Dialing code +258
ISO 2 code MZ
ISO 3 code MOZ
Capital Maputo
Main Language Portuguese
Currency Metical (MZN)
GDP $19.0 billion 122nd
Population 22,061,451 52nd

Geography

Continent Africa
Location Southeastern Africa bordering the Mozambique Channel between South Africa and Tanzania
Land 801,590 km2 36th
Terrain Mostly coastal lowlands uplands in center high plateaus in northwest mountains in west
Climate Tropical to subtropical
Natural Hazards Mostly coastal lowlands uplands in center high plateaus in northwest mountains in west
Note: The Zambezi flows through the north-central and most fertile part of the country

Neighbouring Countries

Malawi South Africa Swaziland Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe

History

Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration 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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Demographics

Life Expectancy 41.18 years 202nd
Median Age 17.4 years 192nd
Birth Rate 37.98 births/1,000 population 23rd
Death Rate 20.07 births/1,000 population 7th
Sex Ratio 0.71 male(s)/female 148th
Literacy 47.8% 192nd
Population

22.1 million

Transportation

Roadways 30400 km 95th
Railways 4787 km 36th
Airports 111 52nd
Waterways 460 km 83rd
Heliports None
Airports paved 1 176th

Economy

Currency Metical (MZN)
GDP $19.0 billion 122nd
GDP per capita (PPP) $900 192nd