SOFA'LA ia a country on the east coast of Africa, extending from Cape Corrientes (25° S. lat.) to the vicinity of the river Luabo, the most southern arm of the Zambesi (19 S. lat.). This country, together with the province of Senna [Sessta], was formerly known by the name of Monomotapa, and was noted for the quantity of gold which was supposed to exist there. The name of Monomotapa is now antiquated, and the few gold-minea which exist are included in the province of Senna. [Seams, vol iv., col. 499.] The coast is low, and beset with shoals and sandbanks. Along the coast are the Bazaruta Islands, Chuluwan, and other islands. The mouths of several rivers have been visited. The most northern is the river Boozy, commonly called Jana, which falls into a large shallow bay called Massangzany. The river Sofala forms at its mouth a tolerable harbour, which is difficult of access on account of the bar. The moat southern river is Inhamban, which Is easy of access, and forms an excellent harbour. Ships may ascend to the town, about
8 miles from the entrance.
Ivory and bees'eerax constitute the principal articles of export : they are sent to 3fosambique. The native tribes are warlike. They use spears, and shields made of bide. They are divided into numerous tribes, and their chiefs come annually to the Portuguese settlements, where they receive some trifling presents. The most northern of the Portuguese settlements is Sofala, which consists only of a paltry fort and a few miserable mnd-huta. The most important settlement Is Inhamban, which Is a small trading town with tolerably good buildings.
Sofala was visited in 1480 by Pedrio Cavell:1So, a Portuguese, before the way to India by sea was known. Albuquerque took pos session of it, and in 1503 the fort of Sofala was built. The Portuguese have remained in possession of the country; but these settlements have been neglected.