Mozambique is a southeastern African country known for its long coastline along the Indian Ocean, diverse culture, and rich history. Here is a comprehensive overview:
Located on the southeastern coast of Africa, Mozambique shares borders with Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and South Africa. Its coastline is defined by the Indian Ocean, which includes the Mozambique Channel separating it from Madagascar.
The cultural landscape of Mozambique is incredibly diverse due to its historical trade links, colonial past, and the influence of neighboring countries. Traditional music like Marrabenta, dance, and storytelling are integral to Mozambican culture. The country also has a rich tapestry of languages, with Portuguese being the official language alongside numerous indigenous languages.
Mozambique's economy is largely based on agriculture, with significant contributions from fisheries, forestry, and tourism. Recent discoveries of natural gas in the Rovuma Basin have the potential to transform the economy, although challenges with infrastructure and governance remain.
Since independence, Mozambique has been a one-party state under FRELIMO until the early 1990s when it transitioned to a multi-party system. The government structure includes a President, who is both the head of state and government, a Prime Minister, and a legislative assembly.