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This area of Africa was explored by Vasco da Gama in 1498, and later colonized by Portugal in 1505.
Five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with Mozambique's independence in 1975. It became the People's Republic of Mozambique shortly thereafter.
As a result of Portuguese departure, a large-scale emigration by white business people soon followed. A prolonged civil war (1977 – 1992) ensued, and both events severely hindered the country's development.
The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy.
An un-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in 1992.
In December 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition as Joaquim Chissano stepped down after 18 years in office.
His newly elected successor, Armando Emilio Guebuza, has promised to continue the sound economic policies that have encouraged foreign investment.
Although Mozambique’s economy is growing at a much improved rate, it's still considered one of the planet's poorest and most underdeveloped countries. |
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- Official Name Republic of Mozambique
- Population 22,894,000 (2009 est)
- Capital City Maputo (pop. 1,244,227)
- Currency Metical
- Currency Converter
- Languages Portuguese (official), other dialects
- Religions Traditional beliefs, Christian, Muslim
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- Land Area 784,090 sq km (302,737 sq miles)
- Highest Point Monte Binga (7,988 ft.) (2,435 m)
- Lowest Point Indian Ocean (0 ft.) (0 m)
- Land Divisions 10 provinces, including: Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Maputo (city), Maputo, Nampula, Niassa,
Sofala, Tete, Zambezia.
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Mozambique, located in southeastern Africa, is bordered by Malawi, Swaziland, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
To the north of the Zambezi river, a narrow coastline and bordering plateau slope upward into hills and a series of rugged highlands punctuated by scattered mountains.
South of the Zambezi River, the lowlands are much wider with scattered hills and mountains along its borders with South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia.
Sunrise on the Zambizi River, Mozambique
The country is drained by several significant rivers, with the Zambezi being the largest and most important.
The Zambezi is in fact the fourth-longest river in Africa, and the largest flowing into the Indian Ocean from Africa.
Lake Malawi (Nyasa) is the country's major lake. The Cahora Bassa is Africa's fourth-largest artificial lake. A small slice of Malawi's Lake Chiuta sits in Mozambique. |
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- Latitude/Longitude 25° 58' S, 32° 32' E
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There is no shortage of interesting things to see and do in Mozambique, and attractions are plentiful. However, outside of the capital city, facilities and services for tourism remain limited.
Bazaruto Archipelago is a chain of pristine islands, each adorned with indigenous palms and the whitest of white beaches. Referred to as the String of Pearls, they're known for their great scuba diving and snorkelling venues.
Quirimbas Archipelago includes 27 islands. They're home to excellent bird life and turtle breeding grounds.
Mozambique Island, the ancient capital of Mozambique until 1889, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of historical importance. It features a few 500-year old monuments, cobbled streets and an ambiance all its own.
Maputo, the country's capital city, has many points-of-interest including some impressive architecture from the Portuguese era.
Ponta do Oura, south of Maputo near the South African border, is world-famous for dolphins and turtle watching, scuba safaris, fishing expeditions and snorkeling.
Xai Xai is a relaxing beach town; the swimming is great, trendy shops are everywhere and there's plenty of hotels and resorts.
Niassa Reserve in northern Mozambique is one of Africa's last wild places. Covering over 40,000 square kms (that's twice the size of Kruger Park in South Africa) it's one of the largest conservation areas on the continent.
Limpopo National Park contains an astounding diversity of wildlife and plant species, including nearly 150 mammal species, and an amazing 500 bird species, as well as at least 2000 species of vegetation.
Banhine National Park is known for its wetlands, and once contained great numbers of wild animals. Sadly Mozambique's protracted civil war all but decimated its wildlife population, but Banhine is on its way back with populations of ostrich, kudu and impala.
Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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With most of the country located within the tropics, Mozambique is generally hot.
The rainy season is from November to March and conditions remain hot. The dry winter months are cooler but still quite warm during the day, especially along the northern coast.
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Maputo, Mozambique...
A beach market, Mozambique...
Surf fishing, Mozambique...
Dam construction on Cahora Bassa, Africa's fourth-largest artificial lake... |
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