Mozambique
Etymology and History of Mozambique
Mozambique is an island country. Bantu people were the first who settled on the island. It is considered that they came through Zambezi River valley and settled into the coastal areas between the 1st and 4th century AD. Bantu people were ironworkers and farmer.
In 1498, Portuguese explorer came in Mozambique. Portuguese expanded their influence and exercised their power through the individual settlers. By the 20th century the administration of the Portuguese had been shifted in the many of the large companies such as the Zambezi Company, Mozambique Company and the Niassa Company.
Previous Medals and Records of Mozambique
Mozambique has won two medals in Summer Olympics:
- Track & Field- one bronze medal in 1996 and one gold medal in 2000.
Demography of Mozambique
The north central region of Nampula and Zambezia covers the most population of the Mozabique. Being a four million in population, Macua is the dominant group of the north part of the nation where as the Zambezi valley shelters mostly the Sena & Shona groups. The southern Mozambique is dominated by Shangaan or Tsonga group. The other groups of the country are:
- Makonde
- Yao
- Swahili
- Tonga
- Chopi
- Nguni
The 99.66 % of the total population of Mozambique is covered by Bantu People and rest of 0.34% includes:
- 0.06% European
- 0.2% Euro-European
- 0.08% indians
The official language of the country is Portuguese and it is widely spoken in the nation. But the Bantu people speak different languages such as Makhuwa, Ndau, Sena and Shangaan.
Government and Politics at Mozambique
Mozambique exercises the democratic government and its democracy is based on multi party system. Executive branch of the company is comprised with a president, a prime minister and a Council of Ministers. The nation includes two assemblies- the municipal assemblies and the National Assembly. The judiciary of the country is having following courts:
- The Supreme Court
- Provincial Court
- District Court
- Municipal Court
Mozambique Culture
The culture of Mozambique is diverse because of various groups living on the island. Makonde, located in the north of the country, is famous for the art of masks and sculpture where as the Chopi, located in south-central coast, is known for the traditional and complex dance and the musical arrangement. The traditional visual arts of the country reflect the native’s interest and the respect for the country’s art. The performance arts of the nation reveal the social expression as well as the daily religious activities of the people.
Education in Mozambique
Under the Portuguese rule, poor Mozambicans had limited opportunities for education. This is the reason maximums of Bantu people were illiterate and even many of them unable to speak Portuguese. After the independence, country got a noticeable development in the field of education. The enrollment rate in the primary schools increased up to two-third that resulted as the great reduction in the illiteracy rate. Primary and the secondary education became compulsory in the country.
In Mozambique’s education system, the students have to clear the standardized national exams to take admission in the secondary schools.
Economy and Infrastructure of Mozambique
The economic growth rate of Mozambique has in creased from 1993 to 1999. During 1993 – 1999, the growth rate was estimated as 6.7% and during 1997 – 1999 in averaged over 10 percent per year. The GDP of the country slowed in 2000 due to devastating floods. And the full recovery could be attained in the year 2001 with the economic growth rate of 14.8 %.
In spite of the fewer infrastructures in the agriculture, Mozambique produced various crops that are exported. The major exports of the country are:
- Cashews
- Shrimp
- Fish
- Copra
- Sugar
- Cotton
- Tea
- Citrus fruits.
Mozambique Neighboring Countries
- Tanzania
- Malawi
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Swaziland
- South Africa
Mozambique Geographical Setting
Mozambique covers the 309,475 sq miles of total area. The island lies at Africa’s south coast. Zambezi River divides the country into two main topographical regions. The north part of Zambezi River includes the hilly area whereas the west part is rugged highland including Namuli highland, Niassa highland, Angonia highland, Makonde plateau and Tete highland.
Mozambique Freedom
Portuguese ruled the country for around five centuries that came to an end in 1975 when Mozambique became independent.
Mozambique Great Person
José Da Silveira, a writer and artist
Mozambique Capital City
- Maputo is the Mozambique capital city.
Mozambique Total Population:
Mozambique totoal Population is 19.4 million
