Mozambique is best described as a stunningly beautiful country with a harsh history. The country was a Portuguese colony for almost five decades until it gained independence in 1975. However, instead of the prosperity that was imagined throughout its struggle for independence, its people were hit by hurdle upon hurdle, with included large-scale emigration by Caucasian inhabitants, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war.
Things started to look up from 1989 with the formal abolishment of Marxism, and a new constitution that was instituted the following year, paving the way for multiparty elections and a free market economy. An UN-negotiated peace agreement with rebel forces ended the fighting in 1992. However, just as things started to look up, Mozambique was hit by heavy flooding in both 1999 and 2000, both of which severely damaged the economy.
Political stability and sound economic policies have encouraged recent foreign investment. Alongside these improvements came a healthier infrastructure and a more visitor-friendly approach to tourism that makes for a delightful African travel experience. One of the country’s premier visitors’ destinations has to be Maputo - the capital of Mozambique. It constitutes the country’s largest city and harbour, is situated in the mouth of the Santo River and a mere 90km from the country’s border with South Africa.
Compared to other African holiday destinations, Mozambique has smaller urban areas that have retained their colonial nature with wide avenues and beautiful trees. Locals are generally friendly and approachable, and you can expect to encounter little begging on streets and in markets.
All in all - Mozambique is a superb African travel destination!
Capital: Maputo
Population: 17.48m
Literacy: 74.8%
Life Expectancy: 31 years
Per Capita Income: US$ 1 060.00
Currency: Metical = 100 centavos
Climate: Climate: tropical to subtropical. The dry season is from April to October and the wet season is from November to March.
Terrain: Mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in centre, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west
Mozambique travel packages:
Holiday Packages
African Tours
