Complete description of Mozambique. School encyclopedia Supreme executive body

The official name is the Republic of Mozambique (Republica de Mogambique). Located in southeast Africa. The area is 801.6 thousand km2, including 17.5 thousand km2 of the water surface of lakes. Population - 19.6 million people. (2002, estimate). The official language is Portuguese. The capital is Maputo (more than 1 million people, 2002). Public holiday - Independence Day June 25 (since 1975). The monetary unit is metical. Member of 45 international organizations, including the UN (since 1975), the AU (since 2000), SADC (since 1992).

Sights of Mozambique

Geography of Mozambique

It is located between 30°30′ and 4Г24′ East longitude, 10°30′ and 26°18′ South latitude. In the east it is washed by the Indian Ocean, the coast is slightly dissected, but there are several convenient bays. In the north, Mozambique borders Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia, in the west with Zimbabwe, in the south with Swaziland and South Africa. The relief of the territory is quite uniform, it is a flat plateau, inclined from west to east. Only in the northwest rise small mountain spurs. The highest peak is Mount Binga (2436 m). In the east, the plateau merges into a horizontal coastal plain stretching from the border with Tanzania to the border with South Africa, it accounts for 45% of the entire territory. From west to east, the country is cut by 25 fairly full-flowing rivers flowing into the Indian Ocean, the largest of which is the Zambezi. Of the 820 km of its channel in Mozambique, 460 km are navigable. On the border with Malawi is Lake Nyasa, and on the border with Zimbabwe is the Kabora Bassa reservoir. The soils are very diverse: sandy, red-brown laterized and alferritic, alluvial, etc. The flora is diverse. The main plant formations are: north of the Ruvuma River - steppe savannah with islands of trees, between the Ruvuma and Zambezi rivers - forest savannah, south of the Zambezi - park savannah. Along the banks of the rivers grow gallery tropical forests with valuable tree species. The ocean coast is lined with palm trees and mangroves. The animal world is rich; national parks and reserves have been created to protect large mammals. The subsoil is poorly explored, the discovered minerals testify to their wealth. Known deposits of coal (its reserves are estimated at 10 billion tons), iron ore (500 million tons), tantalite, ilmenite, graphite, bauxite, manganese, platinum, gold, nickel, uranium, titanium, zirconium. In 1999, geologists discovered another titanium deposit, perhaps the largest in the world (100 million tons of metal). Two natural gas fields have been discovered (reserves of at least 60 bcm). The climate is tropical in most of the country and subtropical in the far south. There are dry and wet seasons. The temperature on the coast in the dry season is +18.3-20.0°C, and in the wet season +26.7-29.4°C. In the western regions, located above sea level, it is cooler. Mozambique is prone to frequent floods and drought. Annual rainfall: from 750 mm in the south to 1500 mm in the north.

Population of Mozambique

According to the 1980 and 1997 censuses, the population doubled during this period, and the population growth rate was approx. 4% per year. In 2002 they dropped to 1.13% due to the AIDS pandemic. Birth rate 36.41%, mortality 25.13%, infant mortality 138.55 people. per 1000 newborns. Sex and age structure (2002): 0-14 years - 42.5% (4,162,413 men and 4,176,295 women), 15-64 years - 54.7% (5,313,511 and 5,407,052, respectively), 65 years and older - 2.8% (227,761 and 320,487). Average life expectancy 34.46 years (2002). Literacy of the population is 42.3%. 99.66% of the population belongs to the Bantu language family. The ethnic composition is very diverse, especially in the south of the country. The largest ethnic groups: Makvelomwe (40% of the population), Tonga, Shona. In the north of the country, the language of communication along with Portuguese is Swahili. 30% of the population are Christians, 20% are Muslims, the rest adhere to local beliefs.

History of Mozambique

The original population of Mozambique was the Bushmen, who were driven out by the Bantu who came from Sudan. From the 8th c. Arabs settled on the coast and created trading posts for trade with the intertribal formations that existed here. Merchants from Iran, India, China and Indonesia also traveled here. For the 13th-15th centuries. the heyday of the state of Monomotapa, which existed for several centuries on the territory of today's Zimbabwe and Mozambique, falls. In 1498 Mozambique discovered Vasco da Gama. From the beginning 16th century the Portuguese began building forts along the coast and colonizing the hinterland. In the 17th century The Portuguese attempted to conquer Monomotapa, but were defeated. A few decades after that, Monomotapa disbanded. In 1752, the Portuguese possessions were united into the colony of Mozambique, whose main source of income was the slave trade. The boundaries of Portuguese Mozambique were established at the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, but the subjugation of the hinterland continued until early. 20th century The first anti-colonial organizations emerged in the 1920s to improve the position of Africans under the colonial regime. After World War II, new forms of resistance arose. In 1949, 1951 and 1963 there were dockers' strikes. In 1960-61, political parties arose that demanded that the country be granted independence. In 1962 they united in the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELI-MO), headed by E. Mondlane. In 1964, FRELIMO announced the beginning of an armed struggle, which took on the character of a protracted guerrilla war. During the struggle for independence, E. Mondlane died. The new government in Lisbon, which came to power after the revolution in Portugal in 1974, decided to decolonize its overseas possessions, and in 1975 Mozambique gained independence, and FRELIMO leader Samora Machel became its first president. In 1977, FRELIMO proclaimed itself "the vanguard Marxist-Leninist party" and declared its goal to build a socialist society. The government nationalized industrial enterprises, plantations, banks. Tens of thousands of Portuguese were forced to leave the country. The emigration of qualified personnel led to the closure of many enterprises, the desolation of plantations, and food shortages. Opponents of FRELIMO, who created the National Resistance Movement of Mozambique (RENAMO), took advantage of the discontent of the population. With the support of racist South Africa, it launched an armed struggle against the government. The South African army repeatedly invaded Mozambique, supporting the RENAMO units. In 1981, the armed forces of Zimbabwe, acting on the side of FRELIMO, entered Mozambique. The internal conflict has grown into an international one. In 1986, President S. Machel died in a plane crash. Joaquim Chissano became his successor. Under him, since 1989, the internal political course of the government began to change: the liberalization of the economy began, a draft new Constitution was developed, which provided for a multi-party structure and elections of state authorities. In 1992, negotiations began between the government and RENAMO on ending the civil war, holding presidential and parliamentary elections. In April 1994, through the mediation of the UN, a compromise was reached. General elections were held in October 1994. Chissano was elected president. In parliament, FRELIMO won 129 out of 250 seats, and RENAMO - 112 seats, 9 seats went to small parties. A difficult problem in 1995-96 was the demobilization of most of the state and rebel military formations and the creation of a unified army. The new army had to fight to eliminate the armed detachments of robbers who refused to surrender their weapons. In December 1999, the second presidential and parliamentary elections were held. Chissano was re-elected president, FRELIMO received a parliamentary majority, but the opposition turned out to be represented not by several parties, but only by RENAMO. In the beginning. 2000 Mozambique was hit by catastrophic flooding. 640 people died, entire villages were washed away, crops were destroyed on 10% of cultivated land, tens of kilometers of railways and highways were demolished. In 2000, relations between the government and RENAMO deteriorated, RENAMO leader A. Dhlakama even threatened to start a guerrilla war again. In 2001, an agreement was reached between him and Chissano on constant consultations for the sake of preserving democracy in Mozambique. In con. 2001 Chissano made a statement saying that he did not intend to run for president in the 2004 elections.

State structure and political system of Mozambique

Mozambique is a parliamentary republic with strong presidential power. The Constitution of 1990 (as amended in 1996) is in force. Administratively, Mozambique is divided into the capital and 10 provinces (Maputo, Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inambane, Manica, Maputo, Nampula, Nyasa, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia). Major cities: Maputo, Beira, Nampula. The head of state and government is the president. The highest body of legislative power is the Parliament (Assembly of the Republic). The highest body of executive power is the government formed by the President (Cabinet of Ministers) headed by the Prime Minister. The President is elected by the people for a term of 5 years. In the 1999 elections, Chissano received 52.3% of the vote, and A. Dhlakama - 47.7%. The National Assembly consists of 250 deputies and is elected in general elections for 5 years. In the 1999 elections, FRELIMO received 48.54% of the vote (133 seats), RENAMO - 38.81% (117 seats). More than 12% of the votes were received by parties that did not overcome the 5% barrier. The system of local governments - provincial, city and district municipalities elected by the population - is just being created. In most cases, these are appointed bodies. An outstanding political figure was Eduardo Mondlane (1920-69) - the founder of FRELIMO, who died at the hands of the Portuguese secret service. More than 30 parties have been registered, but in fact a two-party system has already been formed: FRELIMO and RENAMO. Leading business organizations: Mozambique Chamber of Commerce. Public organizations: Confederation of Free and Independent Trade Unions of Mozambique; Mozambique Workers' Organization - Central Trade Union; Christian Council of Mozambique. Domestic policy is aimed at stabilizing the political and social situation, at solving problems through dialogue with the opposition, trade unions, entrepreneurs, and at providing employment for servicemen of both sides who took part in the civil war. Foreign policy is characterized by the desire to maintain good relations with all countries of the world, but special attention is paid to the states on which economic assistance for economic recovery is most dependent - the United States, South Africa and the EU countries. The armed forces consist of the army, air force, navy and police paramilitaries. The number of the army is 11 thousand, incl. Air Force - 1 thousand, Navy - 0.6 thousand (2001). Army spending $35.1 million (1% of GDP) (2000). Mozambique has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1975).

Economy of Mozambique

After the country gained independence, the economy fell into complete decline and to the middle. 1990s was in a state of stagnation. Now there is a process of economic recovery, but it has not yet reached the level of 1974, although the growth rate is very high (in 1993-2001, an average of 7.2% per year). Due to a catastrophic flood in 2000, they fell to 2.1%, but in 2001 GDP increased by 13.9% and amounted to $ 4 billion, i.e. $230 per capita. Economically active population (1997) 7.4 million people, unemployment 21%. Inflation 10% (2001). Distribution of GDP by sectors of the economy (2000,%): agriculture - 33, industry - 25, services - 42. Employment by sectors (1997,%): agriculture - 81, industry - 6, services - 13. Restoration of manufacturing industries has begun industries that were based on the processing of agricultural raw materials - sugar and flour mills, the production of vegetable oil. In addition to food industry enterprises, a cement plant, a fertilizer plant, a textile factory, and ceramic workshops have been restored. However, by 2001, production in these traditional Mozambican industries had not reached pre-war levels, with the exception of the sugar industry, where it was surpassed. Of the new branches of the food industry, it should be noted the commissioning of two breweries, factories for cleaning cashew nuts. There are also small enterprises producing glass, paper, car tires, and railway cars. In 2000, the Fiat car assembly plant began operating; it will produce 300 cars a year, i.e. 10% of cars bought in the country. The first steps have been taken in the creation of the metallurgical industry. In 2001, the first stage of an aluminum plant worth $1.3 billion was put into operation. Investors are South African corporations (74%) and Japanese Mitsubishi (26%). Designed for the production of 500 thousand tons of metal per year, it will become one of the largest in the world. The plant operates on South African raw materials, and in the future it will switch to Mozambican bauxite. In 1998, an agreement was signed on the construction also near Maputo of a ferrous metallurgy plant worth $2.5 billion and with a capacity of 4 million tons of steel per year. This project has agreed to finance a foreign consortium. It would give an impetus to the start of exploitation of the gas field in Panda, because it is envisaged that the plant will operate on gas. Construction was supposed to start in 2000, but there were technical difficulties in finalizing the project. In 2000, it was revised to reduce cost and capacity: productivity - 2 million tons, and investment - 1.1 billion dollars. USA. In 1999 the South African company J.K.I. and Mitsubishi signed an agreement with the government to build a direct reduction plant in Beira. Its cost is 800 million US dollars. The project includes the construction of a sea pier. The plant will also operate on gas from the Teman field, which is licensed by the South African corporation SASOL. In 1994-2000, the annual growth of the manufacturing industry averaged 8.5%. In the beginning. 21st century faster pace is expected due to the restoration of transport infrastructure and the commissioning of metallurgical plants. The share of the mining industry in GDP in 2001 did not exceed 0.3%. The civil war led to the closure of the few operating mines and mines. The mine in Moatice, which produced 600 thousand tons of coal per year, was flooded, and in 2000 production amounted to 16 thousand tons. A project was developed to restore the mine and related infrastructure. It provides for an increase in production to 3 million tons, which requires a loan of 600 million US dollars. The loan will be repaid at the expense of coal exports. In 2000, a corresponding agreement was concluded between the government and a foreign consortium, but the project cannot be implemented without the restoration of the railway connecting Moatice with Beira, and the expansion of the capacity of the coal loading terminal in the port of Beira from 0.4 million to 1.2 million tons, for which another $500 million is required. In 2001, the EU agreed to contribute US$72 million to rehabilitate the infrastructure, but creditors for the missing amount have yet to be found. The government has set up a Mozambique-Irish joint venture to mine 5,000 tons per year of very pure graphite (98% carbon) and is negotiating another joint venture to mine titanium in Nampula province (project value $150 million). Mining of a small amount of tantalite has begun. Many foreign firms have expressed interest in a very large titanium mine discovered in the Gaza province, and, according to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, its operation could begin in mid. 2000s The English corporation Lonro started gold mining (50 kg in 1999) and plans to increase it to 240 kg. An Israeli company mines emeralds and garnets. In 2002, an Italian company began the restoration of a marble quarry in Montepuese. Before independence, agriculture provided the country's food needs and 80% of exports. During the civil war, 80% of the peasants fled from the Zambezi Valley - the breadbasket of the country. Before 1995 food was imported; the share of agricultural products in exports does not exceed 25%. Only 5% of the territory is used for agriculture. Main food crops (thousand tons, 2000): cassava (5362) and corn (1019). Rice (151), sorghum (252), bananas (59), cotton (23), cashew nuts (58), sugar cane (397), coca nuts (300), copra, sisal, fruits and vegetables are also grown. Animal husbandry plays a secondary role in the economy of the Mozambicans. Its development is hindered by the tsetse fly, which is common in 2/3 of the country. The main area of ​​animal husbandry is the province of Gaza, where there are more than 500 thousand head of cattle (the country has a total of 1.3 million heads, 2000). Since 1994, there has been an increase in agricultural production, on average by 4.8% per year, and in 1998 the increase was 8%. In 1998, a five-year program for the restoration of agriculture (Proagri) was developed, for which Western investors allocated $ 200 million, and Mozambique has already received half of this amount. With the help of foreign specialists, a program is being implemented to revive cotton plantations in the north of the country. Under their leadership, farmers grow cotton on rented plots and hand over the harvest to the state company. Sugarcane is one of the few cash crops that has exceeded pre-war levels. Another new and rapidly developing branch of agriculture was the cultivation of cashew nuts. A program to expand their plantings is funded by France, and a $20 million loan has been taken to build nut peeling plants. In 2000, cashew plantations were badly damaged during a flood. Nevertheless, the government intends to bring the cashew harvest to 100,000 tons by the end of the decade. Timber harvesting is carried out mainly along the railway from Beira to Zimbabwe and in the province of Zambezia. The timber is exported to South Africa. The volume of production of the forest industry remained in the 1990s. at the same level (18-20 million m3), but South African investments in the amount of 86.5 million US dollars should lead to an increase in timber production in the beginning. 2000s Fishing began to develop only in the 1990s. The main object of fishing is not fish, but shrimp. In 2000 they accounted for 40% of exports. Spain and Japan provided loans for the construction of a fishing complex in Cabo Delgado and for the modernization of the fishing port in Maputo. In 2000, approx. 40 thousand tons of seafood. The backbone of the country's energy system is the 2,075 MW Cabora Bassa hydroelectric power station, which provides energy not only to Mozambique, but also to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Now 1,400 km of high-voltage lines destroyed during the civil war have been restored. Projects for the construction of power transmission lines in Zimbabwe (350 km), Malawi and Swaziland have been developed and started to be implemented. Less powerful hydroelectric power stations were built in Chicamba Real and in Mausi on the river. Roar, in Koruman, on the tributaries of the Limpopo. Together with South Africa and Swaziland, Mozambique is participating in the construction of three hydroelectric power stations on the river. Kumati, electricity and irrigation water will be used to develop the border regions of the three countries. A plan has been developed for the construction by 2007 of another hydroelectric power station on the river. Zambezi, equal or even superior in power (2000-2500 MW) to the hydroelectric power station in Cabora Bassa. The estimated cost of the HPP itself is $1.5 billion, and another $0.5 billion will be required for the construction of transmission lines in South Africa. Electricity production in 2000 7017 billion kWh. Railways were built not for the needs of Mozambique, but for the transportation of goods between its ports and the cities of South Africa, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Malawi. All 7 railways cross the country from west to east and are not interconnected. The length of railways is 3131 km. Many sections of roads after the war have not yet been restored. The volume of transportation is 142 million passenger-km and 774 million tkm of cargo (2001). The length of roads is 30.4 thousand km, of which 5.7 thousand km are paved (1998). Roads also run from west to east and have not been restored everywhere. The government considers the construction of a highway linking the north and south of the country to be the most important transport problem, which is necessary for creating a single internal market and developing the economically backward northern provinces. Two oil pipelines have been laid from Beira to Zimbabwe, one for pumping crude oil (306 km) and the other for petroleum products (289 km). Through the main ports - Maputo, Beira, Nacala and Quelimane - in 2000 passed approx. 10 million tons of cargo (estimate). Ports are being upgraded. A plan has been drawn up to build a new deep water port at Ponta Dobela, 70 km south of Maputo. The cost of the project is 515 million US dollars, the annual throughput of the port is 30 million tons of cargo. 60% of the shares will be owned by a foreign consortium and 40% by the government of Mozambique. In 2000, the government transferred the management of the ports of Nacala and Maputo to foreign companies. In 2003, the privatization of the port of Beira was planned. The merchant fleet of Mozambique - 131 ships with a total displacement of 38 thousand tons (2001). Cargo turnover of ports is 7.3 million tons (2001). There are 22 airports, of which three are international. In 2000, 180 thousand passengers and 35 million tkm of cargo were transported (estimate). In 2001 there were 89.4 thousand fixed phones and 170 thousand mobile phones. There were 41 radio stations and 1 TV station. Number of TV sets - 67,600 (2000). 15 thousand people used the Internet. (2001). As a result of privatization, all retail trade and almost all wholesale trade were transferred to the private sector. Tourism began to revive after 1992 and is developing rapidly. More than 600 thousand tourists visit the country annually, mainly from South Africa. The importance attached to the development of tourism is evidenced by the creation in 1999 of the Ministry of Tourism. With funds provided by the EU, it developed the Mozambique Tourism Master Plan, which includes 138 tourism projects worth US$900 million. The government's economic policy is aimed at restoring war-ravaged infrastructure, commercial agriculture, and creating new industries. To do this, it is carrying out structural reforms of the economy, which have already borne fruit. These are high GDP growth rates, a decrease in inflation from a three-digit figure to 4.8% in 1999 (due to floods in 2000, it rose to 12%), a gradual improvement in the trade balance, a firm metical exchange rate, etc. The government effectively agreed to IMF control over economic policy. The IMF's stringent demands included cuts in government spending, increased taxes, privatization of unprofitable enterprises, curbing the growth of wages tied to increasing labor productivity, and limiting government lending to the manufacturing sector. When, for example, it turned out that business lending exceeded the limit set by the IMF, it delayed the transfer of foreign exchange tranches to Mozambique until the situation was corrected. Financial recovery and economic recovery would not have been possible without external assistance, and the assistance received by Mozambique in the 1990s is one of the most significant in sub-Saharan Africa. The four main donors - the World Bank, the USA, Great Britain and Germany provided from 1994-2001 in the form of loans and grants from 700 million to 1.5 billion US dollars a year, while Mozambique's debts are regularly written off. In June 1999, the IMF wrote off 3.7 billion US dollars (2/3 of Mozambique's external debt), and in April 2000 another 600 million. $.65 billion (60% of debt). Social policies aimed at supporting the workers are manifested in the cities (wage indexation, free medical care) and to a lesser extent in rural areas, where subsistence farmers do not receive any assistance from the state, although it should be noted the creation of jobs in the revived plantations. The financial system is monitored by the state-owned Bank of Mozambique. It issues money, issues licenses to private banks, and determines the overall financial policy (metical exchange rate, discount rate). Commercial operations are carried out by 12 banks (8 state and 4 foreign). The budget is chronically deficient and largely covered by external borrowing. In 2001, revenues - 393.1 million US dollars, expenses - 1025 million, including the capital investment budget (479.4 million). Taxes and duties provide more than 90% of income. In 2001, external debt was estimated at $1 billion. Foreign exchange reserves amounted to USD 715.6 million. The standard of living of the population is very low. 70% of the population (2001) lives below the poverty line, and hundreds of thousands flee to neighboring South Africa, where they become illegal immigrants. The increase in the cost of living index in Maputo before the 2000 flood was very moderate (in 1997-99 it increased by 3%), but in the next two years it probably increased by at least 10% per year. Deposits in banks increased in 1997-99 by 20% per year, but in 2000-01 they remained (adjusted for inflation) at the same level at best. In foreign trade, Mozambique has a significant deficit. In 2001, exports amounted to 746 million US dollars, and imports - 1254 million. The main import items are machinery and equipment, manufactured goods, foodstuffs, and textiles. The main export items are shrimp, cashew nuts, sugar cane, electricity. The main trading partners are the EU, South Africa, India, Zimbabwe. The balance of payments is chronically deficient ($418.7 million in 2001), despite significant transfers and capital investments from abroad.

Science and culture of Mozambique

Primary schools are attended by 97% of children. Center for scientific life - University. E. Mondlane in Maputo, where more than 7 thousand students study. Other scientific centers: Institute of Scientific Research, which has an astronomical and meteorological observatory, the Institute of Cotton, the Institute of Health, the Service of Geology and Mining, the Center for Information and Documentation. There are good libraries in Maputo, Nampula and other cities. In Maputo there are museums of ethnography and natural history, geological, historical, revolution, national art, in Beira - ethnography, in Nampula - an art gallery. Folk art is very multifaceted and diverse - music, dances, folklore, crafts. The woodcarving of the Makonde people is especially valued.

The Republic of Mozambique is a state in Southeast Africa, a former Portuguese colony, an independent state since 1975. Mozambique is washed by the Indian Ocean in the east, borders Tanzania in the north, Malawi and Zambia in the northwest, Zimbabwe in the west, and Swaziland and South Africa in the south. A member state of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Commonwealth of Portuguese-speaking countries and the ACP countries.

Information

• date of independence: 25 June 1975 (from Portugal)
• Official language: Portuguese
• Capital: Maputo
• Largest cities: Maputo, Matola, Nampula, Beira
• Form of government: presidential republic
• Territory: 801,590 km²
• Population: 25 727 911 people
• Currency: metical
• Internet domain: .mz
• ISO code: MZ
• IOC code:MOZ
• Telephone code: +258
• Time Zones: +2

Brief history of Mozambique

Before the Portuguese arrived in East Africa in 1498, the city-states of the Zenj occupied the coast. However, in the 16th century, the coast of modern Mozambique almost completely fell under the rule of Portugal. By the 17th century, the slave trade had led to the complete decline of the Mutapa empire, the most powerful among the Bantu states. The colonization of the country was very sluggish, almost no money was allocated. In the 20th century, the colonization policy remained practically unchanged and the industry in Mozambique did not develop. On June 25, 1975, after the fall of the regime of Antonio Salazar in Portugal, Mozambique gained independence. For 15 years after that, a civil war was going on in the country, further weakening the already not very developed economy of the country. Mozambique is a member of the UN, the IMF, the World Bank. Organization of African Unity.

Geography

A continental state, the eastern part of which is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean: the territory is stretched from north to south for 1850 km, and the northern part is divided into two large regions by the Malawi enclave deeply penetrating into the country. It borders Tanzania to the north, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi to the west, Swaziland to the southwest and South Africa to the south. The length of the coastline is 2470 km.

Relief

The territory is occupied by the coastal lowland. Low mountains (10% of the territory) are located in the northwest. The highest point is Mt. Binga (2437 m). Deposits of lithium, niobium, tantalum, thorium, uranium and zirconium are of world importance. Minerals - iron, granite, copper, marble, natural gas, bauxite, graphite, gold, tin, silver, coal, as well as precious and semi-precious stones - aquamarines, beryls, garnets, emeralds, topazes.

Language

In addition to Portuguese, English is also used (especially in the capital). The most commonly spoken local languages ​​are Imakua (Makua), Chinyangja (Malawi), Chishona (Shona), and Shangaan (Tsonga).

Currency

Currency - Metical. 1 US dollar = 22450 meticals

Religion

50% of the indigenous population adhere to traditional beliefs and cults (animalism, fetishism, the cult of ancestors and the forces of nature, etc.), 30% (5 million people) profess Christianity, 20% (4 million people) are Sunni Muslims and Shiites. A small (several thousand people) Hindu community consists of people from the Hindustan Peninsula, who live mainly in Maputo and port cities. There are also several Afro-Christian churches. Christianity began to spread in con. 15th c. Catholics predominate among Christians. The Muslim community includes the Comorians, Pakistanis living in the country, as well as part of the Indians and Mauritians.

ethnic groups

Mozambique is a multi-ethnic state (50 ethnic groups). The current composition of the population is the result of numerous migrations of African peoples, colonial activity (mainly Portuguese) and trading activities of Arabs and Indians. 99.66% of the population are peoples belonging to the Bantu language family. The largest in number are those living on
in the northeast of the Makua (Lomwe, Lolo, Makua, Mato, Mihawani, Nguru, etc.) and Tsonga (bila, Jonga, Ronga, Tswa, Shangaan, Shengwe, Shona, etc. . 40 and 23% of the population. Other ethnic groups include Makonde, Malawi (Nyanja, Pozo, Tumbuka, Chwambo, Chewa, Chipeta, etc. - approx. 11%), Swahili, Tonga, Chopi, Yao, and others. The southern provinces are particularly diverse in the ethnic composition of the population. The administrative apparatus is traditionally formed mainly from southerners (which causes discontent among the inhabitants of the northern provinces), since most of the literate and educated population is concentrated in the south. After the declaration of independence, the majority of the European population left the country. Europeans (about 20 thousand people - 0.06%) and people from Asian countries (Indians, Pakistanis - 0.08%) live mainly in cities. Creoles (descendants of mixed marriages of Portuguese and other European settlers with Africans) make up 0.2%.
The rural population of the country is approx. 80% (2003). Large cities - Maputo, Beira (488 thousand people), Matola (440.9 thousand people), Nampula (305 thousand people) and Xai-Xai (263 thousand people) - 1997. At the end of 19 and throughout much of the 20th century. the country was an active supplier of labor resources to the countries of South Africa (one third of the male population of the southern provinces was annually sent to work in South Africa). 180 thousand Mozambican refugees (out of 320 thousand people forced to flee from the civil war and famine) became permanent residents of South Africa, 30 thousand people. repatriated to their homeland.

Climate

The climate of the northern regions is subequatorial, monsoon, and the central and southern regions are tropical trade winds. Two seasons: wet (summer - November-March) and dry (winter - June-October). Average annual air temperatures are +22°–27° С, in mountainous areas - +18°. Precipitation falls in the form of tropical downpours and floods occur. 2/3 of the territory receives less than 1000 mm of precipitation per year, and is subject to regular droughts (3 out of 10 years are dry). The mountains receive more than 1000 mm of precipitation per year.

Inland waters

The country is covered with a dense network of rivers flowing into the Indian Ocean: Zambezi, Inkomati, Ligonya, Limpopo, Lurio, Ruvuma, Savi, etc. The largest of them is the Zambezi River. 460 km of its channel in Mozambique (out of 850 km) are navigable. In winter, most rivers become shallow. In addition to the natural freshwater Lake Nyasa, there are no large lakes. During the rainy season, seasonal lakes - pans - are formed. 2% of the territory is occupied by swamps.

Animal world

The fauna is extremely rich, especially the world of birds - doves, marabou, parrots, owls, ostriches, weavers, toucans, hoopoes, herons and hawks. Large mammals (buffaloes, giraffes, wild boars, rhinos and elephants) live mainly in national parks. Antelopes, hippos, viverras, wolves, hyenas, wild goats, zebras, crocodiles, lemurs, leopards, lions, monkeys and jackals are common. Lots of reptiles (cobras, pythons, horned snakes, turtles and lizards) and insects. Coastal waters are rich in fish (swordfish, sawfish, sardines, tuna), shrimps and lobsters.

Vegetable world

2/3 of the territory is covered with light tropical miombo forests and savannahs. Miombos are common in the north and consist of 80% brachystegia trees (deciduous from the legume family), there are also berlinia, combretum, lianas and yulbernardia (acacia). In the river valleys, iron, red, rose and ebony trees, palm trees (Guinea, fan, raffia, date) and silk acacia grow, and in the mountains - brown mahogany and mahogany, Mlangia cedar and podocarpus (yellow tree). Mangrove forests are located in the estuaries and on the coast. Tall-grass savannas with low-growing trees (acacia, baobab, bauhinya, kaffra, sausage tree (kigelia), sclerocaria, terminalia) predominate in the center and south. Acacias and mopanes, broad-leaved trees from the legume family, grow in arid areas.

Holidays

• January 1 - New Year
• February 3 - Heroes Day
• April 7 - Women's Day
• May 1 - Worker's Day
• June 25 - Independence Day
• September 25 - Armed Forces Day
• September 7 - Lusaka Agreement Day
• October 19 - Samora Machel Day
• December 10 - Maputo City Day
• December 25 - Family Day

Mozambique is one of the most ancient states in the world. People have been living here for more than 2 million years, the first fossil remains of Homo sapiens were first discovered in this area. Various peoples, many of whom have now disappeared from the face of the Earth, swept through this earth in waves of migration for at least 100,000 years. Around 2,000 years ago, the Bantu peoples began migrating to the area, bringing iron tools and weapons, and formed the basis of the country's modern population. The flourishing trade in gold and ivory raised the civilization of Mozambique to one of the highest levels in Africa, and to this day the bowels of the country are fraught with many mysteries and mysteries of past eras. Tourists are attracted to the country mainly by beautiful sandy beaches. The beautiful shores of Tofu, Moma, Langoshe, Lourio and Cape Barra were legendary places until recently and are rapidly regaining their former fame. The Tofu area is more accessible and more developed, with a hotel and a well-organized recreational structure relatively lightly affected. Barra is somewhat more inaccessible, but quieter, and with somewhat better conditions: clear dunes with constant surf on one side and mangrove forests and palm groves on the other side of the cape, where flocks of almost tame parrots and monkeys are quite common. Maputo, the capital of the country, grew on the site of a Portuguese fort founded in 1781, from which ramparts, old guns and a grassy courtyard have been preserved. There are almost no ancient buildings in the city. Maputo was previously known as a very beautiful city and was rated by travelers on a par with Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro, but after almost 20 years of war and deprivation, the capital is very dilapidated, with crumbling buildings and dirty streets. However, it is still a very interesting place, with quite a lively atmosphere and friendly people, slowly but surely regaining its former charm. Among the sights of the city are the Museum of Natural History and the railway station, designed and built at the beginning of the 20th century. the same Eiffel who created the famous tower in Paris. The recently refurbished station looks more like a palace, topped by a giant copper dome with polished wood and marble decorations. Also of interest are the Botanical Gardens, the National Art Museum, which has a fine collection of the best contemporary artists of Mozambique and the lively Municipal Market, which sells a variety of fruits, vegetables, spices and traditional wickerwork of local artisans. Beira 880 km. north of Maputo - the second largest city in Mozambique, is the main port and terminus of the trans-African railway. Its compact central area and old Mediterranean-style buildings give the city a special charm. The heart of the city is the Prasa (main square), which is surrounded by shops, markets and offices. The cathedral, which lies to the southeast of the center, looks somewhat unkempt, but has definitely retained the former grandeur of its inner stop. The bustling market at Chunga Moyo ("brave heart") is full of imported goods and contraband. "Beautiful sands" (and quite rightly) is called the coast near Praia de Macouti. The entire coast of this area is rich in various cases of finds of shipwrecks of past centuries, especially many of them are thrown ashore by the surf near the "red" and "white" lighthouses at the northern end of the beach. Pemba - a coastal town at the throat of a large bay in the north of the country - can be proud of its interesting buildings, especially in Byxa - the old town, and the lively atmosphere of its streets. Most visitors come here for the luxurious beaches, especially Wimby (or Wimbe) Beach and coral reefs, located so close to the coast that they can be easily reached by swimming. Wimby is 5 km away. east of the city. A rapidly recovering tourism industry is already transforming the place into a fashionable resort with bars, restaurants, water entertainment centers and well-equipped areas for diving, snorkeling, rowing, fishing, surfing and more. On the road between the city and the beach, there is a Makonde craft workshop that makes beautiful wooden figurines for sale at very low prices. Of interest is the Cathedral of 1563 in the town of Tete, 150 km. to the southeast down the Zambezi River, however, to visit it, you must have permission from the authorities, which is due to the turbulent situation in the area. 500 km. northwest of the coast, the Zambezi River is dammed by the huge Cahora Basso Dam, built in the 1970s, one of the largest civil engineering projects in Africa. Lying in stunning scenery at the mouth of a magnificent gorge, the dam has created the grand lake of Lago de Cahora Bassa 270 km. long, stretching upstream to the confluence of the Zambezi and Luangwa rivers on the border with Zambia. Ile de Mozambique (commonly called simply "Ile") is a small piece of land located 3 km. from the mainland and connected to it by a bridge, was formerly the capital of the East African colony of Portugal. Il is famous now because of the many mosques and churches and its Hindu temple. Most of the historical sites are located on the northern half of the island, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Attraction number one - the Palace and the Chapel of Sao Paulo - the residence and place of residence of the former governor of the country, dating from the XVIII century. This building is a large square paved with great taste with stones mined here, on the western tip of the island. Today it is a museum that contains rare furniture and jewelry from Portugal, Arabia, India and China, in remarkably good shape for such a turbulent history. Nearby is the Museum of Sacred Art containing religious decorations, paintings and sculpture. At the northern end of the island are the medieval fort of San Sebastian, also in remarkably good condition, and the Chapel of Nossa Señora de Baluarte, the oldest building in the southern hemisphere. Mozambique has a rich artistic tradition that may seem incredible as it continues to thrive after decades of colonialism and civil war. Today, Mozambique has one of the most distinctive and interesting forms of folk art in Africa. Makonde sculpture is recognized as one of the most complex and sophisticated art forms in Africa. The traditions of fresco painting are also strong, the first samples of which were found during excavations of settlements more than 2 thousand years old. The largest and most famous of the modern frescoes is located near the capital's airport, has a length of 95 m, and reflects the events of the Revolution period. Traditional music is very popular both in Mozambique and beyond, many researchers, not without reason, consider it one of the origins of "reggae" and new age. The "wind instruments" ("lupembe") of the Makonde people in the north of the country are unique. In the south, musicians traditionally use the "marimba", a type of xylophone that has spread from these places throughout southern Africa. Mozambican marimba orchestras are widely known all over the world, gathering full houses in the best concert halls of the planet. The "marrabenta" they play is the most typical Mozambican music, with a light style and traditional rural rhythms. One of the most beautiful places on the continent is the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park, 10 km away. from the coast, with blue waters, sandy shores, thickets of palm trees, ancient coral reefs, plus a myriad of tropical fish that inhabit these waters. Scuba diving and excellent fishing are also possible here. The whole area between the mainland and the 150 islands is now protected as a world class nature reserve. If you're staying in one of the dozens of luxury cabins on the islands, it's possible to rent a speedboat for a mini-cruise around the archipelago. Also quite interesting are the national parks of the country - Gorongosa, Banyin, Zinave, etc., which are rapidly recovering and have a full range of natural attractions and unique wildlife.

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Republic of Mozambique- a state in southeast Africa, a former Portuguese colony. Mozambique is washed by the Indian Ocean in the east, borders Tanzania in the north, Malawi and Zambia in the northeast, Zimbabwe in the west, and Swaziland and South Africa in the south. A member state of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Commonwealth of Portuguese-speaking countries.

45% of the territory is occupied by the coastal lowland. Low mountains (10% of the territory) are located in the northwest. The highest point is Mt. Binga (2437 m).

Airports in Mozambique

Vilanculos Airport

Maputo International Airport

Nampula Airport

Hotels Mozambique 1 - 5 stars

Weather in Mozambique

The climate of the northern regions is subequatorial, monsoon, and the central and southern regions are tropical trade winds. Two seasons: wet (summer - November-March) and dry (winter - June-October). Average annual air temperatures are +22°–27° С, in mountainous areas - +18°. Precipitation falls in the form of tropical downpours and floods occur. 2/3 of the territory receives less than 1000 mm of precipitation per year, and is subject to regular droughts (3 out of 10 years are dry). The mountains receive more than 1000 mm of precipitation per year.

Mozambican language

Official language: Portuguese

In addition to Portuguese, English is also used (especially in the capital). The most widely spoken local languages ​​are Imakua, Chinyanja, Chishona and Shangaan.

Currency of Mozambique

International name: MZM

One metical equals 100 centavos. In circulation there are denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 meticals, coins of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavos, 1, 2, 5 and 10 meticals.

US dollars and South African rands are readily accepted at any point of sale. In the south, it is possible to pay for a large number of things and services with rands.

The best place for currency exchange is private exchange offices in Maputo, which offer better conditions than banks. Exchanging money on the street is not safe due to the high crime rate, mostly fraud.

The use of credit cards and traveler's checks is almost impossible throughout the country.

Customs restrictions in Mozambique

The import of foreign currency is not limited (the declaration is required for amounts over 5 thousand US dollars). Import and export of the national currency is prohibited.

Duty-free import is allowed: cigarettes - up to 400 pcs., or cigars - 50 pcs., or tobacco - 250 gr., wine - up to 5 liters, spirits - up to 1 liter, perfumes and medicines - within the limits of personal needs, new products with a value not exceeding $100.

It is forbidden to import drugs, weapons and ammunition for them, pyrotechnics, gold, platinum and silver in bars, plates or coins without the permission of the country's bank, artisanal liquor, as well as photographs, graphics, printed materials and video materials "obscene content or directed against the Republic of Mozambique or the dignity of the Mozambican people". The export of ivory and ivory products, food products is prohibited if the conditions for their storage are not provided along the route.

Importation of animals

When importing pets, you must present a veterinary certificate with a mark of vaccination against rabies (except for kittens and puppies under the age of 6 months) and permission from the country's veterinary service.

Mains voltage: 220V

Tips

Tipping is not accepted.

Code of the country: +258

First level geographic domain name:.mz

Mozambique (officially Republic of Mozambique) is a country in Southeast Africa that borders the Indian Ocean in the East, Tanzania in the north, Malawi and Zambia in the northwest, Zimbabwe in the west, and Swaziland and South Africa in the southwest . The Republic is separated from the island of Madagascar by the Mozambique Channel from the east. The capital and largest city is Maputo (known as "Lourenço Marches" before independence).

Between the 1st and 5th centuries AD, peoples of the Bantu language family came to these lands from the north and west. Along the coast of the Indian Ocean, in the territory of modern Mozambique, ports were built by the Swahili people, and later by the Arabs, even before the arrival of the first Europeans. This land was explored by the traveler Vasco da Gama in 1498 and later colonized by Portugal in 1505. At first, Mozambique was part of the Portuguese colony of Somalia, but later separated into a separate one. For more than 4 centuries, Mozambique was a dependent territory, until 1975, when it became the People's Republic of Mozambique. The country existed relatively peacefully for about two years, and then was plunged into a protracted and bloody civil war that lasted from 1977 to 1992. In 1994, Mozambique held its first multi-party elections and since then has been a relatively stable republic. However, since 2013, rebels have again become active in the country.

The official language of Mozambique is Portuguese, but most of the population speaks it as a second language, and not as a mother tongue. One way or another, about half of the population are native speakers of the Portuguese language. The native languages ​​of the Mozamica peoples are Makua, Sena and Swahili. The population of the country is about 24 million, it consists mainly of representatives of the Bantu people. The most significant religion in Mozambique is Christianity, which is well ahead of Islam and African traditional religions. Mozambique is a member of the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, the Latin Union, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Southern African Development Community and is an observer in the Francophone Community.

Name

Mozambique got its name from an Arab hermit who lived on a nearby island. His name was Mossa Al Bique (Mossa the Big) and he lived as a hermit on an island near the continent (the island is now known as Mozambique Island). At first, the island was the capital of the colony, but in 1898 the capital was moved to the city of Lourenço Marches (now the city is called Maputo)

History of Mozambique

Bantu migration

As already mentioned above, the Bantu people arrived here between the 1st and 5th centuries. They came here through the valley of the Zambezi River and created agricultural communities in the coastal regions, mainly grazing livestock. They also brought with them the technology for smelting and forging iron.

Slave Coast

Since the end of the first millennium, this region has been actively expanding due to trade relations. Commercial settlements spring up along Mozambique, such as Sofala, Angoshe and others. They become important centers for the Arab, Persian and later Portuguese slave trade. Also, gold, ivory and some other goods are exported through these ports. Also, the population of Mozambique begins active trade with the kingdom of Great Zimbabwe, which is flourishing.

Portuguese Mozambique

After the colonization, the Portuguese establish about 1500 trading posts and forts, because of which the dominion of the Arabs in this region comes to an end. These ports become a transit point when Europeans travel to the East.

Vasco da Gama's voyage around the Cape of Good Hope in 1498 predetermined the colonization of the region by the Portuguese, who came to dominate local trade and politics. The Portuguese gained control of the island of Mozambique and the port city of Sofala in the early 16th century. In the 1530s, the region is inhabited by small groups of Portuguese traders and prospectors looking for gold in these regions. Gradually, they penetrate into the interior regions of the continent and establish garrisons and trading posts there, mainly around the Zambezi River. During this period, the main goal of the Portuguese was to gain exclusive control over the gold trade in southern Africa.

The Portuguese tried to legitimize and strengthen their trade and settlement position through the creation of land grants (which were called prazos).

It so happened historically that in Mozambique, that Mozambique became the center of the slave trade. The leaders of Central Africa supplied prisoners of war here, and often their fellow tribesmen. At some stage, the tribes began to fight among themselves only in order to seize the "goods" and sell them to Mozambique. Arabs, Europeans, as well as merchants from India brought people here for sale.

The Portuguese gradually expanded their influence in the region, but in fact power was concentrated in the hands of individual settlers and officials who received broad rights. The Portuguese could have completely taken over the region if they had taken away the Muslim fort of Jesus on the island of Mombasa. However, the Portuguese government relied on the development of trade with India and the colonization of Brazil. Gradually, the Arabs pushed the Portuguese to the south, taking away part of the northern possessions in the region. In the 18th century, the British colony of South Africa and the French Madagascar developed, which became significant players in the region, partially taking away the Portuguese influence

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Portuguese handed over the administration of most of Mozambique to large private companies such as the "Company of Mozambique", "Company of Zambezia" and "Companies of Nyasa". All these companies were controlled and financed mainly by the British. Although slavery was legally abolished in Mozambique, at the end of the 19th century, companies adopted a policy of forced cheap labor, often forcing Africans to work in nearby mines and plantations. The richest "Zambezia company" took over security in the region and set up military outposts to protect their property. Private companies built roads and ports to bring their goods to market, including a railroad linking today's Zimbabwe and Mozambique's port of Beira.

However, by the middle of the 20th century, the work of companies became less and less productive and, having no more state support, by the middle of the 20th century, companies worked only in the agricultural sector.

War of Independence and FRELIMO actions

Communist and anti-colonial philosophy began to spread throughout Africa. Secret political movements began to emerge in support of the independence of Mozambique. The leaders of the movements argued that since the government acts solely in the interests of the Portuguese population of Mozambique and does not pay due attention to the indigenous population.

The indigenous population suffered from discrimination and social pressure. Ideas have become popular among the black population of Mozambique that they receive too few opportunities and resources to escape poverty. Indeed, at that time the Portuguese population of Mozambique lived incomparably better. The Portuguese government reacted to the emerging guerrilla movements and began to improve conditions for the black population of Mozambique. However, it was too late

The Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) launched a guerrilla campaign against Portuguese rule in September 1964. This conflict - along with two others already started in the other Portuguese colonies of Angola and Portuguese Guinea - became part of the so-called Portuguese Colonial War (1961 - 1974). From a military point of view, the Portuguese regular army exercised control of the population centers while the guerrilla forces sought to undermine their influence in the rural and tribal areas in the north and west. As part of their response to FRELIMO, the Portuguese government began to pay more attention to creating favorable conditions for social development and economic growth.

First years of independence

The Mozambique Liberation Front took over the territory after 10 years of war. The end of the war was the coup in Lisbon (the Carnation Revolution of April 1974). During the year, most of the 250,000 Portuguese living in Mozambique left. Some were expelled for political reasons, some fled in fear. Mozambique gained independence from Portugal on June 25, 1975. The law on the deportation of the Portuguese was adopted at the initiative of the not-so-famous revolutionary figure Armando Guebuza. The Portuguese had to leave the country within 24 hours and each could take no more than 20 kg with them. baggage. It was forbidden to export precious metals, money and financial assets.

Civil War

The new state was headed by President Samora Machel, who established a one-party state based on the principles of Marxism. The new government received some military and diplomatic support from Cuba and the Soviet Union and set about mopping up the opposition. Shortly after independence, a civil war breaks out. The country was in a fever from 1977 to 1992 from a long and brutal massacre between the opposition forces of the anti-communist Mozambican National Resistance (MNR) rebels and the FRELIMO regime. The first decades of Mozambique's independence were characterized by civil war combined with sabotage from the neighboring states of Rhodesia and South Africa. All this was combined with ineffective policies, decentralized planning and economic collapse. This period was also marked by the exodus of Portuguese citizens and the state privatization of Portuguese heritage. All this ended with a drop in production rates, a lack of investment in the economy, the nationalization of private enterprises and famine.

The new civil war developed according to an already familiar scenario. Again, the official power in the person of FRELIMO controlled the cities, while the opposition controlled the rural areas in a number of provinces. This war is characterized by massive violations of human rights on both sides of the conflict. The MNF has been wreaking havoc through terror and attacks on civilians. The central government executed tens of thousands of people in an attempt to extend its control throughout the country. At the same time, "re-education camps" appeared in Mozambique, where thousands died.

The MNF proposed a peace agreement: the northern part becomes the independent Republic of Rombezia, while the southern part remains part of Mozambique. FRELIMO refused, insisting on the indivisible sovereignty of the entire country. During the war, approximately one million Mozambican citizens died and another 1.7 million took refuge in neighboring states. and several million more internally displaced persons.

On October 19, 1986, President Samora Machel was returning from an international meeting in Zambia in a presidential Tu-134 aircraft. This flight was the last for the president - the plane crashed into Mount Lebombo. Only ten people survived the crash. But the president and a number of key officials died. The Soviet delegation to the UN reported that the plane was deliberately destroyed by the South Africans.

The new president, Joaquim Chissano, began his reign with reforms. For example, he moved from Marxism to capitalism and began negotiations with the MNF. Under him, a new constitution was adopted in 1990, which implied a multi-party political system based on a market economy and free elections. The civil war ended in October 1992 with the signing of peace agreements in Rome, mediated by the Christian Council of Mozambique.

Already in 1993, more than one and a half million Mozambican refugees returned from neighboring Malawi, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Zambia, South Africa and Tanzania.

Democratic period in Mozambique

In 1994, Mozambique held its first free elections. Most of the political parties recognized them as fair, although there were some who disagreed. The election was won by Joaquim Chissano and the FRELIMO party. The MNF, headed by Afonso Dlakama, became the official opposition.

In 1995 Mozambique joined the Commonwealth of Nations.

By mid-1995, about 1.7 million refugees had returned home. Another 4 million who were forced to move within the country were able to return home.

In December 1999, FRELIMO won the elections for the second time. The MNF accused opponents of fraud and threatened to start a civil war again, but the threats were not translated into reality.

In 2000, a powerful cyclone caused flooding, killing hundreds of people and destroying infrastructure. During this period, information appears in society that the leaders of FRELIMO appropriated a significant part of foreign aid. The well-known journalist Carlos Cardoso, investigating such frauds, was killed, and the killers were never found.

In 2001, Chissano refused to run for a third term, criticizing the presidents of Zimbabwe and Zambia, who had already ruled for 3-4 terms. The new president was the candidate from the FRELIMO party, Armando Guebuza, who received 64% of the vote, while the opponent from the MNF received 2 times less. Armando Guebuza was president for 10 years, and in 2015 this post was taken by Filipe Fusi.

In 2013, a new rebellion began on the part of the MNF. The main fighting took place in the northern regions of Mozambique. In 2014, a truce was signed for elections, but after them the political crisis only intensified. The MNF does not recognize the results of the elections and demands control over the 6 provinces where they think they won. About 12,000 fled to Malawi. Médecins Sans Frontières reports on the spread of capital punishment and sexual violence in the conflict zone.

Geography and climate

Geography

The territory of Mozambique is 801,537 sq. km and is comparable in area to Turkey. Mozambique is the 36th largest country in the world. Mozambique is located on the southeast coast of Africa. It has common borders with Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and South Africa.

The country consists of two topographic regions on the Zambezi River. To the north of the Zambezi River, the narrow coastal strip gives way to hills and low plateaus. South of the river, the lowlands are more common.

Mozambique has five main rivers, the largest and most important of which is the Zambezi. There are four lakes in Mozambique: Nyasa (or Malawi), Shirva, Cahora Basa and Chiuta.

The largest cities are Maputo, Beira, Nampula, Tete, Quelimane, Shimoyo, Pemba, Inhambane, Xai-Xai.

Climate

Mozambique has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season from October to March and the dry season from April to September. Climatic conditions vary with altitude. In the north of Mozambique, there is a lot of rainfall, and towards the south their amount decreases. The annual rainfall ranges from 500 to 900 depending on the region. The national average is 590 mm. Precipitation. Cyclones occur during the rainy season. Average temperatures in the capital Maputo range from 13 to 24 degrees in July to 22 to 31 degrees in February.

Flora and Fauna of Mozambique

Mozambique is home to 740 bird species, of which 20 are endangered. Over 200 endemic mammals live here, some 15 of which are endangered.

Mozambique has specially protected wildlife areas, which include thirteen forest reserves, seven national parks, six reserves, three border reserves and three wildlife reserves.

Political structure

Internal political structure

Mozambique is a multi-party democratic state under the 1990 Constitution. The executive branch consists of the President, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.

The judiciary consists of the Supreme Court, provincial, district and municipal courts. You can participate in elections from the age of 18.

Foreign policy

For a long time, the basis of Mozambique's foreign policy was the desire to secede from Portugal. On the world political arena, Mozambique is a young but peaceful state. The basis of Mozambique's foreign policy is to maintain good relations with neighbors and expand trade relations.

In the 1970s and early 80s, Mozambique's foreign policy was linked to fighting civil wars in Rhodesia and South Africa. Also, unwittingly, Mozambique was one of the spheres of influence of the Soviet Union within the framework of the Cold War.

As well as superpower competition and the Cold War. The Mozambican government refused to apply sanctions against Rhodesia, despite UN pressure.

In the years immediately after its independence, Mozambique received significant assistance from some Western countries, mainly Scandinavians. The Soviet Union and allies became the first economic, military and political supporters of Mozambique. The course began to change in 1983; in 1984 Mozambique joined the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Western aid from Scandinavian countries from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland was quickly replaced by Soviet support. And Finland is becoming an increasingly important source of development assistance. Italy also supports Mozambique as a result of its key role in the peace process. Relations with Portugal are very important for Mozambique, because Portuguese investors play a huge role in the state's economy.

In 1996, Mozambique founded the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CLPL) and is developing links with Portuguese-speaking countries.

Administrative-territorial division

Mozambique is made up of ten provinces. The capital Maputo is considered the 11th province. The provinces are divided into 129 districts. Since 1998, 53 municipalities have been created in Mozambique.

Economy

The official currency is the new Metical (from November 2016. 1 dollar = 75 new meticals), which replaced the old one. 1000 old meticals were equal to 1 new one. In Mozambique, it is also allowed to use the US dollar, euro and South African rand in transactions. The minimum wage in Mozambique is $60 per month. Mozambique is a member of the Southern African Development Community. The rapid pace of economic growth has alarmed the World Bank. In 2007 they said that the economy of "Mozambique" was a bubble. However, the IMF said that "Mozambique is Sub-Saharan Africa's biggest success story." However, despite the stable growth of GDP, the chronic malnutrition of children is paradoxical. Mozambique's GDP growth is 8% per year and still the state remains one of the poorest and underdeveloped in the world.

Restoration of the country

After the civil war and successful economic reforms led to high growth rates. By 2013, 80% of the population was employed in agriculture. In most cases, this is a small subsistence economy.

In 2013, the BBC reported that the Portuguese were returning to Mosasbeque due to the economic growth in the country and the recession in Portugal.

Economic reforms

As a result of the reforms, more than 1,200 state-owned enterprises (mostly small ones) were privatized. Preparations are under way for the privatization of a number of semi-state enterprises, including railways, the energy industry, telecommunications and ports.

In addition, customs duties were reduced, and the customs administration was reformed. The government introduced a value added tax in 1999. In 2003-2004 the commercial code was reformed.

Corruption

Mozambique's economy has been rocked by a series of corruption scandals. In July 2011, the government proposed a series of new anti-corruption laws to criminalize embezzlement. Numerous cases of embezzlement of public funds prompted the government to take this step. In 2015 and 2016, two ministers were convicted in Mozambique.

Mozambique ranks 116 out of 178 in the Corruption Index. According to a 2015 USAID report, "The scale of corruption in Mozambique is cause for alarm."

In March 2012, the Inhambane Provincial Government of Southern Mozambique discovered the misappropriation of public funds by one of the heads of the drug enforcement service, Calisto Alberto Tomo. It was revealed that he had stolen more than 260,000 meticals between 2008 and 2010.

The government has taken a number of measures to fight corruption, and world experts note positive developments in this direction.

Natural resources

In 2012, large gas reserves were discovered in Mozambique. This discovery can completely change the economy of the state.

Tourism and recreation in Mozambique

Mozambique attracts tourists who prefer non-standard holidays. The natural beauty, wildlife and historical heritage of the country open up opportunities for beach, cultural and eco tourism.

Water resources

The level of water supply and sanitation in Mozambique is at a catastrophic level. 51% of people have access to an equipped source of water, only 25% of the population have access to adequate sanitation. In 2007, the government adopted a strategy to improve water supply and sanitation in rural areas, where 62% of the population lives.

The issue of water supply has received considerable political attention. 87% of infrastructure investments in this area are financed from outside Mozambique. The investors are the World Bank, the African Development Bank, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA.

Demographic picture

45% of Mozambique's population lives in two provinces: Zambezia Nampula. Approximately four million Makua live in the northern part of the country. The Sena and Ndau peoples represent a significant part of the Zambezi Valley. 97.8% of the country's population are members of the Bantu people. The rest of the population is white Europeans or Euro-Africans. There are also 45,000 people of Indian origin living in Mozambique.

During the colonial period, a small number of Portuguese lived in all regions of the country. In 1975, there were 360,000 people with Portuguese blood in the country. According to various estimates, between 7,000 and 12,000 Chinese live in Mozambique.

Fertility is 5.9 children per woman. Moreover, in rural districts this coefficient is 6.6, and in urban districts 4.5

Mozambican language

Portuguese is the official and most widely spoken language of the nation. It is spoken by 50.3% of the population. Most Mozambicans living in cities speak Portuguese as their first language.

Mozambique has a large number of speakers of various Bantu dialects. However, these data are poorly evaluated, as they have not been subjected to proper research and analysis. In addition to these languages, the lingua franca has little distribution. In addition, Swahili is spoken in the north of the country.

Also on the border with Swaziland, Swazi is used in small numbers. Arabs and Chinese living in Mozambique mostly speak Portuguese. Among the Indians, the Hindi language is common.

Religions

According to the religious composition, the inhabitants of Mozambique are divided into (according to data from 2007): (Unsorted list, Blea!)

- 56.1% Christian

- 17.9% Muslim

- 7.3% other religions

18.7% atheists

Mozambique has 12 Roman Catholic dioceses. In different dioceses, from 5.8 to 32.5% of Catholics (% of the local population).

Since 1890 Methodists began to preach in Mozambique. The United Methodist Church has 150,000 members in 24 districts. Of the features of the church: every year the church appoints a new pastor.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is increasing its presence in Mozambique. The first missionaries arrived in 1999. By 2015, more than 8,000 people professed this Christian movement.

Muslims live mainly in the north of the country. There are two national Islamic organizations Conselho Islâmico de Moçambique and Congresso Islâmico de Moçambique. In addition, there are Pakistani and Indian associations, as well as some Shia communities.

Education

Since independence from Portugal in 1975, the construction of schools and teacher training for students has not kept pace with population growth. Especially after the Mozambican civil war (1977-1992). In the post-war period, the number of students, due to stability, reached its maximum, which is why the quality of education suffers. All Mozambicans are required by law to attend school up to elementary level; However, many children in Mozambique do not go to primary school because they have to work due to the family's plight. In 2007, one million children still did not go to school. Most of these children are from poor rural families. Nearly half of all classes in Mozambique were still incomplete.

Girls' enrollment increased from 3 million in 2002 to 4.1 million in 2006. At the same time, the completion rate increased from 31,000 to 90,000. Very few children even finish primary school.

After grade 7, students must pass national exams to enter secondary school (grades 8 to 10). There are very few places in Mozambican universities. Therefore, most of the students who graduated from high school do not immediately go to study at the university. Many take jobs as teachers or are unemployed. There are also institutes that provide more professional training. They specialize in agricultural, technical and pedagogical fields. You can also study in them instead of school to the university (similar to Russian colleges / colleges).

After Mozambique gained independence, citizens of this country can still study on equal terms in Portuguese schools, institutes and universities.

According to estimates from 2010, the literacy rate in Mozambique is 56.1% (70.8% women and 42.8% men).

culture

cultural identity

Due to the long shared history and the fact that Mozambique was under the rule of Portugal, the basis of culture is the Portuguese language and Catholicism. But since most of the population of Mozambique is Bantu, the culture is mostly original, African, although it is influenced by the Portuguese. It should be noted that the reverse influence is also taking place: Mozambican food, traditions, music and cinema infiltrate Portuguese society.

Art

The Makonda people are known for their wood carvings and the art of making elaborate masks. They distinguish two types of carvings: shetani (evil spirits), which depict elegant tall symbols, and ujamaa, which depict realistic faces and figures. These figures have a special meaning and they tell about the fate of many generations of the people of Makonda.

During the later years of the colonial period, Mozambican culture reflected oppression by the colonial power and became a symbol of resistance. After independence in 1975, contemporary art entered a new phase. Two of the most famous and most influential contemporary Mozambican artists are the painter Malangatana Ngwenyu and the sculptor Alberto Chissano. Art in the 80s and 90s reflects the political struggle, civil war, suffering, famine and struggle.

Dancing is very popular throughout Mozambique. They are all very intricate. There are many different types of dances from different tribes. As a rule, they have a ritual meaning. For example, the Chopi dance imitates a battle. It is danced by people dressed in animal skins. And the Makua men perform their dance in colorful costumes and masks. The dance is performed on special poles around the village for several hours. Among women in the north, the Tufo dance is common, which is performed during Islamic holidays.

Mozambique cuisine

In almost 500 years of rule, the Portuguese have had a significant impact on the cuisine of Mozambique. It is based on agricultural crops and cashew nuts. French buns, first brought here by the Portuguese, are very popular in the country. Of the spices in the kitchen, pepper, garlic, onion, bay leaf, bell pepper, paprika are popular. The Portuguese brought wine, corn, millet, potatoes, rice, sugar cane to these parts. Many modern Portuguese dishes are popular in Mozambique.

Mozambican media

Newspapers have relatively low circulation prices, due to high newspaper prices and low literacy rates. The most popular newspapers are Noticias and Diário de Moçambique and weekly Domingo (all state newspapers). Their circulation is distributed mainly in Maputo. It should be noted that in recent years the number of private newspapers with critical views of the government has increased significantly.

Radio programs are the most influential media in the country due to their accessibility. Public radio stations are more popular than private ones

Own television in Mozambique is represented by such channels as STV, TIM and TVM Televisão Moçambique. Cable and satellite TV is also available in Mozambique, which allows you to watch TV channels from all over the world.

Music

The music of Mozambique serves many purposes, ranging from religious expression to traditional ceremonies. Musical instruments are usually handmade. In particular, drums made from wood and animal skin and lupembe, a wind instrument made from animal horn or wood, are used in Mozambique. Another very curious instrument is the marimba. She is very popular among the Chopi people, who are renowned as the best dancers and musicians in Mozambique.

Sport

In terms of sports, Mozambique is somewhat similar to Russia. Here, football is the most popular sport and the national team of this glorious African country dishonors its flag over and over again.

Mozambique is Portuguese traditions plus African flavor, multiplied by amazing nature and a lot of famous sights. The capital of Maputo is a city of contrasts, national parks, beaches and islands - everything about Mozambique: map, tours, photos.

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Mozambique is one of the most ancient states on Earth, where life was in full swing already about two million years ago. This is a country of amazing nature (both terrestrial and underwater), rich fauna, ancient cities and gorgeous beaches. Over the past 20 years, Mozambique has begun to confidently get out of the post-war crisis, and attract more and more attention from tourists. First of all - the rich, who love comfort and exoticism, and secondly - the backpackers who save on everything, who are not afraid of the comfort of a bed for five bucks.

Time difference with Moscow

− 1 hour

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• with Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

How to get to Mozambique

Most international flights to Mozambique connect at Johannesburg Airport (South Africa), although there are direct flights from Maputo to Swaziland and Zimbabwe, as well as to Tanzania, Kenya and Portugal. For example, Kenya Airways, Swazi Express Airways and TAP Portugal fly directly to Maputo from Durban, Swaziland, Dar es Salaam, Harare, Nairobi and Lisbon.

It is most convenient for Russians to get here by Qatar Airways (via Doha) or Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) to Johannesburg, and from there by South African Airways or Linhas Aereas de Moçambique to Maputo.

South African Airways and Linhas Aereas de Moçambique fly to Pemba several times a day from Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam and Nairobi. They say that the local carrier Air Corridor promises to launch several more direct international flights from the capital of Mozambique in the near future.

Passengers departing on an international flight are charged an airport tax of 10-20 USD depending on the airline, for domestic flights the fee is ~5 USD.

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Visa to Mozambique

Russian citizens need a visa to visit Mozambique. In addition, you should purchase travel medical insurance in advance, without which traveling around Africa is simply unreasonable.

Customs

The import of foreign currency is not limited, a declaration is required for amounts over 5000 USD. Import and export of the national currency is prohibited.

Duty-free import is allowed for persons over 18 years of age: up to 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 gr. tobacco; wine - up to 2.5 liters, spirits - up to 1 liter, up to 50 ml of perfume or 250 ml of eau de toilette, medicines - within the limits of personal needs, gifts in the amount of not more than 100 USD.

It is forbidden to import drugs, weapons and ammunition, gold, platinum and silver in bars, plates or coins without the permission of the country's bank, artisanal spirits, as well as photographs, graphics, printed matter and video materials "obscene or directed against the Republic of Mozambique or dignity Mozambican people." The export of ivory and ivory products is prohibited.

Tourist safety in Mozambique

Despite the fact that the civil war continued in the country for a long time, the people of Mozambique are very friendly and kind to tourists. There is a risk of various types of hepatitis and dysentery in the country, so upon arrival, you must strictly observe the simplest rules of hygiene: do not drink unboiled water and use personal hygiene products. Vaccination is not required, but dengue fever vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis are recommended.