Mozambique

Mozambique is a country located in southeastern Africa. It has an extensive coastline along the Indian Ocean and is separated from Madagascar by the Mozambique Channel. The capital is Maputo, situated in the southern part of the country.

The country shares borders with Tanzania to the north, and with Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini to the south. The official language is Portuguese, though Bantu languages are widely spoken. The population practices Islam, Christianity, and traditional beliefs.

History

Mozambique's coastlines were part of Indian Ocean maritime trade for centuries, linking East Africa, Arabia, Persia, and India. Coastal cities such as Sofala and Mozambique Island were trading centers. The Portuguese established coastal settlements at the end of the fifteenth century and subsequently built a colonial administration that extended across the entire country.

An armed struggle led by FRELIMO began in 1964, and independence was achieved in 1975. Subsequently, the country entered a civil war between the FRELIMO government and the RENAMO faction, which ended in a peace agreement in the early 1990s. Since then, periodic elections have been held, with FRELIMO remaining in power.

Geography and economy

Mozambique has extensive coastal plains and river valleys, the largest of which is the Zambezi River. The economy depends on agriculture, fishing, mining, and energy. Substantial natural gas reserves are located off the coast in the northern Cabo Delgado province, leading to major investment projects. Ports such as Beira, Nacala, and Maputo serve as trade routes for landlocked countries in the interior.

Contemporary challenges

The northern part of the country, particularly Cabo Delgado, has experienced armed attacks since 2017, causing significant displacement and disruption to some energy projects. The country is also regularly affected by cyclones and flooding from the Indian Ocean, which cause damage to infrastructure and agriculture.