Facts About Mozambique

Mozambique, also known as the ‘Republic of Mozambique’, is a country that finds itself in the continent of Africa. It’s bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east and has for its immediate neighbors the countries of Tanzania to the north, South Africa to the south west and Zimbabwe to the west. Mozambique also has neighbors in the countries of Malawi and Zambia that border the country in its northwestern region. Mozambique was first discovered by the Portuguese at the end of the 15^th century who later on colonized the country in 1505. The country however after years and years of Portuguese rule managed to break loose from foreign power when it gained independence from the Portuguese in the year 1975.  The years that followed sadly witnessed an intense civil war in the country; war so bad that it almost bought Mozambique to a state of complete disarray. Take your step and read on to know more about the country of Mozambique.

Interesting And Fun Facts About Mozambique 

• The country of Mozambique, in terms of geographical area occupied, is only smaller than twice the size of the state of California in the United States of America.
• Monte Binga in Mozambique enjoys the distinction of being the highest peak in the country. It stands at a height of 2436m and is located in the Chimanimani just a few kilometers east of the border that separates Mozambique from Zimbabwe.
• For geographical features, Mozambique has mostly coastal lowlands in its heart, mountains in the west and high plateaus in the northwest.
• Portuguese is the official language in the country of Mozambique. However, Swahili, Sena and Makhuwa are spoken commonly across the length and breadth of the country.
• Did you know that Mozambique Island, a comparatively small island off the coast of Mozambique, is a World Heritage Site?
• Lake Niassa in Mozambique makes for one of the largest lakes in the continent of Africa.
• Mozambique currently functions as a presidential republic and is headed by President Armando Guebuza and Prime Minister Aires Ali.
• Mozambican metical is the official currency of the country of Mozambique and Mozambican makes for the country’s demonym.
• The city of Maputo enjoys the distinction of being the capital city of Mozambique. Maputo also happens to be the largest city in Mozambique.
• Mozambique is officially known as the ‘Republic of Mozambique’, but more popularly known as Mozambique. Locally, Mozambique is known as Republica de Mocambique or simply Mocambiqu. The country was formerly known as Portuguese East Africa.
• Did you know that the Portuguese who first arrived at Mozambique at the end of the fifteenth century were led by the famous explorer Vasco da Gama?
• Unfortunately for the country of Mozambique, it has to put up with severe droughts and destructive cyclones and floods that hit the country’s central and southern provinces.
• Most of Mozambique’s population comprises of Christians, while Muslims make for a sizeable chunk too.
• Mozambique faced a period of uncertainty and turmoil from the years 1977 to 1992 when war and famine killed around a million people in the country.
• Although Lake Niassa is a part of the country of Mozambique, the country still shares it with the countries of Tanzania and Malawi.
• Recently in 2008, thousands of Mozambicans were forced to leave their homes for the sake of higher ground when the mighty Zambezi River overflowed its banks.