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Near the Zambian border deep in the southern
highlands, the city of Mbeya is the major agricultural capital in the
country’s south-west region. The Mbeya mountain range lies to the north, and
the Poroto mountain range lies to the south-east. Large coffee and tea
plantations, banana farms, and fields of cocoa are all grown around the
region and come to Mbeya for packaging and transport. Mbeya’s location also
makes it an idea transit point for good travelling by road and rail between
Tanzania and neighbouring Zambia and Malawi.
In addition to its agricultural prosperity, Mbeya’s mineral wealth has
attracted investment and provides the country with a good source of wealth.
The town was originally founded in the 1930’s, when gold was discovered and
a ‘gold rush’ ensued. But instead of running out and becoming a ghost town,
Mbeya has continued to supply the country with a regular amount of gold. Its
mountain views and pleasant weather make it a good stopover point for over
land travellers heading south. |
TANZANIA