Mozambique Facts and Info

All the information you need before you travel

The main reason you are visiting Mozambique is probably the pristine beaches and exclusive islands. But it's good to know a bit about the country too, its history, language and way of life.

Mozambique has had a troubled and tumultuous history. It was once a coastal trading port for gold, ivory and slaves, mainly between the Middle East, India and Africa. It was colonised somewhat brutally by the Portuguese who fought with the British for control of the trading route. The country gained independence in 1975 and was liberated by FRELIMO under the leadership of Samora Moises Machel. But things did not really improve as the opposition group RENAMO waged a bitter civil war that ravaged the country for almost 20 years. A truce was signed in 1992 and the country has been stable and peaceful since then - travellers have nothing to worry about. We really do believe that this unspoilt gem of Southern Africa is the best place to beat the crowds and relax at the end of your African Safari.

NB: Our consultants have been to Mozambique countless times so they can answer all your questions like what to bring, what the health and visa requirements are - we will do our best to make your trip as easy as possible. Don't delay - contact us to tailormake your trip!

National name: República de Moçambique

President: Armando Guebuza (2005)

Prime Minister: Luisa Diogo (2004)

Area: 309,494 sq mi (801,590 sq km)

Neighbouring countries: Tanzania (north); Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (west) and South Africa and Swaziland (south)

Population: 20,905,585 (growth rate: 1.8%)

Capital and largest city: Maputo, 1,691,000 (metro. area), 1,114,000 (city proper)

Monetary unit: Metical
Exchange rate (August 2008): 1 USD = 24 Meticais

Languages: Portuguese 9% (official; second language of 27%), Emakhuwa 26%, Xichangana 11%, Elomwe 8%, Cisena 7%, Echuwabo 6%, other Mozambican languages 32% (1997)

Useful Portuguese phrases:

Good morning - Bom dia
Good afternoon - Boa tarde
Good evening - Boa noite
Hello - Hola
Goodbye - Até logo
How much - Cuanto custa
I am from - Eu sou de ...
Thank-you - obrigado
Excuse me - Faz favour
Friend - Amigo
How are you? - Como vai?
I am fine - Tudo bom/bem
Toilets - casa da banho

Ethnicity/race: indigenous tribal groups 99.66% (Shangaan, Chokwe, Manyika, Sena, Makua, and others), Europeans 0.06%, Euro-Africans 0.2%, Indians 0.08%

Religions: Traditional 24%, Islam 18%, Zionist Christian 18%, none 23% (1997)

Don't delay - contact us to tailormake your trip!