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 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 with rebel forces ended the fighting in 1992. PEOPLE Mozambique's major ethnic groups encompass numerous subgroups with diverse languages, dialects, cultures, and histories. Many are linked to similar ethnic groups living in inland countries. The north-central provinces of Zambezia and Nampula are the most populous, with about 45% of the population. HISTORY Mozambique's first inhabitants were San hunter and gatherers, ancestors of the Khoisani peoples. Between the first and fourth centuries AD, waves of Bantu-speaking peoples migrated from the north through the Zambezi River valley and then gradually into the plateau and coastal areas. The Bantu were farmers and ironworkers. U.S.-MOZAMBICAN RELATIONS Relations between the United States and Mozambique are good and steadily improving. This state of comity, spurred by the end of the superpower confrontation on the continent, South Africa's democratic transition, and Mozambique's own internal changes, bodes well for continued strong ties. By 1993, U.S. aid to Mozambique was prominent, due in part to significant emergency food assistance in the wake of the 1991-93 southern African drought, but more importantly in support of the peace and reconciliation process.
Important: Travel to Mozambique may require a travel visa. Whether a visa is required for travel depends on citizenship and purpose of journey. Please be sure to review Travisa's Mozambique visa instructions for details. Visa instructions for other countries are available on our do I need a visa page.
Full country name: Republic of Mozambique Capital city: Maputo Area: 799,380 sq km Population: 23,515,934 Ethnic groups: African 99.66% Languages: Emakhuwa 25.3%, Portuguese Religions: Catholic 28.4%, Protestant 27.7% Government: republic Chief of State: President Armando Emilio GUEBUZA Head of Government: Prime Minister Alberto Clementino VAQUINA GDP: 24 billion GDP per captia: 1,100 Annual growth rate: 7.3% Inflation: 10.4% Agriculture: cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, cassava Major industries: aluminum, petroleum products, chemicals Natural resources: coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum, graphite Location: Southeastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between South Africa and Tanzania Trade Partners - exports: South Africa 28.9%, Belgium 15.1%, Italy 11.8%, Spain 8.5%, China 6.6% Trade Partners - imports: South Africa 35.4%, China 10.2%, India 8.4%, US 6.6%, Australia 6.1%, Portugal 4.4%