Mozambique
Long inaccessible to tourists, Mozambique's tourism industry is making a remarkable recovery. Once more Mozambique is the place where dreams take you.
Bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Swaziland, Mozambique covers an area of almost 800 000 km² and is divided into 10 provinces. The 2 470 km Indian Ocean coastline is scattered with numerous islands and coves. Here visitors can enjoy excellent holiday resorts, an abundance of seafood, flat beaches and calm seas. The coastal resorts offer excellent opportunities for beach combing, fishing, yachting, board sailing and skiing. The clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and skin diving.
A deep sea fishing expedition always produces some good-sized fish. Kingfish abound and the record to date is a specimen of 40kg. Mako, wahoo, serra, yellowfin tunny and queenfish are caught regularly on Bazaruto Islands. Hiking trails have been established along the fresh water lakes, national park and marine reserve at Bazaruto north point, providing ideal conditions for underwater photography.
In the interior of the country one can sail on the lakes, or go fishing and hiking. Many of the game reserves are being rehabilitated. Large handcraft markets and roadside stalls offer quality and variety.
Maputo has excellent hotels and restaurants and the many museums, markets, churches and the Victorian railway station provide opportunities for interesting excursions.
Mozambique with its enchanting people, full of welcoming kindness and consideration, is bathed by Indian Ocean. It is a land full of life and
hidden beauty, with untouched nature stretching from the endless pristine beaches of Tungué Bay in the far north of the diving enthusiastics's paradise at Ponta D'Ouro in the south. And in between there the paradise islands of Cabo Delgado, Mozambique Island,with its centuries of history and culture, truly a World Heritage site, the treasures of the Bazaruto Archipelago Nature Reserve, nature's gift of
Inhambane province, where migrating whales pass by without fail, and the beach at Xai-Xai, where delicious fresh oysters whet the appetite
for more.
Mozambique is also one of the world's new sanctuaries. It is investing in the recorvery of its wildlife, with a great variety of
nature reserves, and it is likewise devoting resources to tourism, with high quality hunting safaris, while at the same time working to develop
greater awareness of the environment. In the towns and cities that seem so familiar to us, a great diversity of history and cultures is melded
into the architecture, and the pulse of daily life can be felt, from the bustle of the markets to the stricking handcrafts, from the
museaums to the bars and restaurants. But since it is impossimble to say everything at once, we are inviting you to visit Mozambique for you
to enjoy the culture, the cusine, the people and the beauty of the country that awaits you. Come and discover its mysteries and you will
cherish it forever. Last update on 10 October, 2006
Population
Mozambique has an estimated population of 18 million with an average density of 21,8 people per square kilometre
Language
The official language is Portuguese and, of the many African languages spoken, the main ones are Shangaan, Manyika and Ronga
Capital City
Maputo
Mozambique is situated on the east coast of southern Africa. It covers an area of 799 380km² and is bordered by Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa and Swaziland. On the eastern side it has a 2 500km coastline. The coastline is washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, making lagoons, coral reefs and islands. A low plateau rises from the coastal plains, which in the north and west forms mountains with heights above 1 000m, towards the borders with Malawi and Zimbabwe. Most of the country's 25 major rivers flow eastwards to the Indian Ocean.
In the capital, Maputo there are several buildings of historical significance, the old fort and the railway station being particularly notable examples. The National Art Museum with its contemporary paintings and sculptures and the Museum of the Revolution are also worth a visit.
Trips to the Marine Biology Museum and the Island of Portuguese are worth a visit.
Still further north are the ports of Beira, Quelimane and Pemba, which is close to the border with Tanzania. Beira is the second largest city in Mozambique and retains a certain colonial air, especially around the main square. Between Quelimane and Pemba lies the fascinating island of Ilha de Mozambique, joined to the mainland by a bridge. This small island, 2,5km long, was used for centuries as an important trading post for gold, ivory and slaves. Numerous buildings dating from the 16th to 19th centuries are still standing and include churches, mosques and a palace. There are so many historical buildings on the island that UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site.
After years of economic stagnation Maputo is regaining some of its former vibrancy and, although the Portuguese café society is no longer a feature, the city has assumed other attractions.
The Mozambique shoreline is renowned for its magnificent beaches, and with the arrival of increasing numbers of tourists, a number of well-appointed hotels and lodges are opening their doors at strategic places on the mainland as well as on the many islands scattered along the coast.
North of the capital the coastal towns of Xai-Xai and Inhambane offer good beaches and watersports.
Inhambanes beaches at Tofu and Barra, situated across the bay, can be reached by dhow or motorboat from the town of Maxixe. Further north, approximately 750km from the capital, is the popular resort town of Vilankulos, gateway to the famous Bazaruto Archipelago.
Vilankulos has fabulous beaches and various watersports. The town's market has lots of local colour and interest and is worth a visit.
The four main islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago are Magaruque, Benguerra, St Carolina and the largest, Bazaruto. These islands have been declared a national park and their coral reefs offer some of the best snorkelling, scuba diving and game fishing in the country. These islands are also renowned for their birdlife, the elusive Crab Plover and Green Coucal being found here.
Dive with whale sharks found all year round at the popular diving resort of Ponta Do Ouro or Ponta Malongane.
Snorkelling, diving and deep-sea fishing off the islands, particularly the Bazaruto Archipelago in azure blue waters with magnificent coral reefs and tropical fish. A trip on a traditional dhow to experience the expertise of the helmsman as he plays with the wind and the water.
From the overgrown remnants of Portuguese outposts along the mighty Zambezi to the ancient, mysterious Mwenu Mutapa kingdom and the enchanting and unique Mozambique Island, Mozambique offers an enticing and fascinating blend of cultures.
Although geographically part of southern Africa, this former Portuguese colony has a history and culture that is more closely associated with the Swahili of north-eastern Africa, which makes it decidedly different from neighbouring states. Moçambicanos value good manners and courtesy very highly, so a friendly, relaxed and unhurried attitude is the secret to gaining co-operation from officials and making friends with the people.
Mozambique's 16 main tribes display an interesting and rewarding blend of traditional African ways and assimilated Muslim, Indian, Chinese and Portuguese culture. From the proud and isolated Makonde tribe in the north, with their bizarre and intricate sculptures in ebony, to the Makua, Chuabo and Chopi tribes along the coast with their dances, dhows and dugouts, Mozambique's real treasure is its friendly and fascinating peoples.
A lasting legacy of Portuguese and Arab traders and colonists is the colourful settlements found along the coast, particularly Ilha de Moçambique, Inhambane, Quelimane and Angoche. Architectural styles range from earthy Swahili on Ilha de Moçambique and in Angoche to gaudy 1930s-inspired Art Deco in Beira, Manueline and Neogothic in Maputo and Portuguese Colonial in Inhambane. The architecture of the mosques, churches and palaces in Mozambique's towns and cities is rich, sometimes bizarre, always intriguing to tourists who enjoy looking beyond the colourful markets, stunning beaches and endless coral reefs. Manueline villas and Victorian mansions stand side by side. Separated by intricate mosaic pavements you might see the spire of a Catholic cathedral vying for attention with the minarets of a meticulously maintained mosque. Even boats used for fishing and transport between villages and tiny coral islands display craftsmanship originating in far-off corners of the world: the dhows of the Middle East, bamboo platforms originating in the East or high-bowed rowing boats reminiscent of Scottish "dories".
Song, music and dance are the main components of the various rituals that mark the different stages of traditional tribal life. The southern Provinces (Maputo, Gaza and Inhambane) are famous for the 'Marimbeiros da Zavala' a legendary group of Timbila (Marimba) players, the Guaza Mutini, a raucous celebration by the Changana people of an ancient victory and that quintessentially happy dance, the Marrabenta (unofficially the country's national dance) during which sensual movements embody the joy and expressive flair of ordinary Mozambicans. The central provinces (Sofala and Zambézia) have their own Marimba style called Valimb and a spiritual snake dance called Cobras de Namarrói, while the northern Provinces (Cabo Delgado and Niassa) have the famed Mokonde Lipíco masked dancers and the celebratory Tufo dance of the Macua people at places such as the islands of Ibo and Mozambique. All of these dances have strong links with belief in, and contact with the ancestral spirits, still a strong influence in the daily lives of Moçambicanos.
Today Mozambique produces some of the finest and most saught-after art in Africa. The bizarre, intricate ebony sculptures of the Makonde people from the north are recognised as one of Africa's most sophisticated art forms. Sculptors and painters such as Malangatana and Chissano produced dozens of notable pieces, the largest of which is an enormous Industrial sculpture at the entrance to the Marbor factory on the outskirts of Maputo en-route to Xai-Xai. The country is well known for its murals, many of which can be found adorning walls in Maputo. The largest and most famous is near the airport, 95m (310ft) long and reflects many stories and images of the Revolution. Batik and ceramics are also worthy of a look, the best place to see these is at the Bazar do Artesanato, every Saturday morning at Praça 25 de Setembro in Maputo.
Religion
Christianity, mainly Roman Catholic, is predominant in the south, while Islamic influence increase as one moves up the coastline with some small Hindu communities. Traditional beliefs predominate in all rural areas and within many towns and the curandeiro (spirit-medium) is still the most influential person in many parts of Mozambique.
Mozambique has a democratically elected government and President Joaquim Chissano heads its ruling party, Frelimo. After 16 years of civil war, which started after the departure of the Portuguese in 1975, a peace accord was signed in 1992 between Frelimo and its rival opposition group, Renamo. Since the first democratic elections, held on 27 October 1994, the country has remained stable. Further successful elections were conducted in 1999.
The country's tribal communities first settled in the region between the 14th and 18th centuries. During this period extensive trading took place along the Mozambican coast in gold, ivory and slaves by India, Persia, China and the Arab world. However, it was gold that first attracted the Portuguese to the area and in 1505 they built their first trading post at Sofala. Others rapidly followed and brisk trade was conducted, particularly in slaves, the trade bolstering the economy of the Portuguese colonies until the late1840s. The Portuguese remained in Africa as a colonial power for five centuries until 1975, when they withdrew almost over night.
Mozambique was plunged into chaos and a 16-year civil war followed between rival groups Frelimo and Renamo. A peace accord in 1992 finally brought hostilities to an end and the country's first democratic election was held in October 1994.
The capital, previously known as Lourenço Marques after the Portuguese explorer who navigated the coastline, was established as a trading post in 1545. Renamed Maputo in 1976 in honour of a 16th century chieftain, it retains some of the charm of a Portuguese colonial city.
In October 1991, after 18 months of Italian-brokered talks, a more provisional settlement was reached between Renamo and Frelimo under which both sides offered mutual guarantees on security.
Further agreements confirming the settlement were reached in August and October 1992, following the first face-to-face meeting between President Chissano and Renamo leader Alfonso Dhlakama.
A UN force, ONUMOZ, entered the country to guarantee the ceasefire, organise disarmament and police the scheduled elections. These were eventually held in October 1994. Dhlakama achieved a respectable 33 percent of the vote, but Chissano beat him by 20 percent and, with over half the poll in his favour, was confirmed in office without any further rounds of voting.
Frelimo also secured an overall majority in the simultaneous parliamentary election. The new government and president were sworn in at the end of December 1994 to continue the gargantuan task of economic and social reconstruction.
The Government is confronted with hundreds of thousands of refugees, many of whom are returning from exile or to their homes from other parts of the country, as well as large numbers of demobilised soldiers from both sides, massive social and economic dislocation, and the destruction of virtually all health and education services.
Mozambique's foreign relations are dominated by South Africa, and have benefited from the changes that brought democratic government to the latter in 1994.
Also, in an unexpected development and after strong lobbying from its southern African members, Mozambique was admitted to the Commonwealth in November 1994; it is the first and only non-Anglophone country in of the 53-member organisation.
Mozambique exports prawns, cashew nuts, cotton, sugar, timber, tea and textiles. It imports consumer goods, capital equipment, raw material, spare parts and petroleum. Japan, Spain, Portugal, South Africa, the USA and Zimbabwe are the country's main trading partners.
There is increasing interest from international companies in the mining of Mozambique's mineral resources, oil and natural gas reserves, previously limited by the civil war. The food processing, textile and clothing, edible oils, soaps, and packaging industries are in the process of being rehabilitated. Electrical transmission lines to South Africa from the huge Cahora Bassa hydroelectric project are being restored and new lines to Zimbabwe installed for the export of electricity. A stock exchange is established.
Civil war has devastated the Mozambican economy. Agriculture, which employs 80 percent of the working population, contributes little beyond subsistence, and during the 1980s was worsened by recurrent drought. Cash crops include cashew nuts, tea, sugar, sisal, cotton, copra, oil seeds and some citrus fruit. Fishing is both an important source of food and a major export earner. The industrial base, which was never extensive, is now extremely weak. Those light industries still functioning include food processing, textiles, brewing, cement and fertiliser production. Heavy industry and mining have the potential for major development but demand a more substantial infrastructure than the Government can sustain. Mozambique consequently depends heavily on large injections of foreign aid, most of which has been earmarked for the rural economy.
While there have been a few flickering signs of improvement, it will be many years before Mozambique can even reach the levels of income and development which it enjoyed at the end of the colonial era in the mid-1970s. The absence of any semblance of a skilled workforce (almost all the Portuguese left upon independence) means that Mozambique's future economic progress will be difficult and slow. Mozambique is a member of the Southern African Development Conference. South Africa, the USA and Portugal are Mozambique's most important trading partners. www.amadeus.net/home/dest/en/AFRICA/moz/23.htm