Country Details
| Land Area |
784,090 sq km |
Population |
19104696 |
| Capital City |
Maputo |
People |
indigenous tribal groups 99.66% (Shangaan, Chokwe, Manyika, Sena, Makua, and others), Europeans 0.06%, Euro-Africans 0.2%, Indians 0.08% |
| Language |
Portuguese, Local |
Religion |
indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20% |
| Government Type |
republic |
Life Expectancy |
36.45 years |
| HIV/AIDS Rate |
13.22% (1999 est.) |
GNP per Capita |
$1,000 |
| Currency |
metical (MZM) |
Major Exports |
prawns 40%, cashews, cotton, sugar, citrus, timber |
| National Holiday |
Independence Day, 25 June (1975) |
Dialing Code |
258 |
| Electricity |
220V |
Malaria Risk |
High Risk |
| Water Quality |
Unsafe |
Inoculations |
Yellow Fever, Cholera, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio |
| Crime |
Banditry problem of main roads. |
Driving License |
|
| Photography |
No public buildings, military |
Entry Regs |
Passport & Visa |
| Time Zone |
GMT+2 |
|
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Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration by whites, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war 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. A 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.
