Mozambique

Mozambique lies in Southeastern Africa, along the Indian Ocean. Its neighbors include South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania. Mozambique is mostly savannah grasslands. The powerful Limpopo and Zambezi Rivers run through the country.

Image of  Mozambique Beach

Mozambique was ruled by Portugal for almost 500 years. During colonial rule, the Portuguese government did little to build roads, supply clean water or install electrical lines. When Mozambique gained its independence in 1974, many Portuguese workers and leaders left the country, leaving it poor and without leadership. Mozambique has endured many years of war and conflict.

Another problem for Mozambique is almost constant natural disasters. The country is prone to both flooding and drought.

Fun Facts

• 24.5 million people live in Mozambique.
• The country has 313,661 square miles of land.
• The main languages include Portuguese and indigenous languages.
• Christianity is the main religion. Some people keep their native faiths or follow Islamic teachings.
• The life expectancy is 51 years.

Vocabulary

1. Savannah: wide, open, grassy plains
2. Colonial: ruled by another remote country
3. Install: put into place
4. Prone: likely to experience
5. Drought: lack of rainfall, resulting in crop failure

Learn More

Visit National Geographic to learn more about Mozambique.

Extra Credit

Question: Do people earn money through fishing in Mozambique?

Answer: Yes, people fish in the rivers and the Indian Ocean. Mozambique includes several tropical islands.