Everything you need to know about Mozambique: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Mozambique: East African Country and Former Portuguese Colony

In the first millennium the Bantu speaking tribes inhabited Mozambique. Later on the Arab and Swahili traders settled in Mozambique. In 1498 Vasco da Gama discovered it and was settled by Portugal in 1505. After a decade it was colonialised by Portugal. Centuries of oppressive colonial rule forced Mozambique people to revolt against the colonial authority of Portugal and start guerilla warfare that brought them independence in 1975 after 470 years of colonial rule. After a decade of independence the government of Mozambique engaged in a civil war with antigovernment guerrilla party the Mozambique National Resistance. A new constitution was drafted that include three branches of government and granted civil liberties. A cease-fire agreement signed in 1992 between the government and the MNR ended 16 years of civil war.

Mozambique Profile: Overview of Facts and Figures

· National Name: The Republic of Mozambique
· Capital: Maputo
· Total area: 812,379 sq km (313,661 sq miles)
· Population: 21.8 million (via UN, 2008)
· Currency: Metical
· Languages: Emakhuwa 26.1%, Xichangana 11.3%, Portuguese 8.8% (official; spoken by 27% of population as a second language), Elomwe 7.6%, Cisena 6.8%, Echuwabo 5.8%, other Mozambican languages 32%, other foreign languages 0.3%, unspecified 1.3% (1997 census)
· Ethnicity/ Races: African 99.66% (Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, and others), Europeans 0.06%, Euro-Africans 0.2%, Indians 0.08%
· Religion: Catholic 23.8%, Muslim 17.8%, Zionist Christian 17.5%, other 17.8%, none 23.1% (1997 census)
· GDP (Per Capita): $900 (2008 est.)
· Life Expectancy: Male: 41.62 years, Female: 40.44 years (2008 est.)
· Literacy Rate: Male: 63.5%, Female: 32.7% (2003 est.)

Geographical Information on Mozambique:
Mozambique is the country located in southeastern Africa on the coast of Indian Ocean. It shares its border with Tanzania from the north, Malawi and Zambia from the northwest, Zimbabwe from the west and Swaziland and South Africa from the southwest.

Climate of Mozambique varies according to area. Inland is cooler than the coast and rainfall higher on the altitude. Mozambique receives much of the rainfall in between January and March. Hottest and wettest season is from October to March.

Culture, Cuisine and Tradition of Mozambique:
The culture of Mozambique reflects wide range of cultural and linguistic diversities. It is the place where one can see the co-existence of Islamic culture, Swahili language, and matrilineal Bantu-speaking groups along with the existence of cultural aspects of neighboring Tanzania and Malawi. Many of the cultural traditions of the Mozambican people survived even after centuries of colonialism. The practices and followings of Makonde are renowned for their ebony sculptures and masks. The Chopi of the south central coast are famous for their complex musical arrangements and dance.

The century long colonial rule by Portugal deeply influenced the cuisine of Mozambique. The style of Portuguese cooking and native style of Mozambique food preparations makes the cuisine of Mozambique delicious and mouth watering. Portugal introduced various spices and different cooking methods such as roasting or marinating to Mozambique cuisine. The main ingredient used in the Mozambique cuisine includes fresh seafood, rice, millet and cassava. Meat, and chicken items remain the popular component of Mozambique cuisine. The other components of Mozambique recipe are beans, cassava chips, cashew nuts, coconut, potatoes and garlic and peppers.

Economy of Mozambique:
The economy of Mozambique was devastated by the decade long civil war. But after restoration of peace in 1992 government of Mozambique initiated several economic reforms to reinstate the country’s economy. The foremost reforms undertaken by government are to privatize its 900 state enterprises so that collateral damage of country economy can be prevented. The principal cash crops of Mozambique are cotton, cashews, sugarcane, tea, sisal, citrus and tropical fruits are commercially grown for export purposes.

Tourist Attractions of Mozambique:
Mozambique is the place that has enough potential to attract tourists from the world. It is famous for its vast expanses of palm-fringed beach and lagoons. Mozambique has rich wildlife with excellent parks and reserves that gives the glimpse of rare birds and abundant marine life.

Ilha de Mozambique: is historical and famous for its Portuguese architectural wonders. It was the capital of Mozambique for the four centuries. The magnificent buildings that were built during the Portuguese colonial time remain the center of attraction.

Vilanculos: Is famous beach town of Mozambique and known for its palm-fringed beach and lagoons. The saline Vilanculos lakes supports wide variety of marine species while the Coral reefs remains the center of attraction. It is famous for water sports and snorkeling.

Major Sight-seeing Places in Mozambique include:

· Inhambane
· Maputo
· Maputo
· Pemba
· Beira