Mozambique profile
|
|
The Republic of Mozambique |
|
Mozambique
The Republic of Mozambique in south eastern Africa is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest. It was explored by Vasco da Gama in 1498 and colonized by Portugal in 1505. Mozambique has been battered by colonial rule, civil war and famine. But since a peace deal ended 16 years of civil conflict the country has made big strides, becoming a magnet for foreign investment.
Mozambique is a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries and the Commonwealth of Nations, and an observer of the Francophonie. Mozambique (Moçambique) was named after Muça Alebique, a sultan. At 309,475 square miles (801,590 km²) Mozambique is a large country comparable in size to Turkey.
Landscape
The country is divided into two topographical regions by the Zambezi River. To the north of the Zambezi River, the narrow coastline moves inland to hills and low plateaux, and further west to rugged highlands, which include the Niassa highlands, Namuli or Shire highlands, Angonia highlands, Tete highlands and the Makonde plateau. To the south of the Zambezi River, the lowlands are broader with the Mashonaland plateau and Lebomo mountains located in the deep south. Mount Murresse and tea plantations near Gurúè, Zambezia Province, northern Mozambique.The country is drained by five principal rivers and several smaller ones with the largest and most important the Zambezi. The country has three lakes, Lake Niassa or Malawi, Lake Chiuta and Lake Shirwa, all in the north. The major cities are Maputo, Beira, Nampula, Tete, Quelimane, Chimoio, Pemba, Inhambane, Xai-Xai and Lichinga.
Climate
Mozambique has a tropical climate with two seasons, a wet season from October to March and a dry season from April to September. Climatic conditions, however, vary depending on altitude. Rainfall is heavy along the coast and decreases in the north and south. Annual rainfall varies from 500 to 900 mm (20 to 35 inches) depending on the region with an average of 590 mm (23 inches). Cyclones are also common during the wet season. Average temperature ranges in Maputo are from 13c to 24c in July to 22c to 31c in February.
Government of Mozambique
After independence in 1975 Mozambique was drawn into the struggle against white rule in Rhodesia and South Africa. A political settlement in 1992 was followed by stability and rapid economic growth. However, it suffered a setback in 2000 and again in 2001 when it was hit by floods which affected about a quarter of the population and destroyed much infrastructure. Mozambique is a multi-party democracy under the 1990 constitution. The executive branch comprises a president, prime minister, and Council of Ministers
Languages
Portuguese is the official and most widely spoken language of the nation. Most educated Mozambicans also speak English, which is used in schools and business as second or third language.
Tourism
Mozambique has excellent tourism potential. The country's natural beauty, wildlife, and historical heritage provide the opportunities for beach, cultural, and eco-tourism. However despite this potential and its proximity to South Africa, which is one of the world's top tourist destinations, Mozambique still has relatively few visitors. The government hopes that the country's game and nature reserves will become a major tourist attraction.
-
Population: 21.8 million
-
Capital: Maputo
-
Major languages: Portuguese (official), Tsonga, Shona, Swahili
-
Monetary unit: 1 metical (plural meticais) = 100 centavos
-
Internet domain: .mz
-
International dialling code: +258
-
Voltage 230V
-
Plug type: South African three pin plug, in most areas.
(sources: Oxford History of the British Empire, Wikipedia, BBC)
Call 0845 345 0065 or email: info@visionsofafrica.co.uk
Enjoy the trip of a lifetime with Kenya holidays, South Africa holidays, Botswana holidays, Namibia holidays and specialist safari holidays with Visions of Africa.
|
