of 2005, 45% of the population of the district was younger than 15 years. 20% of the population spoke Portuguese. The most common mothertongue among the population was Tsonga. 74% were analphabetic, mostly women.[1]
Administrative divisions
The district is divided into three postos, Massingir (three localities), Mavoze (three localities), and Zulo (three localities).[1]
Economy
4% of the households in the district have access to electricity.[1]
Agriculture
In the district, there are 3,500 farms which have on average 3.8 hectares (0.015 sq mi) of land. The main agricultural products are corn, cassava, cowpea, peanut, sweet potato, and rice.[1]
Transportation
There is a road network in the district which includes 130 kilometres (81 mi) of a national roads (Massingir to Chokwe) and 376 kilometres (234 mi) of secondary roads. None of the secondary roads are paved, and most are in a bad state.[1]
