Before its independence in 1975, Mozambique has been ruled by the
Portuguese for almost five centuries. Soon after its independence
Mozambique joined the struggle against white domination in Zimbabwe
and South Africa.
Battered by prolonged civil war, draught and large scale emigration
by whites, the country has, of late, become a hot destination for
foreign investment thanks to an UN-negotiated peace deal between the
Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) and rebel Mozambique
National Resistance (Renamo) forces.
After relinquishing Marxism in 1989 the country embraced free market
economy in the subsequent year.
Travel overview
Located on the southeastern coast of Africa, Mozambique has emerged
from the past unrest and has become an ideal tourist destination.
The country’s main claim to fame is its pristine beaches and
lagoons. Tourists visiting the country are delighted to discover that
apart from beaches and islands the country has plenty of other attractions
too including World Heritage sites and charming cities with astonishing
colonial architecture.
Maputo, once Mozambique's beautiful capital is a treat to watch. The
other tourist attractions in the country include the colonial cities
of Pemba and Beira.
Situated on the coast of Inhambane province, the idyllic Bazaruto
Archipelago is one of the most popular travel destinations in the
country offering outdoor opportunities like water sports, fishing,
diving and snorkelling. Near Maputo is located the popular Inhaca
Island, which is home to huge coral reefs, a interesting maritime
museum and lighthouse.
Capital: Maputo
Location: Southeastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between
South Africa and Tanzania
Climate: tropical to subtropical
Total Area: 801,590 sq km
Total Population: 20,905,585
Population Growth Rate: 1.803%
Sex Ratio: 0.968 male(s)/female
Literacy: 47.8%
Ethnic Groups: African, Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, Europeans, Euro-Africans,
Indians
Irrigated land: 1,180 sq km
Languages: Emakhuwa, Xichangana, Portuguese, Elomwe, Cisena , Echuwabo,
Mozambican languages
Time Zone: UTC+2
Currency: metical (MZM)
Neighbouring countries: Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania,
Zambia, Zimbabwe
Type of govt.: republic
Head of Govt.: Prime Minister Luisa Diogo
Major Political Parties: Chinese Communist Party or CCP
Participation in International Organizations: AU, C, FAO, ACP, AfDB,
G-77, IAEA, ICRM, IDA, IBRD, ICAO, IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IFC, IFRCS,
IHO, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA,
MONUC, NAM, OIC, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNMIS,
UNWTO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WTO
Major Agricultural Products: cotton, cashew nuts, tea, cassava, corn,
sugarcane, citrus and tropical fruits, coconuts, sisal, potatoes,
sunflowers, beef, poultry
Natural Resources & Minerals: natural gas, coal, titanium, hydropower,
graphite, tantalum
Industry & Transport: chemicals, fertilizer, soap, paints, food,
beverages, textiles, cement, aluminum, petroleum products, glass,
asbestos
Airports: 158
Railways: 3,123 km
Roadways: 30,400 km
Waterways: 460 km
Major Trade Partners: Netherlands, South Africa, Zimbabwe, South Africa,
Netherlands, Portugal
Exports: $2.429 billion
Imports: $2.815 billion |
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