Cuanza River

The Cuanza River (also spelled Kwanza, Kuanza, Quanza or Coanza) is a river in Angola. It empties into the Atlantic Ocean just south of the nation's capital, Luanda.

Rich biodiversity has been found in the Angolan river, according to research reported on the Science and Development Network website. Angola's first biodiversity tally of the Kwanza River has so far found 50 fish species. Researchers from the National Fishing Research Institute and the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity say genetic testing may reveal new species.

Overview

The river gives its name to two provinces of Angola: Cuanza Norte, which lies on the river's north bank, and Cuanza Sul, on the south bank. It is also a source of hydroelectric power for Angola, in the form of the Capanda Dam in Malanje Province, finished in 2004. The dam also provides water for irrigation of sugarcane and other crops in the lower Cuanza valley. The rivers's lower course is navigable for about 240 kilometres (150 mi) and was the original route of Portuguese penetration into north Angola.