Maputo , known as
Lourenço Marques before independence, is the
capital and largest city of
Mozambique. It is known as the
City of Acacias, in reference to
acacia trees commonly found along its avenues, and the
Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Today, it is a port city, with its economy centered on the harbour. According to the 2007 census, the population is 1,766,184.
Cotton,
sugar,
chromite,
sisal,
copra, and hardwood are the chief exports. The city manufactures
cement,
pottery,
furniture,
shoes, and
rubber. The city is surrounded by
Maputo Province, but is administered as its own province.