Benguela

Benguela (also Benguella), a country of Western Africa, bordering on the Atlantic, between Angola on the N. and Mossamedes on the S., and the eastern limits of which are not very definitely fixed. It is usually represented as lying between 10° and 15° S. lat. and 12° and 17° E. long. Its surface is generally mountainous, rising from the coast-line inland in a series of terraces; several important rivers flow through it in a north-west direction to the Atlantic. These rivers have numerous affluents, and water is everywhere so plentiful that it may be found by digging two feet beneath the surface. Sulphur, copper, and petroleum are found in the mountains, and also gold and silver in small quantities. The description of flora and fauna given for Angola (q.v.), of which Benguela is a part, of course applies equally to this latter district.—SÃO FELIPE DE BENGUELA, the Portuguese capital of the above region, is situated on a level plain near the sea, backed by a line of hills, in 12° 33' S. lat. It is very unhealthy, and has a straggling appearance. The loss of trade has, moreover, given it an air of desolation. It was a great slave-station at one time, exporting annually 20,000 slaves to Brazil and Cuba. The present population numbers about 2000 natives and a garrison of 100 men. The harbour is good, though difficult of entrance, but is seldom visited now. See From Benguella to Yacca, by Capello and Ivens (1883).