Country Information on Mozambique

Terrain Mozambique may be divided into four geographic regions. The country is dominated by coastal lowlands, uplands in the centre (200 - 500 m), high plateaus (500 - 1,000 m) in the north-west and mountains to the west. The highest mountain is Monte Binga (2,436 m) close to the border to Zimbabwe. Climate The climate varies according to the area, it is mainly tropical. It is warmer on the coast than inland, and the precipitation rate is higher as the land rises. In December the dry winds give way to trade winds, which are accompanied by a lot of rain and generally last until March. Fauna/Flora A large part of the country was destroyed during the war. The Bazaruto Archipelago off the coast of Mozambique was relatively well protected from the war on the mainland and represents a multifarious and unique but fragile ecosystem. Populations of seacows can be found there, as well as the most pristine coral reefs and numerous species of fish (marlin, kingfish, sailfish). A spectacular array of wildlife ranging from frigate birds and falcons to crocodiles, sea turtles, antelopes, rodents, lizards and snakes is inhabiting the massive dunes and scrubland. Other areas on mainland Mozambique such as the Maputo Elephant Reserve or the Zinave National Park have had their wildlife population badly ravaged by the war and poaching. Since the end of the war new conservation areas have been established, such as the Chimanimani National Park, a mountainous part of western Mozambique with at least 60 endemic plant species, an area which is regarded as a vitally important water catchment area, or the Nyassa Reserve near Malawi, a zone of rich biodiversity which was also badly affected by the war. History/Politics When Vasco da Gama landed on the African coast in 1489, Mozambique was the point of contact of the two most powerful and highly-developed civilizations in Africa, as there were the trade-oriented Muslim culture of the east coast and the animist culture of Zimbabwe specialized in metal processing. Vasco da Gama was soon followed by Portuguese settlers who established a protectorate in the 17th century that became a centre of slave-trade. The following centuries were marked by Portuguese control of coastal areas only. The final conquest of Mozambique's inland areas was completed as late as 1920. The colony was awarded the status of an overseas territory by the Portuguese government ten years later to prevent the upswing of nationalist movements. The plan would not work and FRELIMO (Front for Liberation of Mozambique) sparked guerilla warfare in 1964. After ten years of guerrilla warfare against the colonial power, Mozambique became independent in 1975 and proclaimed a Marxist state. In 1980, guerrilla warfare broke out again, with far-reaching devastation of the country made even worse by natural disasters. All this lead to further deterioration of Mozambique's economic situation and people fleeing the country in their thousands. First negotiations between the two warring factions took place as late as 1990, after the government had renounced Marxism. It was only in 1992 that a peace agreement between the government and the rivalling opposition group Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) was signed. As called for in the peace accords, the first multiparty presidential and legislative elections took place in 1994. A victorious Joaquim Chissano was elected president and has remained in office up to this day. Economy The civil war, which had been ravaging the country for more than 15 years, led to a period of economic decay. The country was devastated and its economic potential could not be exploited. The rail lines were destroyed, the cashew crops sabotaged, and the flow of Mozambican guest workers to South Africa was cut off. Today Mozambique's economy still depends heavily on foreign aid, but peace accords between former guerrilla factions have improved the chances for economic recovery. The government is trying hard to spur the economy, the inflation rate has already dropped significantly, and economic reforms supported by the IMF (International Monetary Fund) have encouraged foreign investments. These investments have created a whole number of new jobs, so hopefully the soaring unemployment rate of about 50% will soon be reduced. Mozambique has succeeded in increasing its exports (mainly shrimps, cashews, cotton and sugar), but the country still has to import farm equipment, mineral oil and food. 90% of the whole labour force are engaged in agriculture, but unexploded land mines remain one of the biggest obstacles to further development in rural areas of the country. On a per capita basis, Mozambique remains one of the poorest countries in the world. However, Mozambique is further along the road to recovery, with tourism and infrastructure investments by international companies and organisations leading the way. Exploration for oil, natural gas, and minerals (coal, titanium) is gaining momentum, and port and rail rejuvenation will speed the flow of goods within the country. Culture The Makonde are known as fearless people and ardent followers of initiation rituals. For the male initiation it is common practice to use "mapico" masks for the mapico dance, one of their most important dances. Another cultural characteristic is the tattooing of the body and the sharpening of teeth, both for aesthetic purposes. The Makonde are also known as artists, particularly for their wood and ivory carvings. The birthday of Eduardo Mondlane - the first president of Mozambique - is celebrated on 3 February. People deposit flowers on his grave, which is at the military cemetery. Most women are dressed in the traditional dress (called capolana - a cloth tied at the waist that goes down to the ankles and is worn with a matching blouse and a hat) and carry pictures of Eduardo Mondlane. The holiday has greater significance to the people who live in urban areas, and the ceremony is always held in the capital city, where the military cemetery is located.