Mozambique on the map of Africa
(all pictures are clickable)
On the map of Africa, Mozambique is hard to miss - it ranks 16th in the territorial ranking ( total area- 801.6 thousand km²). The country shares land borders with Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi (in the north and northwest), Zimbabwe (in the west), South Africa and tiny Swaziland (in the south). The entire eastern border (about three thousand kilometers) is the coast Indian Ocean.
Extended coastline with big amount natural harbors are one of the main geographical advantages of Mozambique. South part The state is composed of continuous lowlands, swampy in places, but above the Zambezi River moderately high plateaus and hilly plains with small inclusions of mountain ranges prevail.
Not all of East Africa can boast such reserves fresh water, like Mozambique. Six large rivers flow through its territory (from the west towards the ocean), and Lake Nyasa is located on the border with Malawi (in the northwestern part of the country).
The state is located in two climatic regions: subequatorial and tropical. The temperature is quite stable throughout the year: in the southern lowlands - from +25 to +30 °C, in the area of the northern plateaus it is five degrees cooler.
The amount of precipitation depends on the season: from November to May, catastrophically powerful cyclones often hit the coast; in winter (from June to October) there is practically no rain. At this time, Mozambique (like other African countries) may suffer from total drought.
Flora and fauna
In the south of the country savannas predominate, north of the Zambezi - tropical and mountain forests, as well as miombo - a special deciduous woodland. On the coast there are areas of mangroves, and river beds are covered with a thick canopy of vines. Here you can find ebony, red and iron wood, date palms.
Abundance suitable places habitat attracts a wide variety of birds and animals. National parks have been created throughout the country, where rhinoceroses, giraffes, hippos, elephants, zebras, and leopards are found. In the savannah, lions hunt ungulates; monkeys and lemurs thrive in the forests. The coastal waters are home to amazing sawfish.
State structure
Mozambique Map
The Republic of Mozambique is led by a popularly elected president. The local unicameral parliament is represented mainly by two parties with real political weight.
The country is officially divided into eleven districts, each headed by a governor appointed by the president. The capital and largest city is Maputo, which arose on the site of a trading post founded by the Portuguese back in the 18th century.
Population
If at the end of the 20th century, according to the census, there were 15 million citizens in the country, today more than 25 million people live here. The reason is the high birth rate (for this indicator Mozambique ranks twelfth in the world). At the same time, life expectancy is short (on average about 52 years).
The vast majority of Mozambican citizens are descendants of ancient aborigines. People from Asia and Europe make up less than one percent. Official language- Portuguese, but the majority of the population uses one of the local dialects in everyday life.
The state is extremely tolerant of issues of faith: the number of Catholics, Muslims, Protestants, atheists and followers of various national cults is approximately the same.
Economy
Despite the deposits of in-demand minerals (iron ore, gas, coal, non-ferrous metals, titanium), the state remains agrarian - about 80% work in the agricultural sector. local residents. The main income comes from the export of timber, seafood, cashews, sugar, cotton, and citrus fruits.
At the same time, the country has a well-developed infrastructure: major cities are connected by local airlines, and there is a network of railways. Tourism is actively developing. IN Lately foreign companies are more willing to invest in the state economy, which, according to experts, has emerged from the depression.
Mozambique, which was a Portuguese colony for several centuries, gained real independence only in 1975. Subsequently, a series of ill-conceived and unpopular reforms led to the collapse of the economy, mass emigration and many years of civil war with a huge number of casualties (peace was achieved only in 1992). Today the confrontation between the leading political parties is preserved, but it happens in a civilized manner - through electoral struggle.
Attractions
National parks and luxurious beaches are the main attractions of the state. In Maputo, tourists enjoy visiting the Museum natural history, and they go to Beira to stroll through the markets and small handicraft shops. Travelers are advised to visit the tiny island of Ile de Mozambique with its unique ancient architecture.
Mozambique photo
Useful information for tourists about Mozambique, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Mozambique, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions of Mozambique.
Geography of Mozambique
The Republic of Mozambique is a state in southeast Africa, a former Portuguese colony. Mozambique is washed by the Indian Ocean in the east, bordered by Tanzania in the north, Malawi and Zambia in the northeast, Zimbabwe in the west and Swaziland and South Africa in the south. Member State of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Commonwealth of Portuguese-speaking Countries.
45% of the territory is occupied by the coastal lowland. Low mountains (10% of the territory) are located in the northwest. The highest point is Binga (2437 m).
State
State structure
Mozambique is a republic. The head of state is the president. Parliament is a unicameral Assembly of the republic.
Language
Official language: Portuguese
In addition to Portuguese, English is also used (especially in the capital). The most widely spoken local languages are Imakua, Chinyanja, Chishona and Shangaan.
Religion
Up to 60% of the population sticks to local traditional beliefs, the rest are Christian-Catholics (30%) and Muslims (10%).
Currency
International name: MZM
One metical is equal to 100 centavos. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 meticals, coins in 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavos, 1, 2, 5 and 10 meticals.
US dollars and South African rands are readily accepted at any retail outlet. In the south it is possible to pay for a large number of things and services with rands.
The best place for currency exchange - private exchange offices in Maputo, which offer better conditions than banks. Exchanging money on the street is unsafe for a reason high level crime, mainly fraud.
The use of credit cards and travel checks is almost impossible throughout the country.
Mozambique (officially the Republic of Mozambique) is a country in Southeast Africa that borders the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest. . The republic is separated from the island of Madagascar by the Mozambique Channel to the east. The capital and largest city is Maputo (known as "Lorenço Marques" before independence).
Between the 1st and 5th centuries AD peoples language family The Bantu came to these lands from the north and west. Along the coast of the Indian Ocean, in the territory of modern Mozambique, ports were built by the Swahili people, and later by the Arabs, even before the arrival of the first Europeans. This land was explored by traveler Vasco da Gama in 1498 and later colonized by Portugal in 1505. At first, Mozambique was part of the Portuguese colony of Somalia, but later became a separate colony. For more than 4 centuries, Mozambique was a dependent territory, until 1975, when it became People's Republic Mozambique. The country existed relatively peacefully for about two years, and then was plunged into a protracted and bloody civil war, which lasted from 1977 to 1992. In 1994, Mozambique held its first multi-party elections and has since been a relatively stable republic. However, since 2013, insurgents have become active again in the country.
The official language of Mozambique is Portuguese, but most of the population speaks it as a second language rather than as a first language. One way or another, about half of the population is native speakers of Portuguese. The native languages of the Mozamic peoples are Makua, Sena and Swahili. The country's population of about 24 million consists primarily of members of the Bantu people. The most significant religion in Mozambique is Christianity, which is far ahead of Islam and African traditional religions. Mozambique is a member of the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, the Latin Union, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Southern African Development Community and is an observer in the Francophone Community.
Name
Mozambique got its name from an Arabian hermit who lived on a nearby island. His name was Mossa Al Bique (Moss the Great) and he lived as a hermit on an island off the continent (the island is now known as Mozambique Island). At first the island was the capital of the colony, but in 1898 the capital was moved to the city of Lourenço Marques (now the city is called Maputo)
History of Mozambique
Bantu migration
As mentioned above, the Bantu people arrived here between the 1st and 5th centuries. They came here through the Zambezi River valley and into coastal areas created agricultural communities, mainly grazing livestock. They also brought with them technology for smelting and forging iron.
Slaver's Coast
Since the end of the first millennium, this region has been actively expanding due to trade links. Commercial settlements spring up along Mozambique, such as Sofala, Angoshe and others. They become important centers Arab, Persian, and then Portuguese slave trade. Gold, ivory and some other goods are also exported through these ports. Also, the population of Mozambique begins active trade with the kingdom of Great Zimbabwe, which is flourishing.
Portuguese Mozambique
After colonization, the Portuguese established about 1,500 trading posts and forts, ending Arab rule in the region. These ports became a transit point for Europeans traveling to the East.
Vasco da Gama's journey around the Cape Good Hope in 1498 predetermined the colonization of the region by the Portuguese, who began to dominate local trade and politics. The Portuguese gained control of the island of Mozambique and the port city of Sofala in early XVI century. In the 1530s, the region is inhabited by small groups of Portuguese traders and prospectors who search for gold in these regions. Gradually they penetrated into the interior of the continent and established garrisons and trading posts there, mainly around the Zambezi River. During this period, the main goal of the Portuguese was to gain exclusive control of the gold trade in southern Africa.
The Portuguese tried to legitimize and strengthen their position of trade and settlement by creating land grants (which were called prazos).
It so happened historically that in Mozambique, Mozambique became the center of the slave trade. Chiefs central Africa They brought prisoners of war here, and often their fellow tribesmen. At some stage, the tribes began to fight among themselves only in order to seize the “goods” and sell them to Mozambique. Arabs, Europeans, as well as traders from India brought people here to sell.
The Portuguese gradually expanded their influence in the region, but in fact power was concentrated in the hands of individual settlers and officials who received broad rights. The Portuguese could have completely conquered the region if they had taken the Muslim fort of Jesus on the island of Mombasa. However, the Portuguese government relied on the development of trade with India and the colonization of Brazil. Gradually, the Arabs pushed the Portuguese to the south, taking away part of the northern possessions in the region. In the 18th century, the British colony of South Africa and French Madagascar developed, which became significant players in the region, partially taking away Portuguese influence
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Portuguese handed over the administration of most of Mozambique to large private companies such as the Mozambique Company, the Zambezia Company and the Niassa Company. All these companies were controlled and financed mainly by the British. Although slavery was legally abolished in Mozambique, late XIX centuries, companies employed policies of forced cheap labor, often forcing Africans to work in nearby mines and plantations. The richest "Zambezia Company" took over security in the region and created military posts to protect its property. Private companies built roads and ports to bring their goods to market, including a railway linking what is now Zimbabwe and the Mozambican port of Beira.
However, by the middle of the 20th century, the work of companies became less and less productive and, no longer having government support, companies by the middle of the 20th century worked only in the agricultural sector
War of Independence and FRELIMO actions
Communist and anti-colonial philosophy began to spread throughout Africa. Secrets began to emerge political movements in support of the independence of Mozambique. The leaders of the movements argued that since the government acts exclusively in the interests of the Portuguese population of Mozambique and does not pay due attention to the indigenous population.
The indigenous population suffered from discrimination and social pressure. Among the black population in Mozambique, ideas have become popular that they receive too few opportunities and resources to escape poverty. Indeed, at that time the Portuguese population of Mozambique lived incomparably better. The Portuguese government has responded to emerging partisan movements and began to improve conditions for the black population of Mozambique. However, it was already too late
The Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) began a guerrilla campaign against Portuguese rule in September 1964. This conflict - along with two others already started in the other Portuguese colonies of Angola and Portuguese Guinea - became part of the so-called Portuguese colonial war(1961 - 1974). From a Portuguese military point of view regular army exercised control settlements while guerrilla forces sought to undermine their influence in the rural and tribal areas of the north and west. As part of their response to FRELIMO, the Portuguese government began to devote more attention creating favorable conditions for social development and economic growth.
The first years of independence
The Mozambique Liberation Front took over the territory after 10 years of war. The end of the war was the coup in Lisbon (Carnation Revolution of April 1974). Within a year, most of Mozambique's 250,000 Portuguese residents had left. Some were expelled for political reasons, some fled in fear. Mozambique gained independence from Portugal on June 25, 1975. The law on the deportation of the Portuguese was adopted on the initiative of the not-so-famous revolutionary figure Armando Guebuza. The Portuguese had to leave the country within 24 hours and each person could take no more than 20 kg with them. luggage It was prohibited to export precious metals, money and financial assets.
Civil War
The new state was headed by President Samora Machel, who established a one-party state based on the principles of Marsism. The new government received some military and diplomatic support from Cuba and the Soviet Union and began purging the opposition. Soon after independence, civil war breaks out. The country was plagued from 1977 to 1992 by a long and brutal battle between the opposition forces of the anti-communist Mozambican National Resistance (MNF) rebels and the FRELIMO regime. The first decades of Mozambican independence were characterized by civil war coupled with sabotage from the neighboring states of Rhodesia and South Africa. All this was combined with ineffective policies, decentralized planning and economic collapse. This period was also marked by the exodus of Portuguese citizens and the state privatization of Portuguese heritage. All this ended with a drop in production rates, a lack of investment in the economy, the nationalization of private enterprises and hunger.
The new civil war developed according to an already familiar scenario. Once again the official government, represented by FRELIMO, controlled the cities, while the opposition controlled rural areas in a number of provinces. This war is characterized by massive violations of human rights on both sides of the conflict. The MNF wreaked havoc through terror and attacks on civilians. The central government executed tens of thousands of people in an attempt to extend its control throughout the country. At the same time, “re-education camps” appeared in Mozambique, where thousands died.
The MNF proposed a peace agreement: the northern part becomes the independent Republic of Rhombezia, while the southern part remains part of Mozambique. FRELIMO refused, insisting on the indivisible sovereignty of the entire country. During the war, approximately one million Mozambican citizens died, and another 1.7 million took refuge in neighboring countries. and several million more internally displaced persons.
On October 19, 1986, President Samora Machel was returning from an international meeting in Zambia in the presidential Tu-134 aircraft. This flight was the last for the president - the plane crashed into Mount Lebombo. Only ten people survived the crash. But the president and a number of key officials died. The Soviet delegation to the UN reported that the plane was deliberately destroyed by South Africans.
The new president, Joaquim Chissano, began his reign with reforms. For example, he switched from Marxism to capitalism and began negotiations with the Ministry of Taxation. Under him it was adopted in 1990 new constitution, which implied a multi-party system political system based on a market economy and free elections. The civil war ended in October 1992 after peace accords were signed in Rome, mediated by the Christian Council of Mozambique.
Already in 1993, more than one and a half million Mozambican refugees returned from neighboring Malawi, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Zambia, South Africa and Tanzania.
Democratic period in Mozambique
In 1994, Mozambique held its first free elections. Most of political parties recognized them as fair, although there were some who disagreed. Joaquim Chissano and the FRELIMO party won the elections. The official opposition was the MNF, led by Afonso Dhlakama.
In 1995, Mozambique joined the Commonwealth of Nations.
By mid-1995, some 1.7 million refugees had returned home. Another 4 million who were forced to move within the country were able to return home.
In December 1999, FRELIMO won the elections for the second time. The MNF accused opponents of fraud and threatened to start a civil war again, but the threats were not translated into reality.
In 2000, a powerful cyclone caused flooding, killing hundreds of people and destroying infrastructure. During this period, information appeared in society that FRELIMO leaders appropriated a significant part of foreign aid. Well-known journalist Carlos Cardoso, who was investigating such frauds, was killed, and the killers were never found.
In 2001, Chissano refused to run for a third term, criticizing the president of Zimbabwe and Zambia, who had already ruled for 3-4 terms. The new president was the candidate from the FRELIMO party, Armando Guebuza, who received 64% of the votes, while the opponent from the MNF received 2 times less. Armando Guebuza was president for 10 years, and in 2015 the post was taken by Filipe Fusi.
In 2013, a new rebellion began on the part of the MNF. Basic fighting went to northern regions Mozambique. In 2014, a truce was concluded for elections, but after them political crisis only intensified. The MNF does not recognize the election results and demands control over 6 provinces where, in their opinion, they won. About 12,000 fled to Malawi. Doctors Without Borders reports on the rise of the death penalty and sexual violence in the conflict zone.
Geography and climate
Geography
The territory of Mozambique is 801,537 sq. km and is comparable in territory to Turkey. Mozambique is the 36th largest country in the world. Mozambique is located on the southeast coast of Africa. It has common boundaries with Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and South Africa.
The country consists of two topographic regions on the Zambezi River. North of the Zambezi River, the narrow coastal strip gives way to hills and low plateaus. South of the river, lowlands are more common.
Mozambique has five main rivers, the largest and most important of which is the Zambezi. There are four lakes in Mozambique: Nyasa (or Malawi), Shirva, Cahora Basa and Chiuta.
The largest cities are Maputo, Beira, Nampula, Tete, Quelimane, Chimoio, Pemba, Inhambane, Xai-Xai.
Climate
Mozambique has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: from October to March there is a rainy season, and from April to September there is a dry season. Climatic conditions vary depending on altitude. In the north of Mozambique there is a lot of rainfall, and towards the south the amount decreases. Annual quantity precipitation ranges from 500 to 900 depending on the region. The national average is 590 mm. Precipitation Cyclones occur during the rainy season. The average temperature in the capital Maputo ranges from 13 to 24 degrees in July to 22-31 degrees in February.
Flora and Fauna of Mozambique
Mozambique is home to 740 bird species, of which 20 are endangered. It is home to over 200 endemic mammals, some of which 15 are threatened with extinction.
Mozambique has specially protected wildlife areas that include thirteen forest reserves, seven national parks, six nature reserves, three frontier reserves and three wildlife reserves.
Political structure
Internal political structure
Mozambique is a multi-party democracy under the 1990 Constitution. Executive branch consists of the President, Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
The judiciary consists of Supreme Court, provincial, district and municipal courts. You can participate in elections from the age of 18.
Foreign policy
For a long time, the basis of Mozambique's foreign policy was the desire to separate from Portugal. On the world political stage, Mozambique is a young but peace-loving state. The basis of Mozambique's foreign policy is to maintain good relations with neighbors and expansion of trade relations
In the 1970s and early 80s, Mozambique's foreign policy was tied to the civil wars in Rhodesia and South Africa. Also unwittingly, Mozabique was one of the spheres of influence of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
As well as superpower competition and the Cold War. The Mozambican government refused to impose sanctions against Rhodesia, despite UN pressure.
In the years immediately following its independence, Mozambique received significant assistance from some Western countries, mainly from the Scandinavians. The Soviet Union and its allies became the first economic, military and political supporters Mozambique. The course began to change in 1983; in 1984, Mozambique joined the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Western aid Scandinavian countries from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland quickly replaced Soviet support. And Finland is becoming an increasingly important source of development assistance. Italy also supports Mozambique as a result of its key role in the peace process. Relations with Portugal are very important for Mozambique because Portuguese investors play a huge role in the state's economy.
In 1996, Mozambique founded the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CLPL) and is developing ties with Portuguese-speaking countries.
Administrative division
Mozambique consists of ten provinces. The capital Maputo is considered the 11th province. The provinces are divided into 129 districts. Since 1998, Mozambique has created 53 municipalities.
Economy
The official currency is the new Metical (since November 2016. 1 dollar = 75 new Metical), which replaced the old one. 1000 old meticals were equal to 1 new one. In Mozambique, it is also possible to use the US dollar, euro and South African rand in transactions. The minimum wage in Mozambique is $60 per month. Mozambique is a member of the Southern African Development Community. The rapid pace of economic growth has alarmed the World Bank. In 2007, they declared that Mozambique's economy was a bubble. However, the IMF said that “Mozambique is sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest success story.” However, despite the stable growth of GDP, the chronic malnutrition of children is paradoxical. Mozambique's GDP growth is 8% per year and yet the state remains one of the poorest and most underdeveloped in the world.
Rebuilding the country
After the Civil War and successful economic reforms led to at a high pace growth. By 2013, 80% of the population was employed in agriculture. In most cases these are small-scale subsistence farming.
In 2013, the BBC reported that Portuguese were returning to Mozasbique due to economic growth in the country and recession in Portugal.
Economic reforms
As a result of the reforms, more than 1,200 state-owned enterprises (mostly small ones) were privatized. Preparations are currently underway for the privatization of a number of parastatals, including railways, energy industry, telecommunications and ports.
In addition, customs duties were reduced and customs administration was reformed. The government introduced value added tax in 1999. The commercial code was reformed in 2003-2004.
Corruption
Mozambique's economy has been rocked by a series of corruption scandals. In July 2011, the government proposed a series of new anti-corruption laws to criminalize embezzlement. The government was prompted to take this step by numerous cases of theft. public funds. In 2015 and 2016, two ministers were convicted in Mozambique.
Mozambique ranks 116 out of 178 on the Corruption Index. According to a 2015 USAID report, “The scale of corruption in Mozambique is a cause for alarm.”
In March 2012, the government of Southern Mozambique's Inhambane province discovered misappropriation of public funds by one of the drug enforcement officials, Calisto Alberto Tomo. It turned out that he stole more than 260,000 meticals between 2008 and 2010.
The government has taken a number of measures to combat corruption and world experts note positive changes in this direction.
Natural resources
In 2012, large gas reserves were discovered in Mozambique. This discovery could completely change the state's economy.
Tourism and recreation in Mozambique
Mozambique attracts tourists who prefer an unconventional holiday. Natural beauty, wildlife and historical heritage countries are opening up opportunities for beach, cultural and eco tourism.
Water resources
Mozambique's water supply and sanitation levels are at catastrophic level. 51% of people have access to an equipped water source; only 25% of the population has access to adequate sanitation. In 2007, the government adopted a strategy to improve water supply and sanitation in rural areas, where 62% of the population lives.
The water supply issue has received significant political attention. 87% of infrastructure investments in this area are financed from outside Mozambique. The investors are the World Bank, the African Development Bank, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA.
Demographic picture
45% of Mozambique's population lives in two provinces: Zambezia Nampula. Approximately four million Makua live in the northern part of the country. The Sena and Ndau peoples represent a significant portion in the Zambezi Valley. 97.8% of the country's population are members of the Bantu people. The rest of the population is white Europeans or Euro-Africans. There are also 45,000 people of Indian origin living in Mozambique.
During the colonial period, small numbers of Portuguese lived in all regions of the country. In 1975, there were 360,000 people with Portuguese blood living in the country. According to various estimates, between 7,000 and 12,000 Chinese live in Mozambique.
Fertility is 5.9 children per woman. Moreover, in rural districts this coefficient is 6.6, and in urban districts 4.5
Language of Mozambique
Portuguese is the official and most widely spoken language of the nation. It is spoken by 50.3% of the population. Most Mozambicans living in cities speak Portuguese as their first language.
Mozambique has a large number of speakers of different Bantu dialects. However, these data are poorly assessed because they have not been subjected to proper research and analysis. In addition to these languages, lingua franca has a minor spread. In addition, Swahili languages are widely spoken in the north of the country.
Swazi is also used in small quantities on the border with Swaziland. Arabs and Chinese living in Mozambique mainly speak Portuguese. The Hindi language is widely spoken among Indians.
Religions
According to religious composition, the inhabitants of Mozambique are divided into (according to data from 2007): (Unsorted list, Blea!)
— 56.1% Christians
— 17.9% Muslims
— 7.3% other religions
18.7% atheists
There are 12 Roman Catholic dioceses in Mozambique. In different dioceses there are from 5.8 to 32.5% Catholics (% of the local population).
Since 1890, Methodists began to preach in Mozambique. The United Methodist Church has 150,000 members from 24 counties. Among the features of the church: every year the church appoints a new pastor.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is increasing its presence in Mozambique. The first missionaries arrived in 1999. By 2015, more than 8,000 people professed this Christian movement.
Muslims live mainly in the north of the country. There are two national Islamic organizations: Conselho Islâmico de Moçambique and Congresso Islâmico de Moçambique. In addition there are Pakistani and Indian associations, as well as some Shia communities.
Education
Since independence from Portugal in 1975, school construction and student teacher training have not kept pace with population growth. Especially after the Mozambican civil war (1977-1992). In the post-war period, the number of students, due to stability, reached its maximum, which is why the quality of education suffers. All Mozambicans are required by law to attend school until entry level; However, many children in Mozambique do not go to primary school because they have to work due to plight families. In 2007, one million children were still not in school. Most of these children are from poor rural families. Almost half of all grades in Mozambique were still incomplete.
Girls' enrollment increased from 3 million in 2002 to 4.1 million in 2006. At the same time, the completion rate increased from 31,000 to 90,000. Very few children even finish primary school.
After grade 7, students must pass national exams to gain admission to high school(from 8th to 10th grade). There are very few places at Mozambican universities. Therefore, most students who graduate from school do not immediately go to study at university. Many take jobs as teachers or are unemployed. There are also institutes that provide more vocational training. They specialize in agricultural, technical and pedagogical fields. You can also study there instead of school up to university (analogous to Russian colleges/secondary schools).
After Mozambique gained independence, citizens of this country are still equal rights can study in Portuguese schools, institutes and universities.
According to 2010 estimates, the literacy rate in Mozambique is 56.1% (70.8% women and 42.8% men).
Culture
Cultural identity
Due to the long history together and the fact that Mozambique was under Portuguese rule, the basis of the culture is Portuguese and Catholicism. But since most of Mozambique's population is Bantu, the culture is largely original, African, although it is influenced by Portuguese. It should be noted that the opposite influence also occurs: Mozambican food, traditions, music and cinema penetrate into Portuguese society.
Art
The Makonda people are known for their wood carvings and the art of creating intricate masks. They distinguish two types of carvings: shetani (evil spirits), which depict elegant tall characters and ujamaa, depicting realistic faces and figures. These figures have a special meaning and tell the story of the fate of many generations of the Makonda people.
IN last years During the colonial period, Mozambican culture reflected oppression by the colonial power and became a symbol of resistance. After independence in 1975 modern Art has entered a new phase. Two of the best-known and most influential contemporary Mozambican artists are the artist Malangatana Ngwenyu and the sculptor Alberto Chissano. Art in the 80s and 90s reflects political struggle, civil war, suffering, famine and strife.
Dancing is very popular throughout Mozambique. They are all very intricate. There are many different types of dances from different tribes. As a rule, they have a ritual meaning. For example, the Chopi dance imitates a battle. It is danced by people dressed in animal skins. And Makua men perform their dance in colorful costumes and masks. The dance is performed on special pillars around the village for several hours. Among women in the north, the Tufo dance is popular and is performed during Islamic holidays.
Mozambican cuisine
During their almost 500 years of rule, the Portuguese had a significant influence on the cuisine of Mozambique. It is based on crops and cashew nuts. French buns, first brought here by the Portuguese, are extremely popular in the country. Popular spices in the kitchen are pepper, garlic, onion, bay leaf, bell pepper, and paprika. The Portuguese brought wine, corn, millet, potatoes, rice, and sugar cane to these regions. Many modern Portuguese dishes are popular in Mozambique.
Mozabican media
Newspapers have relatively low circulation prices, due to high newspaper prices and low level literacy. The most popular newspapers are Noticias and Diário de Moçambique and the weekly Domingo (all state-owned newspapers). Their circulation is distributed mainly in Maputo. It should be noted that in recent years the number of private newspapers with critical views of the government has increased significantly.
Radio programs are the most influential media in the country due to their accessibility. State radio stations are more popular than private ones
Mozambique's own television is represented by such channels as STV, TIM and TVM Televisão Moçambique. Cable and satellite television are also available in Mozambique, which allows you to watch TV channels from all over the world
Music
Mozambican music serves many purposes, ranging from religious expression to traditional ceremonies. Musical instruments usually self made. In particular, Mozambique uses drums made from wood and animal skin and lupembe, a wind instrument made from animal horn or wood. Another very interesting instrument is the marimba. She is very popular among the Chopi people, who are renowned as the best dancers and musicians in Mozambique.
Sport
In terms of sports, Mozambique is somewhat similar to Russia. Here football is the most popular sport and the team of this glorious African country disgraces his flag over and over again.
In the north there is the Nyasa plateau (average heights 500–1000 m, but individual peaks rise to 2000 m), plunging towards the lake of the same name; in the west and north-west of the country there are the crystalline plateaus of Mozambique, Angoni, Motabeli with the highest point - Mount Binga (2436 m). In the southwest, near the border with South Africa, rise the volcanic Lebombo Mountains. The large Zambezi and Limpopo rivers and many smaller rivers (Lurio, Savi, Ligonya, etc.) flow through the territory of Mozambique, replete with rapids and waterfalls within the mountainous part. The northwestern part of the country is the coast of the giant border Lake Nyasa; Lake Chilwa is also located on the border with Malawi.
The climate of the north of the country is close to equatorial: temperatures are high all year round (25–28 °C), precipitation falls 1300–1500 mm per year. To the south, the climate changes to a tropical trade wind: average annual temperatures drop to 20–22 °C, and precipitation is also less - 500–1000 mm per year. The wet season lasts from November to April–May. On the plateaus of the north, light forests are widespread rainforests miombo, in high areas there are mountain forests in which Mlanja pine and podocarpus are found. South of the Zambezi River, tall grass savannas with isolated groups of acacias and baobabs predominate; in southern Mozambique, vegetation called “mopaniveld”: broad-leaved mopani trees, acacias, and other low-growing trees form a forest savanna that sheds its leaves in the dry season. IN river valleys humid gallery forests intertwined with lianas have been preserved, and mangrove forests along the coast. Large mammals - elephants, hippopotamuses, kaffir buffaloes and other ungulates, lions, white rhinoceroses are preserved mainly in national parks, the largest of which are Gorongosa, Marrumeu, Maputo.
Population
Almost the entire population of Mozambique (more than 28.8 million people) are peoples who speak Bantu languages: Makua, Tsonga, Malawi, Makonde and others. The majority of residents (80%) adhere to local animist cults, the rest are Catholic Christians and Muslims. In Mozambique, there are four economic and cultural types. Along the coast, the influence of Swahili culture remains, influenced by Islam. The population here is engaged in tropical agriculture combined with fishing and crafts - silver chasing, weaving, shell products. The Makua, Yao and Malawi peoples, who were influenced by Islam, preserved ancient African traditions and are engaged in slash-and-burn agriculture and cattle breeding (crafts are poorly developed). The Makonde have developed a very unique way of life: agriculture is combined with hunting and beekeeping, wood carving is developed (small sculptures are famous). The dances performed in ritual masks are original. Other nations have experienced too much strong influence different waves of colonization and almost lost their original culture. The capital of the country, Maputo, grew up on the site of a Portuguese fort founded in 1781, but almost no ancient buildings have survived. Other major cities are Beira, Nampula, Tete, Lishinga, Inhambane.
Story
When Portuguese sailors reached Mozambique in 1498, Arab trading settlements already existed on the coast. In the 16th century, Portuguese settlements appeared on the territory of Mozambique, which became bases on trade routes V South Asia. Later, white people began to penetrate into the interior of the country in search of gold and slaves. Although Portuguese influence in the region expanded, power rested with individual settlers who had considerable autonomy. Portugal paid more attention to more profitable trade with India and Southeast Asia, as well as the colonization of Brazil.
By the beginning of the 20th century, Portugal had ceded control large territories his colony to three private British companies: Mozambique Company, Zambezi Company and Nyasa Company. These companies built railways that connected Mozambique with neighboring British colonies and provided cheap supplies. labor force plantations and mines of the countries of the region.
After World War II, Portugal did not follow the example of other European countries and did not grant independence to its colonies. They were declared “overseas territories”, and migration from the metropolis continued there. In the context of the decolonization of most countries of the continent and the growing influence of national liberation movements in the international arena, processes of political consolidation of opponents of the regime began in the Portuguese possessions. In 1962, several anti-colonial political groups united to form the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), which in September 1964 initiated an armed conflict against the Portuguese colonial authorities. From the very beginning, the front maintained close contacts with the rebel groups of Angola (MPLA) and Guinea-Bissau (PAIGC).
FRELIMO, relying on bases in Tanzania and the support of the USSR and China, carried out active military operations in northern regions country and was able to hold party congresses in the territory under its control, however, in general, military experts assess the outcome of the confrontation by the mid-70s as a draw.
Following an armed coup in Portugal known as the Carnation Revolution, Mozambique gained independence on June 25, 1975. Under these conditions, FRELIMO established a one-party system with a focus on the countries of the socialist camp, dissolved religious educational establishments, dismantled traditional system management based on leaders, introduced a planned economy, which process was accompanied major nationalization, poorly conceived agrarian reform and the expulsion of all Portuguese settlers, which deprived the new country of almost its entire corps of qualified specialists. With the support of Southern Rhodesia and South Africa, an armed opposition to the regime formed in the country, a civil war began, which was accompanied by significant casualties among civilians, extensive damage to infrastructure, and migration a large number refugees. Hostilities ended only in 1992, after the political picture of the region changed.
After the signing of the peace treaty and the transition of the opposition to the political space in Mozambique, there is a struggle between the former antagonists of the civil war, and now the giants of the political scene - FRELIMO and RENAMO, relying largely on the largest ethnic groups in the country; RENAMO draws support from the north, their opponents from the south. FRELIMO consistently wins parliamentary and presidential elections.
Despite the economic achievements noted by the international community, Mozambique continues to remain one of the poorest countries peace.
Economy
Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world. Nevertheless, it is classified as a country with a dynamically developing economy.
Agriculture is the backbone of Mozambique's economy. Its share in GDP reaches 22%. 36 million hectares of land are suitable for cultivation, but only 5.4 million hectares are cultivated. 120 thousand hectares are irrigated. The share of agricultural products in exports is 25%. Livestock farming is concentrated in the south of the country. Rice, peanuts, sugarcane, oranges, cola, papaya, etc. are grown.
The civil war in the country dealt a severe blow to industry. Many roads were destroyed, mines and mines were flooded. Since 1993 it has been carried out economic program, based on liberalization and privatization.
There are deposits of iron ore, coal, natural gas and bauxite. Big role plays the capital of neighboring South Africa. European countries and Australia are involved in the development of mineral deposits.
The manufacturing industry is mainly represented by enterprises for processing agricultural raw materials (for example, cashew nuts) and soap factories. The sugar industry, destroyed by the civil war, is being restored. An aluminum smelter, breweries, and paper, cement and glass production plants were opened. In 2000, the Fiat car assembly plant began operating. The textile industry is developing.
MOZAMBIQUE
(Republic of Mozambique)
Geographical position. Mozambique is a country in southeast Africa. In the north it borders with Tanzania, in the south and southwest with South Africa and Swaziland, in the west with Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. In the east it is washed by the Mozambique Strait.
Square. The territory of Mozambique covers 799,380 square meters. km.
Great cities, Administrative division. The capital of Mozambique is Maputo. The largest cities: Maputo (1098 thousand people), Beira (300 thousand people), Nampula (203 thousand people). Administrative division of the country: 10 provinces.
Political system
Mozambique republic. The head of state and government is the president. The legislative body is the unicameral Assembly of the Republic.
Relief. Two-fifths of the country's territory is occupied by coastal plains. In the center of the country there are several plateaus reaching highest point 2,436 m (Mount Binga) near western border. The Namuli mountain range in the north of the country rises to 2,419 m. In the northeast lies the Angonia Plateau.
Geological structure and minerals. The country's subsoil contains reserves of coal, titanium, iron ore, bauxite, and copper.
Climate. The climate of Mozambique is tropical. In summer the average monthly temperature is about +27°C, in winter about +20°C. The rainy season lasts from April to October.
Inland waters. The country's numerous rivers originate in the mountains in the west and flow into the Mozambique Channel. The main river is the Zambezi, and the largest rivers are the Ruvuma, Savi and Limpopo. The country also contains part of Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi).
Soils and vegetation. About 20% of the country's territory is covered with forests. Dense jungles grow in the river valleys.
Animal world. Among the animals, the most notable are zebra, bull, rhinoceros, giraffe, lion, and elephant.
Population and language
The population of Mozambique is about 18.641 million people, average density population about 23 people per 1 sq. km. Most of the population lives in the coastal areas along the Zambezi River and on the Angonia Plateau. Ethnic groups: Ma-kua-lomwe - 47%, Tsonga - 23%, Malawi, Shona, Yao. Languages: Portuguese (official), Makua, Malawi, Shona, Tsonga, Swahili.
Religion
Pagans - 60%, Christians - 30%, Muslims - 10%.
Brief historical essay
Before in East Africa The Portuguese arrived in 1498, and the coast was occupied by the city-states of Zenj. In the 16th century the coast of modern Mozambique almost completely fell under Portuguese rule. By the 17th century The slave trade led to the complete decline of the Mutapa Empire, the most powerful among the Bantu states. Colonization of the country took place gradually. In the 20th century Colonization policy remained virtually unchanged and industry in Mozambique did not develop.
On June 25, 1975, Mozambique gained independence. For 15 years after this, there was a civil war in the country, which further weakened the country’s already not very developed economy.
Brief Economic Sketch
Mozambique is an agricultural country. They cultivate cotton, sugar cane, coconut palm, tobacco, coffee, corn, cassava, peanuts, sorghum, etc. Livestock. Fishing. Mining of coal, bauxite, copper, tantalum and iron ores. Enterprises for processing agricultural raw materials. Logging. Exports: shrimp, cashew nuts, cotton, sugar, timber.
The monetary unit is metical.
Brief sketch of culture
Art and architecture. Maputo. Museum of Natural History. Tete. Catholic Council 1563