March 1, 2003

Official name: Republic of Mozambique
Area: 799,380 sq km
Population: 18,880,000
Capital: Maputo (and chief port)
Currency: metical
Official Language: Portuguese
Major Cities: Beira, Nampula, Nacala, Chimoio
Independence Day: June 25, 1975
Time Difference: GMT + 2
Major Exports: Shrimps and other crustaceans, cashew nuts, citrus, raw cotton, sugar, copra, lobsters.


Mozambique is a country in southeast Africa, bounded north by Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania; east and south by the Indian Ocean; southwest by South Africa and Swaziland; and west by Zimbabwe.

Physical features

The Zambezi valley, the lower section of which is a part of the East African Rift Valley, is the country’s most dramatic geographic feature. Mount Binga, the country’s highest elevation at 7,992 feet, is part of the Chimoio highlands. The 7,936-foot peak at Mount Namzli dominates the Mozambican highland.

The Rovuma River defines most of Mozambique’s northern border with Tanzania. The Zambezi River dominates the central region, and the Maputo River forms part of the southernmost boundary with Swaziland and South Africa. Rivers including the Lzrio, Ligonha, Save, Changane, and Komati also define many of the country’s local political boundaries. Mozambique’s extensive coastline (1,563 miles) features some of Africa’s best natural harbours. The Mozambique Channel separates the country from Madagascar to the east.

 

Climate

Mozambique has a tropical savannah climate, with a dry season that lasts from April to October. July (winter) temperatures averages around 18°C to 21°C. January (summer) temperatures average about 27°C along the coast and lower in upland areas. Average annual rainfall decreases from 1,422 mms in the north to 762 mms in the south.

 

Ethnicity & religion

The country has ten major ethnic groups, including the Makua-Lomwe, Tsonga, Malawi, Shona, and Yao. The dominant ethnic group in the north is the Makua-Lomwe, who makes up about 47 per cent of the total population; the Tsonga (23 per cent of the population) predominate in the south.

A majority of the population looks to ancestral and natural forces for spiritual and religious focus. Traditional indigenous beliefs (animists) are followed by about half the population; about 30 per cent are Christians, and some 15 per cent, mainly in the north, are Muslims.

 

Language

Although Portuguese is the official language, the vast majority of Mozambicans speak languages of the Niger-Congo group, the so-called Bantu languages, which dominate central and southern Africa. Within that group, Makua-Lomwe, Tsonga, and Shona are the most widespread languages, but the country has great linguistic and cultural variety. Almost 16 African languages are believed to be commonly spoken and understood here. Portuguese is spoken by less than a quarter of the population and is the mother tongue of fewer than 2 per cent of the population.

 

Government

The constitution provides for a president, elected for a five-year term, renewable only twice, and a 250-member Assembly of the Republic, similarly elected for a five-year term. The president, who is also commander in chief of the armed forces, appoints a prime minister. There are 10 provinces in Mozambique.

 

Wild life

The animals found here include African elephant, African wild dog, Burchells zebra, black rhinoceros, leopard, cheetah, Nile crocodile, spotted hyena, lion, hippopotamus, giraffe, Blue Wildebeest, Gaboon viper, impala, warthog, small spotted Genet, wild cat and African buffalo. The birds here include osprey, peregrine falcon, white-backed vulture, red headed weaver, bearded vulture, hoopoe and African jacana.

 

Tourist attractions

Indian Ocean coastline with beaches bordered by lagoons, coral reefs, and strings of islands are the chief tourist attractions, along with the already mentioned wild life. Travelling within Mozambique can be dangerous. Armed robbery is very common. There are also many unexploded landmines lying around.