Lindi
Lindi is a historic coastal town in southern Tanzania and the administrative center of the Lindi Region, the least populated region in the country. Situated at the head of Lindi Bay along the Indian Ocean, the town is located approximately 105 kilometers north of Mtwara, the southernmost coastal town in Tanzania, and about 450 kilometers south of Dar es Salaam, the nation's largest city.
The town of Lindi is part of the larger municipality bearing the same name. Notably, Lindi Historic Town is recognized as a national historic site in Tanzania. Additionally, Lindi Airport, located 20 kilometers northeast of the town, providing air connectivity to the region.
History
Lindi was founded in the 11th century. There is no record of a previous name of the Swahili town. In the 17th century, the town was renamed by the Omani Arab colonizers as Lindi meaning "deep channel". The Omanis dominated local people and used the location as a port to sell and transport ivory and slaves to the global market.With the coming of the German occupation in the 19th century, and later on the British occupation after World War I, the town was the administrative capital of the southern province until 1952 when it was moved to Mtwara City due to its favorable harbor potential in Lindi Bay. In 1971, ten years after independence, the Nyerere administration made Lindi the regional seat for Lindi Region. However, in the following year of 1972, due to a socialist policy, urban councils were abolished in favor of rural development, negatively affecting the economy of the town. However, in 1978, urban councils were reintroduced.
Economy
The main economic activities are fishing, salt production, and the farming of coconut, cashew nuts, and roselles.The 2012 national census reported the town to have a population of 78,841.