SAURIMO

formerly Henrique De Carvalho, town, northeastern Angola. Located at an elevation of 3,557 feet (1,081 m) above sea level, it is a garrison town and local market centre. Saurimo was formerly named after Henrique de Carvalho, a Portuguese explorer, who visited the region in 1884 and contacted the local (historically powerful) Lunda people. The town was originally established as a military post and eventually became the administrative centre of former Lunda district in 1918. Under Portuguese colonial administration, Saurimo also became the site of an air force base. Corn (maize), cassava, beans, potatoes, and other food crops are marketed in the town; local industry is based on the processing of agricultural products. Saurimo is connected by road south to the Benguela Railway at Luena. Pop. (1970 prelim.) 12,900.