Mozambique: a brief description of the country. School encyclopedia Geographic location and boundaries

In the north there is the Nyasa plateau (average heights 500–1000 m, but some peaks rise up to 2000 m), which breaks off to the lake of the same name; in the west and north-west of the country - the crystalline plateaus of Mozambique, Angoni, Motabeli with the highest point - Mount Binga (2436 m). In the southwest, near the border with South Africa, the volcanic mountains of Lebombo rise. The large Zambezi and Limpopo rivers and many smaller rivers (Lurio, Savi, Ligonya, etc.) flow through the territory of Mozambique, abounding in rapids and waterfalls within the mountainous part. The northwestern part of the country is the coast of the giant border lake Nyasa, on the border with Malawi there is also Lake Chilwa.

The climate of the north of the country is close to equatorial: temperatures all year round high (25–28 °C), precipitation is 1300–1500 mm per year. To the south, the climate changes to a tropical trade wind: average annual temperatures drop to 20-22 ° C, precipitation is also less - 500-1000 mm per year. The wet season lasts from November to April-May. On the plateaus of the north, light forests are common - the light tropical forests of miombo, in high areas - mountain forests, in which the Mlandzhian cedar and podocarpus are found. South of the Zambezi River, tall-grass savannahs with isolated groups of acacias and baobabs predominate, in southern Mozambique - vegetation called "mopaniveld": broad-leaved mopani trees, acacias, and other low-growing trees form a forest savanna that sheds foliage in the dry season. In the river valleys, wet gallery forests intertwined with lianas have been preserved, along the coast - mangrove forests. Large mammals - elephants, hippos, kaffir buffaloes and other ungulates, lions, white rhinoceroses are preserved mainly in national parks, the largest of them are Gorongoza, Marrumeu, Maputo.

Population

Almost the entire population of Mozambique (more than 28.8 million people) are peoples who speak the languages of the Bantu group: Makua, Tsonga, Malawi, Makonde and others. Most residents (80%) adhere to local animistic cults, the rest are Catholic Christians and Muslims. There are four economic and cultural types in Mozambique. Along the coast, the influence of Swahili culture, influenced by Islam, remains. The population here is occupied by tropical agriculture combined with fishing and crafts - silver chasing, weaving, shell products. The peoples of Makua, Yao and Malawi, who were influenced by Islam, preserved ancient African traditions and are engaged in slash-and-burn agriculture and cattle breeding (handicrafts are poorly developed). Makonde has developed a very peculiar way of life: agriculture is combined with hunting and beekeeping, wood carving is developed (small sculptures are famous). The dances performed in ritual masks are original. The rest of the peoples were too strongly influenced by different waves of colonization and almost lost their original culture. The country's capital, Maputo, grew up on the site of a Portuguese fort founded in 1781, but almost no ancient buildings have survived. Other major cities are Beira, Nampula, Tete, Lichinga, Inhambane.

Story

When Portuguese sailors reached Mozambique in 1498, Arab trading settlements already existed on the coast. In the 16th century, Portuguese settlements appeared on the territory of Mozambique, which became bases on trade routes to South Asia. Later, white people began to penetrate deep into the country in search of gold and slaves. Although Portuguese influence in the region was expanding, power rested on individual settlers who had considerable autonomy. Portugal paid more attention to more profitable trade with India and Southeast Asia, as well as the colonization of Brazil.

By the beginning of the 20th century, Portugal had ceded control of large areas of its colony to three private British companies: the Mozambique Company, the Zambezi Company and the Nyasa Company. These companies built railroads that linked Mozambique with neighboring British colonies and provided cheap labor to the plantations and mines of the region.

After World War II, Portugal did not follow the example of other European countries and did not grant independence to its colonies. They were declared "overseas territories", they continued to migrate from the mother country. Under the conditions of the decolonization of most countries of the continent and the growing influence of national liberation movements in the international arena, processes of political consolidation of the opponents of the regime began in the Portuguese possessions. In 1962, several anti-colonial political groups united in the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), which in September 1964 initiated an armed conflict against the Portuguese colonial power. From the very beginning, the front maintained close contacts with the rebel groups of Angola (MPLA) and Guinea-Bissau (PAIGC).

FRELIMO, relying on bases in Tanzania and the support of the USSR and China, led active fighting in the northern regions of the country and was able to hold party congresses in the controlled territory, however, in general, military experts assess the outcome of the confrontation by the mid-70s as a draw.

After an armed coup in Portugal known as the Carnation Revolution, Mozambique gained independence on June 25, 1975. Under these conditions, FRELIMO established a one-party system with a focus on the countries of the socialist camp, dissolved religious educational establishments, dismantled the traditional system of government based on leaders, introduced a planned economy, which process was accompanied by large-scale nationalization, ill-conceived agrarian reform and the expulsion of all Portuguese settlers, which deprived new country almost the entire corps of qualified specialists. With the support of Southern Rhodesia and South Africa, an armed opposition to the regime formed in the country, a civil war began, which was accompanied by significant casualties among the civilian population, extensive damage to infrastructure, and the migration of a large number of refugees. Hostilities ended only in 1992, after a change in the political picture of the region.

After the signing of the peace treaty and the transition of the opposition to the political space in Mozambique, there is a struggle between the former antagonists civil war, and now the giants of the political scene - FRELIMO and RENAMO, relying to a large extent on the country's largest ethnic groups; RENAMO draws support from the north, their opponents from the south. FRELIMO consistently wins parliamentary and presidential elections.

Despite the achievements in the economy noted by the international community, Mozambique continues to be one of the poorest countries in the world.

Economy

Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world. Nevertheless, it is classified as a country with a dynamically developing economy.

Agriculture is the backbone of Mozambique's economy. Its share in GDP reaches 22%. 36 million hectares of land are suitable for cultivation, but only 5.4 million hectares are cultivated. 120 thousand hectares are irrigated. The share of agricultural products in exports is 25%. Animal husbandry is concentrated in the south of the country. Rice, peanuts, sugar cane, oranges, cola, papaya, etc. are grown.

The civil war in the country dealt a heavy blow to the industry. Many roads were destroyed, mines and mines were flooded. Since 1993, an economic program based on liberalization and privatization has been implemented.

There are deposits of iron ore, coal, natural gas and bauxite. The capital of neighboring South Africa plays an important role. European countries and Australia are involved in the development of mineral deposits.

The manufacturing industry is represented mainly by enterprises processing agricultural raw materials (for example, cashew nuts) and soap factories. The sugar industry, destroyed by the civil war, is being restored. An aluminum plant, breweries, paper, cement and glass factories were opened. In 2000, the Fiat car assembly plant began to operate. The textile industry is developing.


	Official name:	Republic of Mozambique
	Capital:	Maputo
	The area of the land:	799.38 thousand sq. km
	Total population:	22.1 million people
	Composition of the population:	98% of the peoples of the Bantu language family: Makua, Tsonga, Malawi, Shona, etc.; immigrants from Europe and Asia (Portuguese, Indians, Pakistanis, etc.) - only about 40 thousand people.
	Official language:	Portuguese. English is also used (especially in the capital). The most commonly spoken local languages are Imakua (Makua), Chinyanja (Malawi), Chishona (Shona), and Shangaan (Tsonga).
	Religion:	24.25% - non-religious, 24.2% - Catholics, 17.8% - Muslims, 11.45% - non-Catholic Christians (mostly Protestants), 18.7% - syncretic cults, 3.6% - other.
	Internet domain:	.mz
	Mains voltage:	~220 V, 50 Hz
	Telephone code countries:	+258
	Country barcode:

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.

Geography

Mozambique stretches for 2500 km. along the southeastern coast of the Mozambique Channel of the Indian Ocean in the southeast of the African continent. In the north it borders with Tanzania, in the south and southwest - with South Africa and Swaziland, in the west - with Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. The relief of the country is very diverse and picturesque.

Almost half of the country is occupied by the Mozambique lowland, reaching a width of 400 km in the south, and narrowing to several tens of kilometers in the north. Slightly hilly, overgrown with tropical forests, the plain rises gently to the west to 350-400 m above sea level. In the north there is the Nyasa plateau (average heights 500-1000 m, some peaks rise up to 2000 m), which breaks off to the lake of the same name, and in the west and northwest there are the crystalline plateaus of Mozambique, Angoni and Motabeli with the highest point of the country - Mount Binga (2436 m.). In the southwest, near the border with South Africa, the volcanic mountains of Lebombo rise. A part of Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) also lies on the territory of the country.

Flora and fauna

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, Mlangian cedar and podocarpus (yellow tree). Mangrove forests are located in the mouths of rivers 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.

Attractions

Tourists are attracted to the country mainly by beautiful sandy beaches. The beautiful shores of Tofu, Moma, Langoshe, Lurio and Cape Barra were legendary places until recently and are quickly 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 up 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. "Fine sands" (and quite rightly) call 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 city 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 Chapel of Sao Paulo - the residence and place of residence of the former governor of the country, dating back to the 18th century. This building is a large area 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 South 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 National parks countries - Gorongosa, Banyin, Zinave, etc., are rapidly recovering and possessing a full range of natural attractions and unique wildlife.

Banks and currency

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. Local banks have branches in most cities and make the exchange without delay, but the exchange rate is quite low and the commission is much higher than in private offices. Exchanging money on the street is not safe for a reason high level crime, mostly fraud.

The use of credit cards and traveler's checks is difficult throughout the country, in the provinces it is impossible.

Metical (international designation - MZM). $1 is equal to approximately 1000 meticals.

No entries to display

Spending holidays in Mozambique, by all means visit the capital of this state - Maputo. The capital of Mozambique is a port city located on the shore in the bay, bearing the same name.

Maputo is considered the most beautiful, however, having a not very good location.

The capital of Mozambique dates back to 1781, when a Portuguese fortress appeared on the local tropical swamps. Now on the site of the fortress there is a fort bearing the name of the Virgin. Several centuries ago, Maputo was a picturesque and interesting city that attracted many travelers. Unfortunately, after the hostilities on its territory, the capital of Mozambique lost its former attractiveness, and its appearance became rather repulsive. Today, Maputo is actively restored.

As for the population of the city, most of it belongs to the Bantu people. Also, quite a lot of representatives of the Tsonga, Ngoni and Makua ethnic groups live here. But, in addition to Africans, in the capital of Mozambique, you can often see people from Asia and Portugal. More than half of the inhabitants of Maputo are adherents of local rituals and cults. Catholics make up approximately 35% of the population of the capital, and Muslims - about 15%. Portuguese is the official language, but Everyday life the languages of local African peoples and ethnic groups are also widely used.

The city can be divided into Upper and the city is located by the sea, both buildings of the beginning of the 20th century and quite modern urban buildings are located here. In the Upper City, you can see many hotels, mansions and various local attractions.

Maputo's most interesting sights include the train station and the Natural History Museum. The station, built at the beginning of the 20th century, was designed by Eiffel himself. Recently, the station underwent extensive renovations, after which it began to look like a palace, the vaults of which are crowned by a huge, richly decorated dome. The Museum of History boasts entertaining exhibits representing archaeological finds dating back to the time of the emergence of man. In addition, the museum has interesting exhibits that tell about the resources and nature of Mozambique.

The capital of Mozambique also boasts a picturesque botanical garden, where you can enjoy the most beautiful nature, temporarily abandoning the bustle of the city. Maputo is a unique harmonious combination of a wide variety of cultures: Portuguese, Indian and Chinese. Such diversity could not but affect the local cuisine. In addition to the traditional dishes inherent in each of the above cultures, here you can taste delicious Arabic dishes, as well as seafood for every taste.

Recently, Mozambique, whose capital is famous for its gorgeous beaches and exotic, attracts more and more tourists from all over the world.

Mozambique on Africa map
(all images are clickable)

On the map of Africa, Mozambique is hard to miss - it ranks 16th in the territorial ranking (total area - 801.6 thousand km²). The country shares land borders with Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi (to the north and northwest), Zimbabwe (to the west), South Africa, and tiny Swaziland (to the south). The entire eastern border (about three thousand kilometers) is the coast of the Indian Ocean.

Geographical position

Long coastline with large quantity natural harbors - one of the main geographical advantages of Mozambique. The southern part of the state is continuous lowlands, swampy in places, but above the Zambezi River, moderately high plateaus and hilly plains interspersed with small mountain ranges prevail.

Not all of East Africa can boast such fresh water reserves as Mozambique. Six large rivers flow through its territory (from the west towards the ocean), and Lake Nyasa is located on the border with Malawi (in the northwestern part of the country).

The state is located in two climatic regions: subequatorial and tropical. The temperature throughout the year is quite stable: in the southern lowlands - from +25 to +30 ° C, in the region of the northern plateaus it is five degrees cooler.

The amount of precipitation depends on the season: from November to May, catastrophically powerful cyclones often fall on the coast, in winter (from June to October) there is practically no rain. At this time, Mozambique (like others from the list of countries in Africa) may suffer from a total drought.

Flora and fauna

In the south of the country, savannahs predominate, north of the Zambezi - tropical and mountain forests, as well as miombo - a special deciduous woodland. On the coast there are areas of mangroves, river beds are covered with a dense canopy of lianas. Here you can find ebony, mahogany and ironwood, date palms.

The abundance of suitable habitats attracts a wide variety of birds and animals. National parks have been created on the territory of the country, where rhinos, giraffes, hippos, elephants, zebras, leopards are found. Lions prey on ungulates in the savannah, monkeys and lemurs feel great in the forests. An amazing sawfish lives in coastal waters.

State structure

Mozambique Map

The republic of Mozambique is headed by a popularly elected president. The local unicameral parliament is represented mainly by two parties with real political weight.

The country is officially divided into eleven districts, each headed by a governor appointed by the president. The capital and largest city is Maputo, which arose on the site of a trading post founded by the Portuguese in the 18th century.

Population

If at the end of the 20th century there were 15 million citizens in the country, according to the census, today more than 25 million people live here. The reason is the high birth rate (according to this indicator Mozambique ranks twelfth in the world). At the same time, life expectancy is low (on average, about 52 years).

The vast majority of citizens of Mozambique are descendants of the ancient aborigines. Asians and Europeans make up less than one percent. Official language- Portuguese, but the main part of the population in everyday life uses one of the local dialects.

Questions of faith in the state are extremely tolerant: the number of Catholics, Muslims, Protestants, atheists and followers of various national cults is approximately the same.

Economy

Despite deposits of demanded minerals (iron ore, gas, coal, non-ferrous metals, titanium), the state remains agrarian - about 80% of local residents work in the agricultural sector. The main income comes from the export of timber, seafood, cashews, sugar, cotton, citrus fruits.

At the same time, the country has a well-developed infrastructure: major cities are connected by local airlines, there is a network of railways. Tourism is actively developing. Recently, foreign companies are more willing to invest in the state economy, which, according to experts, has emerged from the depression.

Mozambique, which had been a Portuguese colony for several centuries, gained real independence only in 1975. Subsequently, a series of ill-conceived and unpopular reforms led to the collapse of the economy, mass emigration and many years of civil war with a huge number of human casualties (peace was achieved only in 1992). Today the confrontation between the leading political parties is preserved, but it takes place in a civilized way - through electoral struggle.

Attractions

National parks and luxurious beaches are the main attractions of the state. In Maputo, tourists visit the Museum of Natural History with pleasure, and they go to Beira to stroll through the markets and small handicraft shops. Travelers are advised to visit the tiny island of Ile de Mozambique with its unique ancient architecture.

mozambique photo

The Republic of Mozambique is a state in Southeast Africa, a former Portuguese colony, 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. To XVII century the slave trade 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 major district the enclave of Malawi, deeply penetrating 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). global importance have deposits of lithium, niobium, tantalum, thorium, uranium and zirconium. 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

Apart from 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 the city of 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 activities (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 north-east of the Makua (Lomwe, Lolo, Makua, Mato, Mihavani, Nguru, etc.) and Tsonga (bila, Jonga, Ronga, Tswa, Shangaan, Shengwe, Shona, etc., peoples groups, inhabit the southern provinces), respectively, . 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 mouths of rivers 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, 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, Lurio and Cape Barra were legendary places until recently and are quickly 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 up 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. "Fine sands" (and quite rightly) call 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 city 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 Chapel of Sao Paulo - the residence and place of residence of the former governor of the country, dating back to the 18th century. This building is a large area 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.