Introduction

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 until the mid 1990's. 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 elected successor, Armando Emilio Guebuza, promised to continue the sound economic policies that have encouraged foreign investment. Mozambique has seen very strong economic growth since the end of the civil war largely due to post-conflict reconstruction.

Geographical Location

Mozambique lies along the Indian Ocean and is bordered by Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest. At its widest point, Mozambique measures about 700 miles from east to west; at its narrowest, less that 60 miles. The country's total land area is 308,642 square miles. Two of Africa's major rivers, the Zambezi and the Limpopo, flow through the country, and the huge Cabora Bassa dam is sited on the Zambezi River.

Climate

The Indian monsoon influences the climate of the northern two-thirds of Mozambique. Rains arrive with the monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean in October and linger through March, while a dry season prevails during the rest of the year when the winds blow in the opposite direction. There are 3 climatic zones: a wet one in northern and central Mozambique; a drier one in the southern half of the country; and a relatively cool, rainy zone in the highlands and western plateau. Severe droughts struck Mozambique in 1974, the early 1980's, and 1992. The droughts were relieved by heavy rains which resulted in flash floods. Severe flooding ravaged Mozambique in early 2000, displacing thousands of people and wiping out crops and livestock.

Population

Mozambique had an estimated population of 21,669,278 in 2009, with an average life expectancy of 41.18 years. 1.5 million of the population have HIV/AIDS. The population growth rate is 1.791% with 37.98 births per 1000 and 20.07 deaths per thousand. Ethnic groups include African 99.66% (Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, and others), Europeans 0.06%, Euro- Africans 0.2%, Indians 0.08%.

Languages

Portuguese was retained as the official language after independence because no single African language was sufficiently dominant. Most Mozambicans speak an ethnic language and Portuguese. Only 47.8% of the population age 15 and over can read and write.

Religion

Religions include Catholic 23.8%, Muslim 17.8%, Zionist Christian 17.5%, other 17.8%, none 23.1%.