Mozambique
Geography - People - Economy - Government - Communications - Transportation - Military - Transnational IssuesCountry name - conventional long form : Republic of Mozambique
Country name - conventional short form : Mozambique
Country name - local long form : Republica de Mocambique
Country name - local short form : Mocambique
Country name - former : Portuguese East Africa
Government type : republic
Capital - name : Maputo
Capital - time difference : UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
National holiday : Independence Day, 25 June (1975)
Nationality - noun : Mozambican(s)
Nationality - adjective : Mozambican
Languages : Emakhuwa 26.1%, Xichangana 11.3%, Portuguese 8.8% (official; spoken by 27% of population as a second language), Elomwe 7.6%, Cisena 6.8%, Echuwabo 5.8%, other Mozambican languages 32%, other foreign languages 0.3%, unspecified 1.3% (1997 census)
Currency (code) : metical (MZM)
Currency code : MZM
Major infectious diseases - degree of risk : very high
Mozambique is located Southeastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between South Africa and Tanzania. The climate is tropical to subtropical. The terrain is mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west.
Background
This entry usually highlights major historic events and current issues and may include a statement about one or two key future trends.Background : Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration by whites, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development until the mid 1990's. The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in 1992. In December 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in office. His elected successor, Armando Emilio GUEBUZA, promised to continue the sound economic policies that have encouraged foreign investment. Mozambique has seen very strong economic growth since the end of the civil war largely due to post-conflict reconstruction.
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