Mozambique

A Coastal Giant of Southeast Africa – Rich in Culture, Resources, and Resilience

Mozambique is a large, southeastern African country bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini, with a long coastline along the Indian Ocean. Known for its breathtaking beaches, cultural fusion, and natural gas reserves, Mozambique is undergoing recovery from past conflicts and natural disasters while aiming for inclusive growth and regional integration.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Inhabited by Bantu-speaking peoples including Makua, Sena, and Shona

  • Colonized by Portugal in the 16th century, remaining under colonial rule until the mid-20th century

  • Gained independence on June 25, 1975, following a long liberation struggle led by FRELIMO

  • Experienced a brutal civil war (1977–1992) between FRELIMO and RENAMO

  • Post-war era marked by democratization, peace accords, and international development cooperation

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Republic of Mozambique
Capital Maputo
Continent Africa (Southeastern)
Official Language Portuguese
National Languages Makhuwa, Sena, Tsonga, Lomwe, and others
Currency Mozambican Metical (MZN)
Area Approx. 801,590 sq. km
Population Approx. 34.5 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone Central Africa Time (UTC+2)
ISO Code MZ
Internet TLD .mz
Calling Code +258

Religious Affiliation (Estimated)

Religion Population Share
Christianity (Catholic, Protestant) ~56%
Islam ~18%
Traditional African Beliefs ~7%
Other / Unaffiliated ~19%

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Filipe Nyusi
Prime Minister Adriano Maleiane
Government Type Presidential republic
Legislature Unicameral – Assembly of the Republic
Judiciary Supreme Court, Constitutional Council

Administrative Divisions (Provinces & Capital City)

Mozambique is divided into 10 provinces and 1 capital city with provincial status:

  • Cabo Delgado (Pemba)

  • Gaza (Xai-Xai)

  • Inhambane (Inhambane City)

  • Manica (Chimoio)

  • Maputo Province (Matola)

  • Nampula (Nampula City)

  • Niassa (Lichinga)

  • Sofala (Beira)

  • Tete (Tete City)

  • Zambezia (Quelimane)

  • Maputo City (Capital; separate from Maputo Province)

Local Government Structure

  • Mozambique operates under a decentralized governance system

  • Provinces are led by Governors, appointed by the President

  • Districts and municipalities have local councils and administrators

  • Decentralization reforms focus on service delivery and citizen participation

Leadership & Governance

Mozambique is making strides in strengthening democracy, transparency, and infrastructure.
Key priorities include:

  • Post-cyclone and post-conflict reconstruction

  • Economic diversification and job creation

  • Gender equality and youth inclusion

  • Strengthening rule of law and public administration

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Security forces include:

    • Mozambique Defence Armed Forces (FADM)

    • Republic of Mozambique Police (PRM)

    • Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR)

  • Ongoing security challenges in Cabo Delgado province due to insurgency

  • Government and international partners working on stabilization and humanitarian aid

Economy & Industry

  • Key Sectors:

    • Natural gas and coal mining

    • Agriculture – cassava, cashew, cotton, sugar

    • Fisheries and aquaculture

    • Tourism, transport, and port logistics

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 20.7 billion

  • Strategic growth areas:

    • LNG export projects (Rovuma Basin)

    • Agribusiness and rural enterprise

    • Industrial corridors and regional trade

Education & Institutions

  • Free primary education; secondary and tertiary levels expanding

  • Literacy rate: ~63%

  • Leading institutions:

    • Eduardo Mondlane University (Maputo)

    • Pedagogical University, Catholic University of Mozambique

  • Challenges:

    • Rural dropout rates

    • Inadequate facilities and teacher shortages

Healthcare

  • Public healthcare is government-funded but under-resourced

  • Major hospitals:

    • Maputo Central Hospital

    • Provincial hospitals in Beira, Nampula, Tete

  • Key concerns:

    • Malaria, HIV/AIDS, maternal and child mortality

    • Improving access in remote and conflict-affected zones

Transport & Connectivity

  • Road network: Expanding national highways and rural road projects

  • Rail: Connects coal mines and ports; operated by CFM

  • Ports:

    • Maputo, Beira, Nacala – vital for regional trade

  • Airports:

    • Maputo International Airport

    • Beira Airport, Nampula Airport

Tourism & Attractions

Natural:

  • Bazaruto Archipelago – pristine islands, diving, marine life

  • Gorongosa National Park – wildlife and rewilding success story

  • Lake Niassa (Lake Malawi) – beaches, fishing, biodiversity

Cultural:

  • Mozambican music and dance (Marrabenta)

  • Portuguese and Swahili coastal heritage

  • Island of Mozambique – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Tourism potential: High, with increasing investments in eco-tourism, cultural circuits, and beach destinations

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Ethnic Groups: Makua, Tsonga, Sena, Lomwe, Ndau, Shona, and others

  • Languages:

    • Portuguese (official)

    • Numerous local Bantu languages widely spoken

  • Cuisine: Peri-peri chicken, cassava, matapa (cassava leaves with peanuts), seafood dishes

  • Culture:

    • Strong traditions of music, storytelling, and dance

    • Vibrant art scene, including batik, wood carving, and sculpture

Summary

Mozambique is a country of coastal beauty, natural wealth, and cultural diversity, striving to recover from adversity and build an inclusive, resilient future. With strategic energy projects, rich tourism assets, and a youthful population, Mozambique is positioning itself as a rising force in Southern and Eastern Africa.