Republica de Mocambique

Origin of Name named for the offshore island of Mozambique, which was apparently named after Mussa al-Bik, an influential Arab slave trader who set himself up as sultan on the island in the 15th century

Location southeastern coast of Africa
Bordered By Tanzania, Swaziland, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi

Area 302,330 sq mi (783,030 sq km)
Greatest Distance N-S 1,100 mi (1,770 km)
Greatest Distance E-W 680 mi (1,094 km)
Highest Point Monte Binga; 7,992 ft (2,436 m)
Lowest Point sea level
Natural Resources coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum, graphite

Nationality Mocambican
Population (June 2015 est) 25,303,113
Largest Cities Maputo, Matola, Beira, Nampula, Chimoio, Nacala, Quelimane, Tete, Xai-Xai, Maxixe
Ethnic Groups Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, other tribal groups
Religions Roman Catholic, Muslim, Zionist Christian, Protestant
Languages Emakhuwa, Portuguese (official), Xichangana, Cisena, Elomwe, Echuwabo, other Mozambican languages

Capital Maputo
Form of Government presidential republic
Present Constitution Adopted November 16, 2004
Chief of State President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi (since January 15, 2015)
Head of Government Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho Do Rosario (since January 17, 2015)
Cabinet appointed by the President
Legislature unicameral Assembly of the Republic
Judiciary Supreme Court, Constitutional Council
Local Administration 10 provinces, 1 city

Currency meticais (MZM)
Per Capita Income $1,200
Industries aluminum, petroleum products, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), textiles, cement, glass, asbestos, tobacco, food, beverages
Agriculture cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, cassava (manioc, tapioca), corn, coconuts, sisal, citrus and tropical fruits, potatoes, sunflowers; beef, poultry
Export Commodities aluminum, prawns, cashews, cotton, sugar, citrus, timber, bulk electricity
Import Commodities machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, chemicals, metal products, foodstuffs, textiles

Independence from Portugal Achieved June 25, 1975
National Holiday Independence Day, June 25
Flag three equal horizontal bands of green (top), black, and yellow with a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the black band is edged in white; centered in the triangle is a yellow five-pointed star bearing a crossed rifle and hoe in black superimposed on an open white book; green represents the riches of the land, white peace, black the African continent, yellow the country's minerals, and red the struggle for independence; the rifle symbolizes defense and vigilance, the hoe refers to the country's agriculture, the open book stresses the importance of education, and the star represents Marxism and internationalism

SEE ALSO
Tanzania
Swaziland
South Africa
Zimbabwe

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This page was last updated on June 25, 2017.