Mozambique is a country on the Indian Ocean coast of Southern Africa. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Tanzania to the north and has inland borders with Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Swaziland. Mozambique's eastern coastline along the Indian Ocean is more than 2,500km long, a fantastic drawcard for scuba divers, fishermen, sailors and beach lovers.
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.
After independence in 1975 Mozambique was drawn into the struggle against white rule in Rhodesia and South Africa.
FACTS
Full name: The Republic of Mozambique
Population: 19.4 million (via UN, 2006)
Capital: Maputo
Area: 812,379 sq km (313,661 sq miles)
Major languages: Portuguese (official), Makua-Lomwe, Tsonga, Shona, Swahili
Major religions: Indiginous beliefs, Islam, Christianity
Life expectancy: 41 years (men), 43 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 metical (plural meticais) = 100 centavos
Main exports: Seafood, cotton
GNI per capita: US $310 (World Bank, 2006)
Internet domain: .mz
International dialling code: +258
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