Facts about Mozambique

Mozambique At A Glance

• Size: Approximately 800,000 sq km's
• Coastline: 2500km of coastline onto the Indian Ocean with amazing coral reefs off shore many of which are still largely unexplored
• Highest Peak: Mt Binga in the Chimanimani mountains
• Largest Rivers: The Zambezi and the Limpopo, these are two of the largest in southern Africa
• Bordering Countries: (From north to south) Tanzania; Malawi; Zambia; Zimbabwe; South Africa; Swaziland
• Population: Around 16 million, 80% in rural areas
• Ethnic groups: There are 19 main groups of which the Makua are the largest group; This group has many distinct subgroups
• Temperatures: Temperatures vary around the country and depending on the season but as a guide daytime temperatures vary between 24 °C and 31 °C
• Currency: Metical (Mts, Meticais in plural, pronounced Meticash but often abbreviated to Mets); Most Businesses quote in South African Rand (ZAR) or US Dollars (US$) and both are widely, but not exclusively, accepted around the country

Mozambique In More Detail

Climate & Seasons

Mozambique has a warm, tropical climate, although there are regional differences in climate throughout Mozambique, the highest temperatures are during the rainy season (November to April). April to November form Mozambique's Dry Season when temperatures are more comfortable. February is traditionally a windy month in Mozambique.

Geography

Mozambique covers an area of 800 thousand sq km with more than 2500km of coastline. The northern terrain rises much sooner from the coast and forms mountains and plateaus bordering with Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia

History

The earliest inhabitants of Mozambique are believed to be related to the San people (Bushman) around 1000 BC. In 1498, the Portuguese Vasco de Gama landed in Mozambique en route to India and the Portuguese quickly established control of the Swahili-Arab trading posts. Portugal pulled out almost overnight after the independent Peoples Republic of Mozambique was proclaimed on 25th June 1975 and many years of civil unrest followed. A formal peace agreement was signed in 1992 and Mozambique is now a peaceful country.

The Areas of Mozambique

The Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique consists of a number of islets along the coast and about a dozen islands of which is Ibo Island is the best known. Access by road is difficult but plane and boat charters are available from Pemba. Although all the islands can be visited most have little or no facilities so make sure you take water with you if you are at all unsure.

The Nampula Province is far less visited by tourists than the south. It is home to the historical Ilha de Moçambique, once the capital of Mozambique, and Mozambique's main northern port of Nacala.

Beira is the capital of the Sofala Province and is Mozambique's second largest city. Beira is fairly modern by Mozambique standards and home to Mozambique's busiest port.

This is one of southern Mozambique's most popular holiday destinations offering good beaches, trips to islands in the Bazaruto National Archipelago, fishing charters, diving and snorkelling.

Situated half way between Vilanculos and Inhambane the Pomene Reserve is home to mangroves, dune forests and marine life. Divers should note marine life in this area includes dugongs and turtles. The area is also known for its fishing.

Inhambane is one of Mozambique's historical and charming towns with a number of good beaches nearby including Barra and Tofo. Barra point is also known for its reef, and tofo is good for game fishing, both are popular holiday destinations.

Maputo is the capital city of Mozambique situated in the south of Mozambique.

Ponta do Ouro (or Ponta D'Ouro) is the southernmost tip of Mozambique and is very close to the Kasi border crossing to South Africa. Also very close is Ponta do Malongane.