La Digue is one of the 20 islands that form part of the Mozambican archipelago. To add to its beauty, the island has a couple of volcanoes that provide it with some spectacular scenery. The natural beauty of La Digue also attracts tourists, as well as researchers, who come to start making a living out of their passion for exploring.
La Digue’s natural resources also make it an attractive tourist spot, where visitors can immerse themselves in finding out about the island’s fascinating history.
Contents
All Discussion Of La Digue Islands
History
La Digue has a rich history that can be traced back to the 15th century. At this time, Arab traders started coming to La Digue and establishing trading posts.
They were followed by Portuguese traders who arrived in the 16th century. By the 18th century, when La Digue came under Dutch control, it had already become an important hub for trade in Africa due to its strategic location near Mozambique’s major port of Louren ço Marques.
In the early 19th century, La Digue had already started to see gradual development as a result of Dutch colonial rule. The island was used for agriculture and sugar production, which helped make it one of Mozambique’s most prosperous islands during this time period.
However, in 1905, when Portugal acquired sovereignty over Mozambique along with the rest of Africa’s colonies following its independence from Spain, La Digue was excluded from Portuguese control. This changed in 1941 when the Japanese invaded and occupied Mozambique.
As part of their occupation forces, the Japanese built a military airbase on La Digue which helped them take control of Louren ço Marques.
Following World War II, Portugal re-occupied La Digue as part of its post-independence efforts. However, due to its strategic location and significant natural resources, La Digue remained a key part of Portuguese colonialism in Mozambique.
Today, La Digue is an increasingly popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning natural scenery and intriguing history. The island is home to charming villages and impressive cliffs, which make it a perfect place for exploration.
Climate
The climate on La Digue is generally warm and sunny. The island experiences a moderate year-round temperature range, with highs in the mid to high 20s Celsius (70-85 Fahrenheit) and lows in the lower teens Celsius (40-50 Fahrenheit).
However, due to its close proximity to the sea, La Digue can experience a lot of precipitation. In fact, during peak season (~July & August), rainfall can reach up to 600 millimeters (24 inches).
Culture
The culture on La Digue is relatively homogeneous, with inhabitants belonging to the Bantu ethnic group. This means that the island’s culture shares similarities with those of neighboring countries such as Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Nevertheless, there are some distinct elements that can be found on La Digue. For example, traditional music and dance ceremonies are popular events on the island, and residents often wear colorful clothing during these celebrations.
Additionally, the island is home to a number of impressive archaeological sites, including an ancient fort and several burial grounds.
Politics
La Digue is a part of the province of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique. As such, its politics are closely aligned with those of the central government in Maputo.
Government services
Currently, the main services which are available on La Digue are health care and education. However, tourism is gradually becoming a more important sector of the local economy, and development initiatives aimed at expanding access to basic services such as healthcare and education are underway.
Languages
The predominant language spoken on La Digue is Portuguese. However, there are also pockets of Bantu speakers who can be found in various villages around the island. Additionally, English is occasionally heard in businesses and other public places.
Tourism
Tourism is currently the main economic activity on La Digue. The island offers visitors a wide range of attractions, including stunning vistas, lush forests, and picturesque villages. In addition to tourism, businesses that are dedicated to handicrafts and traditional foods also benefit from the growing demand for these products.
Transport
There is no direct transport link between La Digue and the mainland. Visitors must first travel to nearby Maputo, where they can then take a ferryboat or airplane to reach the island.
Cuisine
The cuisine of La Digue is based mainly on fish, shellfish, and vegetables. Common ingredients include rice, beans, and greens. Various spices are also used to give the food a unique flavor.
Wildlife
The wildlife of La Digue is varied and abundant. Visitors can find endemic animals such as the pink flamingo, the Harpy Eagle, and the lions. Additionally, there are many species of monkeys, leopards, baboons, elephants, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles which can be seen on a regular basis.
Conclusion
La Digue is an archipelago of tropical islands located in the Southeast of Madagascar. The small islands are clustered together into one island group. The climate of the archipelago is warm and humid, and the annual rainfall is between 600-1,000 mm. Marine life is abundant like coral reefs, giant clams, and giant seashells. Marine life is abundant like coral reefs, giant clams, and giant sea urchins in La Digue Islands.
FAQs
1.How Did It Get Its Name?
Ans: The name La Digue is derived from the French word “Ladeau” meaning a load or weight.
2.Is La Digue An Island Country?
Ans: No, La Digue is not an independent country. It forms part of Mozambique with its capital at Maputo. The islands are administered by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources under the jurisdiction of MOZAMBIQUE’s National Planning and Development Authority (APN).
3.How Do You Get To La Digue Island?
Ans: There are regular ferry services from Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. Travellers should allow around 10 hours traveling time to get there.
4.What Is The Currency In La Digue?
Ans: The official currency in La Digue is the metical (MZN). Other currencies like US dollars and Euros can also be used, but meticals will always be accepted as payment for goods and services on the island.
5.What Country Is On La Digue Island?
Ans: There are several countries on La Digue Island. Mozambique is the main country, but the islands also belong to Tanzania, Madagascar, and Seychelles.
6.Do I Need A Passport To Visit La Digue Island?
Ans: Not necessarily – although a passport will be useful if you plan to stay longer than three months or travel off-island. You will still be able to visit and explore the island without one, but some services will not be available to you.
7.What Is The Climate Like On La Digue Island?
Ans: The climate on La Digue is tropical, with a hot and humid atmosphere throughout the year. The annual rainfall ranges from 600-1,000 mm, making it prone to flooding in times of rain.
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