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M
ozambique is a country in Southern Africa and
got its independence in 1975 after almost five
centuries of being a Portuguese colony. After in-
dependence, the country witnessed a prolonged civil war
which hindered development.
The ruling party, Front for the Liberation of Mozambique
(FRELIMO) formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a
new constitution providing for multi-party elections and
a free market economy was passed. A UN-negotiated
peace agreement between FRELIMO and Rebel Mo-
zambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended
the fighting in 1992. In December 2004, the country went
through a delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO
stepped down after 18 years in office. His elected succes-
sor, Armando Emilio GUEBUZA continued the economic
policies that have encouraged the inflow of foreign in-
vestments and economic growth in the country.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area:
799,380 km²
Population:
23.5 million (2012 estimate)
Capital:
Maputo (population 1.5 million 2012 estimate)
People:
Indigenous ethnic groups and small minorities of
European and Asian descent.
Climatic condition:
Summer with highest temperature of
38 C and Winter with lowest temperature of 5 C.
Languages:
Portuguese (official), 16 African languages
and respective dialects.
Religion(s):
Roman Catholic (30.3%), other Christian (in-
cluding independent African churches 36%), Muslim
(18%). Elements of indigenous religion are widespread.
Currency:
Metical (MT). Exchange rate $1 = 28Mtn (May
2012)
Major political parties:
Frente de Libertação de Moçam-
bique (Frelimo), ResistênciaNacional de Moçambique
(Renamo), MovimentoDemocratica de Mocambique
(MDM)
Head of State:
President Armando Guebuza
Membership of international groupings/organisations:
The
Commonwealth; AU (African Union); SADC (Southern Afri-
can Development Community); the Organisation of the Is-
lamic Conference (OIC); the Non-Aligned Movement; the
Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP); the
Organisation of Portuguese-Speaking African Countries
(PALOP); la Francophonie (as observer); and the Indian
Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-
ARC).
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