While spending your holiday in Mozambique, be sure to visit the capital of this state - Maputo. The capital of Mozambique is a port city located on the shore of a bay bearing the same name.

Maputo is considered the most beautiful, however, it does not have a very good location.

The capital of Mozambique dates back to 1781, when a Portuguese fortress appeared in the local tropical swamps. Now on the site of the fortress there is a fort named after the Virgin. Several centuries ago, Maputo was a picturesque and interesting city that attracted many travelers. Unfortunately, after military operations on its territory, the capital of Mozambique lost its former attractiveness, and its appearance became rather repulsive. These days, Maputo is actively recovering.

As for the population of the city, most of it belongs to the Bantu people. There are also quite a lot of representatives of the Tsonga, Ngoni and Makua ethnic groups living here. But, in addition to Africans, in the capital of Mozambique you can often see people from Asia and Portugal. More than half of the residents of Maputo are adherents of local rituals and cults. Catholics make up approximately 35% of the capital's population, and Muslims make up about 15%. The official language here is Portuguese, but Everyday life The languages ​​of local African peoples and ethnic groups are also used everywhere.

The city can be divided into Upper and the city is located by the sea; there are both buildings of the early 20th century and quite modern urban structures. In the Upper Town you can see many hotels, mansions and various local attractions.

The most interesting sights of Maputo include the train station and the Natural History Museum. The station, built at the beginning of the 20th century, was designed by Eiffel himself. Recently, large-scale events were held at the station renovation work, after which it began to resemble a palace, the arches of which were crowned by a huge, richly decorated dome. The History Museum boasts interesting exhibits representing archaeological finds dating back to the emergence of man. In addition, the museum has interesting exhibits telling about the resources and nature of Mozambique.

The capital of Mozambique also boasts a picturesque botanical garden, where you can enjoy the most beautiful nature, temporarily escaping the bustle of the city. Maputo is a unique harmonious combination of a wide variety of cultures: Portuguese, Indian and Chinese. Such diversity could not but affect the local cuisine. In addition to the traditional dishes inherent in each of the listed cultures, here you can also taste delicious Arabic dishes, as well as seafood for every taste.

IN Lately Mozambique, whose capital is famous for its gorgeous beaches and exotic beauty, attracts more and more tourists from all over the world.

The Republic of Mozambique is a state in Southeast Africa, a former Portuguese colony, an independent state since 1975. Mozambique is washed by the Indian Ocean in the east, bordered by Tanzania in the north, Malawi and Zambia in the northwest, Zimbabwe in the west, and Swaziland and South Africa in the south. Member State of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Commonwealth of Portuguese Speaking Countries and the ACP.

Information

• Independence date: 25 June 1975 (from Portugal)
• Official language: Portuguese
• Capital: Maputo
• Largest cities: Maputo, Matola, Nampula, Beira
• Form of government: presidential republic
• Territory: 801,590 km²
• Population: 25,727,911 people
• Currency: metical
• Internet domain: .mz
• ISO code: MZ
• IOC code: MOZ
• Telephone code: +258
• Time Zones: +2

A Brief History of Mozambique

Before the Portuguese arrived in East Africa in 1498, the coast was occupied by the city-states of the Zenj. However, in the 16th century, the coast of modern Mozambique almost completely fell under Portuguese rule. By the 17th century, the slave trade led to the complete decline of the Mutapa Empire, the most powerful among the Bantu states. The colonization of the country was very sluggish, practically no money was allocated. In the 20th century, colonization policy remained virtually unchanged and industry in Mozambique did not develop. On June 25, 1975, after the fall of the Antonio Salazar regime in Portugal, Mozambique gained independence. For 15 years after this, there was a civil war in the country, which further weakened the country’s already not very developed economy. Mozambique is a member of the UN, IMF, and World Bank. Organization of African Unity.

Geography

A continental state, the eastern part of which is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean: the territory stretches from north to south for 1850 km, with the northern part divided into two large regions by the enclave of Malawi, which penetrates deeply into the country. It borders on the north with Tanzania, on the west on Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi, on the southwest on Swaziland and on the south on the Republic of South Africa. The length of the coastline is 2470 km.

Relief

The territory is occupied by a coastal lowland. Low mountains (10% of the territory) are located in the northwest. Highest point– Binga town (2437 m). Deposits of lithium, niobium, tantalum, thorium, uranium and zirconium are of global importance. Minerals - iron, granite, copper, marble, natural gas, bauxite, graphite, gold, tin, silver, coal, as well as precious and semi-precious stones - aquamarines, beryls, garnets, emeralds, topazes.

Language

In addition to Portuguese, English is also used (especially in the capital). The most common local languages ​​are Imakua (Makua), Chinyanja (Malawi), Chishona (Shona) and Shangaan (Tsonga).

Currency

Currency - Metical. 1 US dollar = 22450 metical

Religion

50% of the indigenous population adhere to traditional beliefs and cults (animalism, fetishism, cult of ancestors and forces of nature, etc.), 30% (5 million people) profess Christianity, 20% (4 million people) are Sunni Muslims and Shiites. The small (several thousand people) Hindu community consists of people from the Hindustan Peninsula who live mainly in Maputo and port cities. There are also several Afro-Christian churches. Christianity began to spread in the end. 15th century Catholics predominate among Christians. The Muslim community includes Comorians, Pakistanis living in the country, as well as some Indians and Mauritians.

Ethnic groups

Mozambique is a multi-ethnic state (50 ethnic groups). The current composition of the population is the result of numerous migrations of African peoples, colonial activities (mainly Portuguese) and trading activities of Arabs and Indians. 99.66% of the population are people belonging to the Bantu language family. The largest in number are those living on
in the northeast of the group of peoples Makua (Lomwe, Lolo, Makua, Mato, Mikhavani, Nguru, etc.) and Tsonga (Bila, Jonga, Ronga, Tswa, Shangaan, Shengwe, Shona, etc., inhabit the southern provinces), respectively, making up approx. . 40 and 23% of the population. Other ethnic groups include Makonde, Malawi (Nyanja, Pozo, Tumbuka, Chwambo, Chewa, Chipeta, etc. - about 11%), Swahili, Tonga, Chopi, Yao, etc. The southern provinces are particularly diverse in the ethnic composition of the population. The administrative apparatus is traditionally formed mainly from the south (which causes discontent among residents of the northern provinces), since most of the literate and educated population is concentrated in the south. After independence, the majority of the European population left the country. Europeans (about 20 thousand people - 0.06%) and people from Asian countries (Indians, Pakistanis - 0.08%) live mainly in cities. Creoles (descendants of intermarriages between Portuguese and other European settlers and Africans) make up 0.2%.
The country's rural population is approx. 80% (2003). Large cities - Maputo, Beira (488 thousand people), Matola (440.9 thousand people), Nampula (305 thousand people) and Shai-Shai (263 thousand people) - 1997. At the end of 19 and throughout most of the 20th century. the country was an active supplier of labor resources to the countries of Southern Africa (one third of the male population of the southern provinces went to work in South Africa every year). 180 thousand Mozambican refugees (out of 320 thousand people forced to flee from civil war and famine) became permanent residents of South Africa, 30 thousand people. repatriated to their homeland.

Climate

The climate of the northern regions is subequatorial, monsoon, and the central and southern regions are tropical trade wind. Two seasons: wet (summer - November-March) and dry (winter - June-October). Average annual air temperatures are +22°–27° C, in mountainous areas – +18°. Precipitation occurs in the form of tropical downpours and floods occur. 2/3 of the territory receives less than 1000 mm of precipitation per year and is subject to regular droughts (3 out of 10 years are dry). The mountains receive more than 1000 mm of precipitation per year.

Inland waters

The country is covered with a dense network of rivers flowing into Indian Ocean: Zambezi, Inkomati, Ligonya, Limpopo, Lurio, Ruvuma, Savi, etc. The largest of them is the Zambezi River. 460 km of its channel in Mozambique (out of 850 km) are navigable. In winter, most rivers become shallow. Apart from the natural freshwater Lake Nyasa, there are no large lakes. During the rainy season, seasonal lakes - pens - are formed. 2% of the territory is occupied by swamps.

Animal world

The fauna is extremely rich, especially the world of birds - turtle doves, marabou, parrots, owls, ostriches, weaver birds, toucans, hoopoes, herons and hawks. Large mammals(buffaloes, giraffes, wild boars, rhinoceroses and elephants) live mainly in national parks. Antelopes, hippopotamuses, civets, wolves, hyenas, wild goats, zebras, crocodiles, lemurs, leopards, lions, monkeys and jackals are common. Lots of reptiles (cobras, pythons, horned snakes, turtles and lizards) and insects. Coastal waters are rich in fish (swordfish, sawfish, sardines, tuna), shrimp and lobsters.

Vegetable world

2/3 of the territory is covered with light tropical forests of miombo and savannas. Miombos are common in the north and consist of 80% trees of the brachystegia type (deciduous from the legume family), Berlinia, combretum, lianas and julbernardia (acacia) are also found. In the river valleys grow ironwood, redwood, rosewood and ebony, palms (Guinea, fan, raffia, date) and silk acacia, and in the mountains - brown mahogany and mahogany, Mulland cedar and podocarpus (yellow tree). There are mangrove forests at the mouths of rivers and on the coast. Tall grass savannas with low-growing trees (acacia, baobab, bauhinya, kaffra, sausage tree (kigelia), sclerocaria, terminalia) predominate in the center and south. In arid areas, acacias and mopane grow - broad-leaved trees from the legume family.

Holidays

• January 1 - New Year
• February 3 - Heroes Day
• April 7 - Women's Day
• May 1 - Worker's Day
• June 25 - Independence Day
• September 25 - Armed Forces Day
• September 7 - Lusaka Agreement Day
• October 19 - Samora Machel Day
• December 10 - Maputo City Day
• December 25 - Family Day

Mozambique is one of the most ancient countries in the world. Humans have lived here for over 2 million years, and the first fossil remains of Homo sapiens were first discovered in this area. Various peoples, many of whom have now disappeared from the face of the Earth, have swept through this land in waves of migrations for at least 100,000 years. About 2,000 years ago, Bantu peoples began migrating into the area, bringing iron tools and weapons, and formed the basis of the country's modern population. The thriving trade in gold and ivory raised the civilization of Mozambique to one of the highest levels in Africa, and to this day the depths of the country conceal many mysteries and secrets of past eras. Tourists are attracted to the country mainly by its beautiful sandy beaches. The beautiful coastlines of Tofu, Moma, Langosche, Lurio and Cape Barra were legendary places until recently and are quickly regaining their former fame. The Tofu area is more accessible and more developed, with a hotel and a well-organized recreational structure that has suffered fairly little damage. Barra is somewhat more inaccessible, but quieter, and with somewhat better conditions: clean dunes with constant surf on one side and mangrove forests and palm groves on the other side of the cape, where flocks of almost tame parrots and monkeys are quite common. The capital of the country, Maputo, grew up on the site of a Portuguese fort founded in 1781, from which the ramparts, old guns and a grassy courtyard have been preserved. Almost no ancient buildings have survived in the city. Maputo was previously known as a very beautiful city and was rated by travelers on par with Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro, but after almost 20 years of war and deprivation the capital is very dilapidated, with crumbling buildings and dirty streets. However, it is still a very interesting place, with a very lively atmosphere and friendly residents, slowly but surely regaining its former charm. Among the city's attractions are the Natural History Museum and the train station, designed and built at the beginning of the 20th century. the same Eiffel who created the famous tower in Paris. The newly renovated station looks more like a palace, topped by a giant copper dome with polished wood and marble decorations. Also of interest are the Botanical Gardens, the National Art Museum, which has an excellent collection of Mozambique's best contemporary artists, and the vibrant Municipal Market, which sells a variety of fruits, vegetables, spices and traditional basketry from local artisans. Beira is 880 km away. north of Maputo, the second largest city in Mozambique, is the main port and terminus of the Trans-African Railway. Its compact central area and old Mediterranean-style buildings give the city a special charm. The heart of the city is the Praça (main square), which is surrounded by shops, markets and offices. Cathedral, lying to the southeast of the center, looks somewhat unkempt, but has definitely retained the former grandeur of its inner stop. The bustling market in Chunga Moyo ("brave heart") is full of imported goods and contraband. The coast near Praia de Macuti is called “beautiful sands” (and quite rightly). The entire coast of this area is rich in various cases of finds of shipwrecks from past centuries, especially many of them are thrown ashore by the surf near the “red” and “white” lighthouses at the northern end of the beach. Pemba, a coastal town at the throat of a large bay in the north of the country, boasts interesting buildings, especially in Baixa, the old town, and the lively atmosphere of its streets. Most visitors come here for the gorgeous beaches, especially Wimby Beach (or Wimbe) and the coral reefs located so close to the shore that they can be easily reached by swimming. Wimby is 5 km away. east of the city. A rapidly recovering tourism industry is already transforming the area into a luxury resort with bars, restaurants, water entertainment centers and well-equipped facilities for diving, snorkeling, rowing, fishing, surfing and more. On the road between the city and the beach there is a Makonde craft workshop that makes beautiful wooden figurines for sale, and at very high prices. low prices . The Cathedral of 1563 in the city of Tete, 150 km away, is interesting. to the southeast down the Zambezi River, however, to visit it you must have permission from the authorities, which is due to the turbulent situation in the area. 500 km. to the northwest of the coast, the Zambezi River is dammed by the enormous Dam de Cajora Basso, built in the 1970s, one of the largest civil engineering projects in Africa. Lying in stunning scenery at the neck of a magnificent gorge, the dam created the majestic Lago de Cajora Bassa, 270 km away. long, stretching upstream to the confluence of the Zambezi and Luangwa rivers on the border with Zambia. The island of Ile de Mozambique (commonly called simply "Ile") is a small piece of land located 3 km. from the mainland and connected by a bridge, was previously the capital of the East African colony of Portugal. Il is now famous for its many mosques and churches and its Hindu temple. Most of the historical sites are located on the northern half of the island, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Attraction number one is the Palace and Chapel of Sao Paulo - the residence and residence of the former governor of the country, dating back to the 18th century. This building is a large area, paved with great taste with stones quarried here, on the western tip of the island. Today it is a museum that contains rare furniture and decorations from Portugal, Arabia, India and China, which are in remarkably good shape for such a turbulent history. Nearby is the Museum of Sacred Art, containing religious jewelry, paintings and sculpture. At the northern tip of the island is the medieval Fort San Sebastian, also in surprisingly good condition, and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, the oldest building in the southern hemisphere. Mozambique has a rich artistic tradition that can seem incredible as it continues to thrive after decades of colonialism and civil war. Today Mozambique has one of the most distinctive and interesting forms of folk art in Africa. Makonde sculpture is recognized as one of Africa's most complex and sophisticated artistic forms. The traditions of fresco painting are also strong, the first examples of which were found during excavations of settlements more than 2 thousand years old. The largest and most famous of the modern frescoes is located near the capital's airport, is 95 m in length, and reflects the events of the Revolutionary period. Traditional music is very popular both in Mozambique and abroad; many researchers, not without reason, consider it one of the origins of “reggae” and new age. The “instruments of the wind” (“lupembe”) of the Makonde people in the north of the country are unique. In the south, musicians traditionally use the marimba, a type of xylophone that spread from this area throughout southern Africa. Mozambican marimba orchestras are widely known throughout the world, attracting full houses in the best concert halls on the planet. The "marrabenta" they perform is the most typical Mozambican music, with a light style and traditional rural rhythms. One of the most beautiful places on the continent - Marine National Park "Bazaruto Archipelago" 10 km. off the coast, with blue waters, sandy shores, palm trees, ancient coral reefs, plus a myriad of tropical fish inhabiting these waters. Scuba diving and excellent fishing are possible here. The entire area between the mainland and the 150 islands is now protected as a world-class nature reserve. If you stay in one of the dozens of luxury houses on the islands, it is quite possible to rent a speedboat for a mini-cruise around the archipelago. Also quite interesting are the country's national parks - Gorongosa, Banyine, Zinave, etc., which are quickly being restored and have a full range of natural attractions and unique wildlife.

Useful information for tourists about Mozambique, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Mozambique, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions of Mozambique.

Geography of Mozambique

The Republic of Mozambique is a state in southeast Africa, a former Portuguese colony. Mozambique is washed by the Indian Ocean in the east, bordered by Tanzania in the north, Malawi and Zambia in the northeast, Zimbabwe in the west and Swaziland and South Africa in the south. Member State of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Commonwealth of Portuguese-speaking Countries.

45% of the territory is occupied by the coastal lowland. Low mountains (10% of the territory) are located in the northwest. The highest point is Binga (2437 m).

State

State structure

Mozambique is a republic. The head of state is the president. Parliament is a unicameral Assembly of the republic.

Language

Official language: Portuguese

In addition to Portuguese, English is also used (especially in the capital). The most widely spoken local languages ​​are Imakua, Chinyanja, Chishona and Shangaan.

Religion

Up to 60% of the population adheres to local traditional beliefs, the rest are Christian Catholics (30%) and Muslims (10%).

Currency

International name: MZM

One metical is equal to 100 centavos. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 meticals, coins in 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavos, 1, 2, 5 and 10 meticals.

US dollars and South African rands are readily accepted at any retail outlet. In the south it is possible to pay a large number of things and services rand.

The best place to exchange currency is private exchange offices in Maputo, which offer better conditions than banks. Exchanging money on the street is unsafe due to the high level of crime, mainly fraud.

The use of credit cards and travel checks is almost impossible throughout the country.

The content of the article

MOZAMBIQUE, Republic of Mozambique. State in southeast Africa. The capital is Maputo (1.2 million people - 2003). Territory – 799.38 thousand square meters. km. Administrative division: 11 provinces. Population – 18.8 million people. (2003). The official language is Portuguese. Religion – traditional African beliefs, Christianity and Islam. The monetary unit is metical. National holiday - June 25 - Independence Day (1975). Mozambique has been a member of the UN since 1975, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) since 1975 and the African Union (AU) since 2002, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Commonwealth (an association of countries members of the British Empire) since 1995, the Indian Ocean Regional Cooperation Association (ARCIO) since 1997 and the Community of Portuguese Speaking States (PALOP) since 1996.

Geographical location and boundaries.

A continental state, the eastern part of which is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean: the territory stretches from north to south for 1850 km, with the northern part divided into two large regions by the enclave of Malawi, which penetrates deeply into the country. It borders in the north with Tanzania, in the west with Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi, in the southwest with Swaziland and in the south with the Republic of South Africa. The length of the coastline is 2470 km.

Nature.

45% of the territory is occupied by the coastal lowland. Low mountains (10% of the territory) are located in the northwest. The highest point is Binga (2437 m). Deposits of lithium, niobium, tantalum, thorium, uranium and zirconium are of global importance. Minerals - iron, granite, copper, marble, natural gas, bauxite, graphite, gold, tin, silver, coal, as well as precious and semi-precious stones - aquamarines, beryls, garnets, emeralds, topazes.

The climate of the northern regions is subequatorial, monsoon, and the central and southern regions are tropical trade wind. Two seasons: wet (summer - November-March) and dry (winter - June-October). Average annual air temperatures are +22°–27° C, in mountainous areas – +18°. Precipitation occurs in the form of tropical downpours and floods occur. 2/3 of the territory receives less than 1000 mm of precipitation per year and is subject to regular droughts (3 out of 10 years are dry). The mountains receive more than 1000 mm of precipitation per year. The country is covered with a dense network of rivers flowing into the Indian Ocean: Zambezi, Incomati, Ligonya, Limpopo, Lurio, Ruvuma, Savi, etc. The largest of them is the Zambezi River. 460 km of its channel in Mozambique (out of 850 km) are navigable. In winter, most rivers become shallow. Apart from the natural freshwater Lake Nyasa, there are no large lakes. During the rainy season, seasonal lakes - pens - are formed. 2% of the territory is occupied by swamps.

OK. 2/3 of the territory is covered with light tropical forests of miombo and savannas. Miombos are common in the north and consist of 80% trees of the brachystegia type (deciduous from the legume family), Berlinia, combretum, lianas and julbernardia (acacia) are also found. In the river valleys grow ironwood, redwood, rosewood and ebony, palms (Guinea, fan, raffia, date) and silk acacia, and in the mountains - brown mahogany and mahogany, Mulland cedar and podocarpus (yellow tree). There are mangrove forests at the mouths of rivers and on the coast. Tall grass savannas with low-growing trees (acacia, baobab, bauhinya, kaffra, sausage tree (kigelia), sclerocaria, terminalia) predominate in the center and south. In arid areas, acacias and mopane grow - broad-leaved trees from the legume family.

The fauna is extremely rich, especially the world of birds - turtle doves, marabou, parrots, owls, ostriches, weaver birds, toucans, hoopoes, herons and hawks. Large mammals (buffalo, giraffe, wild boar, rhinoceroses and elephants) live mainly in national parks. Antelopes, hippopotamuses, civets, wolves, hyenas, wild goats, zebras, crocodiles, lemurs, leopards, lions, monkeys and jackals are common. Lots of reptiles (cobras, pythons, horned snakes, turtles and lizards) and insects. Coastal waters are rich in fish (swordfish, sawfish, sardines, tuna), shrimp and lobsters.

Population.

The average population density is 22.6 people. per 1 sq. km, average annual growth - 1.22%. Birth rate – 36.1, mortality – 23.9 per 1000 people. Infant mortality is 137.1 per 1000 births. 43.6% of the population are children under 14 years of age. Residents over 65 years of age make up only 2.8%. Life expectancy is 37.1 years (men – 37.8, women – 36.3). The vast majority of the population is classified as poor. (All figures are as of 2004). Working population – 9.2 million people. (2000). According to the UN report on the human development of the planet (2004), Mozambique is in 171st place in the ranking of countries (of the 11 African countries on the list, it ranks 5th).

Mozambique is a multi-ethnic state (50 ethnic groups). The current composition of the population is the result of numerous migrations of African peoples, colonial activities (mainly Portuguese) and trading activities of Arabs and Indians. 99.66% of the population are people belonging to the Bantu language family. The largest in number are the Makua (Lomwe, Lolo, Makua, Mato, Mikhavani, Nguru, etc.) and Tsonga (Bila, Jonga, Ronga, Tswa, Shangaan, Shengwe, Shona, etc.) groups of peoples living in the northeast southern provinces), respectively making up approx. 40 and 23% of the population. Other ethnic groups include Makonde, Malawi (Nyanja, Pozo, Tumbuka, Chwambo, Chewa, Chipeta, etc. - about 11%), Swahili, Tonga, Chopi, Yao, etc. The southern provinces are particularly diverse in the ethnic composition of the population. The administrative apparatus is traditionally formed mainly from the south (which causes discontent among residents of the northern provinces), since most of the literate and educated population is concentrated in the south. After independence, the majority of the European population left the country. Europeans (about 20 thousand people - 0.06%) and people from Asian countries (Indians, Pakistanis - 0.08%) live mainly in cities. Creoles (descendants of intermarriages between Portuguese and other European settlers and Africans) make up 0.2%. In addition to Portuguese, English is also used (especially in the capital). The most common local languages ​​are Imakua (Makua), Chinyanja (Malawi), Chishona (Shona) and Shangaan (Tsonga).

The country's rural population is approx. 80% (2003). Large cities - Maputo, Beira (488 thousand people), Matola (440.9 thousand people), Nampula (305 thousand people) and Shai-Shai (263 thousand people) - 1997. At the end of 19 and throughout most of the 20th century. the country was an active supplier of labor resources to the countries of Southern Africa (one third of the male population of the southern provinces went to work in South Africa every year). 180 thousand Mozambican refugees (out of 320 thousand people forced to flee from civil war and famine) became permanent residents of South Africa, 30 thousand people. repatriated to their homeland.

State structure.

Presidential republic. The first constitution of an independent state was adopted in June 1975. Until November 1990, the country bore the name “People's Republic of Mozambique”. The constitution in force was adopted on November 30, 1990, as amended in 1996. The head of state and commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces is the president, who is elected by universal direct secret vote for a term of five years. The President can hold office for no more than two terms. Legislative power is exercised by a unicameral parliament (the Assembly of the Republic, numbering from 200 to 250 deputies), which is elected in general elections by direct secret ballot for a five-year term. The President has the right to dissolve parliament before the expiration of its term of office. Presidential and parliamentary elections are held simultaneously.

The President is Joaquim Alberto Chissano. He has held the post of head of state since November 1986. Re-elected December 3–5, 1999.

State flag.

A rectangular panel with a red triangle on the left side. The triangle depicts a yellow star, on which is superimposed an open white book and a crossed black rifle and hoe. The rest of the panel is occupied by three horizontal stripes of equal width in green, black and yellow (the black one is separated from the other two by narrow white stripes).

Judicial system.

It is based on civil Code Portugal and the Mozambican Constitution of 1990, as amended in 1996. There are administrative, civil and traditional courts, military and maritime tribunals, as well as labor courts. The highest court of appeal is the Supreme Court.

Defense.

The armed forces were formed after independence on the basis of disparate partisan detachments. According to the ceasefire agreement concluded in 1994 between the government and the MNF, it was planned to merge the opposing armed forces into a single army of 30 thousand people. Except ground forces(10 thousand people), the country has a navy (150 people) and an air force (1 thousand people) - 2002. In 1997, compulsory military service was reintroduced, abolished in 1994. In June 2004, territory of the country as part of the preparation of regional peacekeeping forces Joint exercises between African and French troops took place.

Foreign policy.

One of its main principles is non-alignment with blocs and military groups. Within the framework of the international regional organization ARCIO, the country is making efforts to transform the Indian Ocean into a zone of peace (one of the ARCIO conferences was held in Maputo (1999)). Maintains relations with the Portuguese-speaking countries of Africa as part of the PALOP organization (often called the “Lusophone Commonwealth”) and the PRC, which has been providing assistance to Mozambique for a long time. He is a member of the international committee monitoring the transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the 1980s, relations with Malawi (established in 1981) were complicated due to the location of bases of the anti-government Mozambican National Resistance on its territory. Together with Benin, Ghana, Malawi, Mali and Uganda, Mozambique is participating in the program to create the African Crisis Response Force (ACRF).

Diplomatic relations between the USSR and Mozambique were established on June 25, 1975. On March 31, 1977, the parties signed an agreement on friendship and cooperation. The Soviet Union provided significant assistance in organizing healthcare and training national personnel, and provided the national liberation organization FRELIMO with food, medicine and military assistance. In December 1991, the Russian Federation was recognized as the legal successor of the USSR. Russia supported the decision in the UN Security Council to conduct a peacekeeping operation in Mozambique in 1992. In 1997, government and parliamentary delegations from Mozambique visited Moscow. In March 2000, Russia sent humanitarian aid to the population of Mozambique affected by the flood. New agreements are being prepared in the field of improving the legal framework of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Embassy of the Republic of Mozambique in the Russian Federation – Moscow, st. Gilyarovsky, 20. Tel. (095) 284–40–07. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Mozambique to the Russian Federation – Mr. Sherinda Bernardo Marcelino (since 2004).

Economy.

Mozambique - agricultural a country. One of the poorest countries in the world, however, is seen as a developing country with a dynamic economy.

Agriculture.

Share Agriculture in GDP – 22% (2001). The increase in agricultural production averages 6.2% (in 1998 – 8%). One of the few African countries in which there is no “land hunger”: fertile land accounts for 36 million hectares, but only 5.4 million hectares (15%) are cultivated. The economic development of new lands is complicated by the danger of numerous mines left after the civil war. Irrigated lands occupy an area of ​​120 thousand hectares. The share of agricultural products in exports is approx. 25%. The main food crops are corn (70% of all grains) and cassava (cassava). They grow oranges, peanuts, bananas, melons, legumes, potatoes, coconuts, sesame, mangoes, cashew and kola nuts, papaya, sunflowers, rice, sugarcane, sisal, sorghum, tobacco, cotton and tea. Animal husbandry (breeding large cattle, goats, pigs and sheep) is concentrated in the southern provinces, where the tsetse fly is not common. Most farms raise chickens. Since the 1990s, fisheries have developed rapidly, mainly catching shrimp, sharks, crayfish and lobsters. Growth in fisheries in the end. 1990s amounted to 30.5% annually. Experts believe that up to 500 thousand tons of fish and 14 thousand tons of shrimp can be caught annually in Mozambique’s maritime economic zone. In 1999, Japan allocated US$3.4 million to modernize the fishing port in Maputo, including the installation of large cold storage facilities. The development of forestry is greatly damaged by predatory logging and smuggling of valuable tree species abroad.

Industry.

Since 1993, the government began to create an industrial infrastructure based on the privatization of enterprises, price liberalization and foreign direct investment. The share of industrial output in GDP increased from 15% in 1993 to 23% in 2001. The mining industry as a whole is in chronic decline. During the civil war, most mines and mines were closed and flooded. The extraction and transportation of minerals directly depends on the restoration of the railway network. The deposits are mainly developed natural gas, bauxite, iron and tantalum ore, as well as coal. A private Israeli company mines emeralds and garnets. Joint mining ventures have been established with Australia, Ireland and Italy. American, German, French and South African companies are involved in the exploration of oil fields onshore and offshore in Mozambique.

The manufacturing industry is based on the processing of agricultural raw materials and is represented by flour mills and soap factories, enterprises for cleaning cashew nuts and producing vegetable oil (25 thousand tons annually). After many years of stagnation, the sugar industry is being revived: a large sugar factory in the province of Sofala has been restored, and three more factories are being restored with the participation of Mauritian companies. In 2002, 60 thousand tons of sugar were produced. After 1993, an aluminum plant and an oil refinery with a capacity of 100 thousand barrels were built products per day in Beira, gas and two breweries, small enterprises for the production of automobile tires, paper, railway cars and glass. There is a cement plant, ceramic workshops, factories producing plastic products, fertilizers and building materials. Many businesses are operating at 50% of their capacity. In 2000, a plant for assembling Fiat cars began operating. Garment production is developing, mainly due to an increase in the number of workshops owned by Mauritian owners, who use cheaper labor from local workers in labor-intensive production.

International trade.

Imports significantly exceed exports. In 2003, the volume of imports amounted to 1.14 billion US dollars, and exports – 795 million US dollars (in 2002 – 680 million US dollars). The main export goods are aluminum, copra (dried coconut kernel, from which coconut oil is obtained by hot pressing, used to obtain the best grades of toilet soap, as well as cosmetic products), timber and construction timber, seafood (mainly shrimp), cashew nuts , sugar, cotton and electricity. Main export partners: Belgium (42.4%), South Africa (17.6%), Zimbabwe (5.7%), Spain (5.4%) and Portugal (4.4%) - 2002. Main imports : paper, machinery and equipment, metal products, beverages, petroleum and petroleum products, food products, textiles, fuels, vehicles and chemicals. Main import partners: South Africa (30.4%), Portugal (6.1%), USA (5.2%), India (4.2%) and Australia (4,1%) – 2002.

Energy.

97.1% of electricity is generated at hydroelectric power plants, 2.9% - at thermal power plants (Maputo) through the use of coal imported from South Africa and petroleum products as fuel (2001). The basis of the energy system is the Cabora Bassa hydroelectric station with a capacity of 2075 megawatts, built on the Zambezi River (Tete province). Residents of rural areas use firewood and charcoal for cooking (approx. 400 thousand tons annually). Mozambique exports electricity to neighboring Zimbabwe and South Africa. A large-scale project is being implemented to link the electricity distribution networks of Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania.

Transport.

Railway communication systems, highways, sea and air transport were created during the colonial period. The main transport routes provide transit transportation of goods between the ports of Mozambique and neighboring countries - Zimbabwe, Malawi, Swaziland, Tanzania and South Africa. The almost 18-year civil war and the catastrophic flood of 2000 caused enormous damage to the country's transport system. Significant foreign aid is being received to restore the railways. The total length of railways in 2002 was 3123 km. Railway lines connect Maputo with Zimbabwe, Swaziland and South Africa, Beira with Zimbabwe and Nacala with Malawi. As a result of the long civil war, the road network was almost completely destroyed. In 1993–1998, a 5-year plan for the restoration of destroyed roads was implemented, funds for which were allocated mainly by the World Bank: 11 thousand km of roads were restored and 13 thousand km were repaired, 3 thousand km were paved. In 1999, the total length of roads was 30.4 thousand km (with hard surfaces - 5685 km). There are few roads in the northern provinces. Most dirt roads wash out during the wet season.

The main seaports are Beira, Quelimane, Maputo and Nacala. In January 2004, work was completed to modernize (in particular, deepen) the port of Maputo. Work continues to restore the port of Beira. Navigation is hampered by coral reefs. In 2000, the government granted a concession to foreign consortiums (mostly South African) to operate the port of Maputo and the railway from Malawi to the port of Nacala. 158 airports and runways (22 of them with hard surfaces) - 2003. 3 airports have international status - in the cities of Beira, Maputo and Nacala. In 1976, direct air service between Moscow and Maputo was established and operated for several years. The Mutare (Zimbabwe) – Beira oil pipeline runs through Mozambique.

Finance and credit.

The monetary unit is the metical (MZM), consisting of 100 centavu. Inflation rate – 15.2% (end 2002). In December 2003, the national currency exchange rate was: 1 USD = 23782.3 MZM.

Administrative device.

The country is divided into 11 provinces, which consist of their districts. The provinces are headed by governors appointed by the president.

Political organizations.

A multi-party system has emerged (about 30 political parties). The most influential of them: Frelimo Party(Partido Frelimo), Chairman - Joaquim Alberto Chissano, Secretary General - Armando Gebuza. The ruling party was created in February 1977 on the basis of the mass political organization FRELIMO (“Mozambique Liberation Front”); Mozambican National Resistance, MNF (Resistência Nacional Moçambicana, RENAMO), Chairman - Afonso Dhlakama, Secretary General - Viano Magalaes. The party was created as an opposition movement in 1976 and received party status in August 1994; Liberal Democratic Party of Mozambique(Partido Liberal e Democrático de Moçambique), founded in 1993, chairman - M. Bilal; Labor Party(Partido do Trabalho), created in 1993, president - M. Mabote; Social liberal democratic party(Partido Social, Liberal e Democrático), leader - K. Nhamithambo; Democratic Union, DS (Uniăo Democrático). Founded in 1994, general secretary - J. Massinga.

Trade union associations.

Workers' Organization of Mozambique, OTM (Organização dos Trabalhadores de Moçambique, OTM). Created in October-November 1983, it has 200 thousand members. Secretary General – Joaquim Fanheiro.

Religions.

OK. 50% of the indigenous population adhere to traditional beliefs and cults (animalism, fetishism, cult of ancestors and forces of nature, etc.), 30% (5 million people) profess Christianity, 20% (4 million people) are Sunni Muslims and Shiites. The small (several thousand people) Hindu community consists of people from the Hindustan Peninsula who live mainly in Maputo and port cities. There are also several Afro-Christian churches. Christianity began to spread in the end. 15th century Catholics predominate among Christians. The Muslim community includes Comorians, Pakistanis living in the country, as well as some Indians and Mauritians.

Education.

Officially (since 1983) seven years of education are compulsory. elementary education, divided into two stages. Due to insufficient funding, lack of school facilities and teachers, primary school attendance is only approx. 40% children. Secondary education (5 years) also takes place in two stages. Teaching in schools is conducted in Portuguese and English. In 1962, the E. Mondlane State University was opened in Maputo. In 2003, 712 teachers worked and 7 thousand students studied at the faculties of architecture, engineering, medicine, agriculture, economics and law, as well as the faculty of art. Teaching is conducted in Portuguese. The higher education system includes two more universities. There are 32 technical colleges. Before independence, 95% of the population was illiterate. Eliminating illiteracy among adults has become the main focus of the education system. In con. In the 1990s, approx. 60% of citizens, in 2003 - 52.2% (36.5% of men and 67.3% of women).

Healthcare.

The main health problems are associated with the extremely low standard of living of the vast majority of the country's population. Chronic malnutrition and hunger create favorable conditions for the spread of infectious diseases. Tropical diseases (malaria, leprosy, schistomatosis, etc.) are common. During periods of frequent droughts, dysentery epidemics break out, since part of the population lives in areas without running water and sewerage (in 2000, 60% of the population had access to clean water). Harmful insects, including mosquitoes and malaria mosquitoes, pose a threat to human health.

The problem of AIDS is acute. In 2001, 60 thousand people died from it, and there were 1.1 million HIV-infected people. Mozambique is one of the 9 African countries with the highest number of children infected with AIDS (out of 10 such countries in the world). As part of the US government-funded LIFE program (Leadership and Investment to Fight the Epidemic), the country (among 12 other African countries) received additional funding to combat AIDS. In January 2004, a cholera outbreak was reported in Maputo. At the initiative of WHO, the world's first mass vaccination against cholera was carried out in the same month in Beira.

Press, radio broadcasting, television and Internet.

Published in Portuguese: daily newspapers “Diário de Moçambique” (Daily Newspaper of Mozambique), “Noticias” (News), monthly newspapers “Vanguarda” (Vanguard) – printed organ Frelimo Central Committee, "Campo" (Campo - "Niva") and the bulletin "Boletin da Célula" (Boletin da Célula - "Bulletin of the Party Cell") - print organ of the Frelimo Central Committee, Sunday newspaper "Domingo" (Domingo - "Sunday"), the magazines “Tempo” (Tempo - “Time”) and “Voz da Revoluçao” (Voice of the Revolution) - the printed organ of the Frelimo Central Committee, as well as the trade union bulletin "Trabalhador" ("Worker"). The government news agency of Mozambique, AIM (Agência de Informação de Moçambique, AIM), was created in 1975. It publishes monthly newsletters in English, Portuguese and French. Government television and radio broadcasting have been operating since 1981 and 1975, respectively. Radio broadcasting covers 70% of the country's territory, broadcasts are conducted in Portuguese and local languages. In 2002 there were 30 thousand Internet users. There is an official government website.

Tourism.

Mozambique has significant potential for the development of the tourism business: sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean coast, high average annual air and water temperatures, picturesque Niassa Island, diversity of flora and fauna, extensive hunting grounds and conditions for deep-sea hunting for exotic fish (marlin, etc.) . Best time for travel – July-September.

Tourism became an important industry and area of ​​foreign investment during the colonial period. In 1972 there were approx. 300 hotels, motels and boarding houses (mainly in the cities of Lourenço Marques (Maputo) and Beira). In 1971, 583.3 thousand tourists visited the country, 80% of whom were white residents of South Africa and Southern Rhodesia. After the declaration of independence, the tourism industry to the beginning. In the 1980s it fell into decline due to the cessation of the flow of tourists. Its revival and development began at a rapid pace in 1992. In 1996, investments in tourism amounted to 60 million US dollars, and the number of foreign tourists reached 550 thousand people. (mostly from South Africa). Funded European Union a master plan for the development of tourism in Mozambique is being developed by specialists from Denmark. In 2001, the country was visited by 483.7 thousand tourists from South Africa, Portugal and Switzerland. In 2002, there were 45 hotels (4,129 beds), which are located mainly in Maputo and its satellite town of Matola, as well as in the tourist centers of the cities of Inassoru and Vilankulu.

The Ministry of Tourism (created in 1999) attaches great importance to the restoration of national parks destroyed during the civil war, since safaris are one of the main components of tours to Mozambique, and cases of attacks on people by wild animals have become more frequent (in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, repeated cases have been recorded cases of lion attacks that resulted in death). The Gorongosa National Park has been restored, and nature reserves and sanctuaries are being created in the province of Maputo. To increase the elephant population (in 1979 there were about 7 thousand, in 2001 - only 111), they are imported from Botswana. The SADC project to create a transnational Limpopo park with an area of ​​35 thousand square meters is being implemented. km, which will unite the Kruger National Park (South Africa), the Gonarezhu (Zimbabwe) and Limpopo (Mozambique) parks. In April 2002, the official opening of the park took place.

Attractions in Maputo: the Museum of National Art, the Museum of Ethnography and Natural History (founded in 1911), the botanical garden, as well as the palace-like railway station, built according to the design of the famous Eiffel in the early years. 20th century The small island of Mozambique, located 3 km from the mainland, is especially attractive to foreign tourists. Its northern part, which contains mosques and Hindu temples, as well as the palace and chapel of São Paulo (18th century), is named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the territory of Mozambique (as well as in Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa) there are round or elliptical ruins of ancient massive stone structures, the origin and purpose of which still remain a mystery. Travel agencies Moscow offers tours to the Republic of South Africa (priced from 3064 USD), the excursion program of which, called “African Tale,” includes a visit to the unique Mozambican archipelago-reserve Bazaruto, surrounded by coral reefs.

Visa regime. No vaccination certificate is required. The import of foreign currency is not limited; a declaration is required. The import and export of Mozambican currency and the export of ivory and products made from it are prohibited. In addition to local currency, you can pay for most purchases and services (especially in the southern provinces) in US dollars and South African rands. Credit cards and traveler's checks are practically not accepted for payment. There are no restrictions on movement around the country, but the safety of tourists is not guaranteed if they deviate from the route without the accompaniment of local residents (after the war there are many mines that have not been neutralized).

Architecture.

The folk home of the Makonde people is a round or rectangular building, the walls of which are built from thick poles coated with red or gray clay. The roof - two- or four-slope, or in the form of a gently sloping dome - is covered with reeds. Its overhang forms a small veranda. The adobe huts of the Shona people are round in shape. The foundation is made of flat granite slabs - a ready-made natural building material. The floor is laid from the same slabs or filled with daga - a kind of natural cement formed during the rainy season as a result of mixing granite sand and clay. A conical thatch/reed roof or a bowl-shaped grass roof is supported by a pillar installed in the center of the hut. Its windows are decorated with ornamental patterns, and the walls are often painted with genre scenes or images of animals. The tradition of covering the walls of huts with pieces of clay made them look like huge boulders, which often saved Shona villages from attacks by colonialists. Among the Sena people, rectangular houses are often built on wooden stilts. Modern houses in cities are built from brick and reinforced concrete structures.

Fine arts and crafts.

Fine art dates back to long before our era: complexes of rock paintings made with red and yellow mineral paints were discovered in the late 19th century. 19th–1st floor 20th centuries on the banks of the Zambezi River (Tete Province) and on the slopes of Mount Vumba. The drawings date back to 8–5 thousand BC. and are close to life or schematized images of people and animals.

Unlike the countries of Eastern and Southern Africa, where masks and wooden sculpture occupy a minor place in traditional artistic culture, these types of African art are well developed in Mozambique. Of particular interest is the wooden sculpture of the Makonde people (female and male figurines and sculptural groups made from one piece of wood), as well as ritual staffs with anthropomorphic heads, spoons decorated with ornamental carvings and human figurines, elegant clay vessels with a white ornament in the form of a zigzag ribbon , smoking pipes, mitete - boxes for medicinal potions and tobacco with stylized drawings on the lid and mortars with carved figures of a person, intended for grinding potions. Wooden carved headrests are also interesting karanga and the famous Shona pottery - huge vessels for storing water or grain, covered with pieces of clay and resembling boulder stones.

The national school of painting began to take shape in the 1940s. Bertina Lopes is considered the first professional artist. In 1981, the exhibition “Artists of Mozambique” took place in Moscow. Artists - V.N.Malangatana, E.Mukavele, A.Mulanga, A.Mutemba, S.Kossa, J.Tinga, R.Chigorro. Sculptors - F. Zanla, N. Langa, M. O. Magana, D. Malate, A. Mussico, T. Maucha, A. Chissano. In January 2002, an exhibition of works by contemporary Mozambican sculptors under the motto “Swords into Plowshares” was successfully held in London. Among the works, the works of Gonzalo Mabundo stood out, who used parts of real weapons in his compositions.

Artistic crafts are widespread - weaving baskets and mats from rods painted with red and black paints, as well as bowls decorated with cowrie shells and multi-colored beads. Interesting are calabashes - vessels for wine with a scorched or carved ornament, made from pumpkin, as well as ceramic dishes decorated with painted or embossed ornaments. Swahili arts and crafts are especially notable, including wood carvings that decorate house doors, furniture and utensils. In con. 19 – beginning 20th centuries Makonde craftsmen began to produce figurines of dancers for sale (realistic, up to 50 cm high). Mass production of wooden figurines of people and animals for sale to foreign tourists is common in port cities and tourist centers.

Literature.

Develops mainly in Portuguese, some prose writers and poets in last decades They also write their works in local Bantu languages. Few written monuments of traditional culture have survived. However, oral folk art greatly influences the work of writers and poets. The development of national literature began with publication in the beginning. 20th century the first collections of poetry and the development of journalism. One of the first poets is R. di Noronha. The founders of Mozambican literature are considered to be the journalist E. Dias and the Albazini brothers, who founded the weekly Brado Afrikanu (African Cry) in 1918. Developing since the 1920s fiction, in which pro-colonial (R. Junior, B. Camache) and anti-colonial directions were identified (J. Albazini, author of the book Book of Sorrow(1925)). The first work of a Mozambican writer of African descent - a collection of short stories Godido J. Diasha, published in 1952. The first novelist was the Portuguese sociologist and journalist R. Junior ( Seura, White and Motase, Omar Ali). The worldview and choice of topics of poets and prose writers was influenced by the armed struggle for the country's independence. Most famous writers– C. Gonçalves, A. Magaya, O. Mendis, L. B. Onvana, A. di Freitas, poets – S. Vieira, A. Guebuza, J. Craveirinha, M. dos Santos, N. di Soza, R. Nogar. The Association of Mozambican Writers was created in 1981.

In 2002 book Terra Sonambula Based on the results of a competition for the best works by authors of the African continent of the 20th century (a total of 1,500 books were submitted), Mozambican writer Mia Couto was included in the list of 12 winners.

Music.

The country's musical culture, which developed long before the arrival of the colonialists, has retained its originality. Game on musical instruments, songs and dances are an integral part of the daily life of Mozambicans. They have an extraordinary sense of rhythm, which dominates national music. Unlike other African countries, the main musical instruments in Mozambique are not drums, but xylophones (about 50 types). When performing traditional music, accompanied by songs and dances, drums, 2-string guitars, bells, lyres, lutes, musical bows are used (one of the most ancient stringed instruments, which, depending on the type of resonator, are called ( Katimbwa, chizambi or chitende, rattles, horns, whistles, 1-string violins ( takare,Rebecca), rattles, trumpets, flutes (including the Pan flute, in which several pipes are connected) and zithers ( bangwe,pango). A very popular percussion instrument mbira. The materials used to make tools are bamboo, elephant tusks and fangs, reeds, metal, baobab fruits, animal horns, reeds and pumpkins. Mostly men play musical instruments.

Choral singing is widespread, although mixed choirs are quite rare. The development of musical culture was greatly influenced by the struggle for independence. Although many ritual and ritual songs and dances have changed over time, they, nevertheless, have not lost their originality. Dancing: vajawa(rite of passage for men) Makwaela(dance of those leaving to work in South Africa), m"ganda, mapiko(ritual dance of exorcism), nonje, awesome etc. In 1976, a national song and dance ensemble was created, which came on tour to the USSR (1983). Contemporary musical art is influenced by Arab and Portuguese traditions, and the influence of pop music on young people is growing.

Cinema.

On the eve of the declaration of independence, national documentary cinema began to develop. In 1975 the National Institute of Cinematography was created. Soviet specialists provided assistance to Mozambican filmmakers.

Story.

Pre-colonial period.

The territory of modern Mozambique was inhabited by the Saan (Bushmen) and Khoikhoi (Hottentots) tribes since the Stone Age. They were engaged in hunting and gathering fruits. At the beginning of the 1st millennium AD. e. they were pushed back by those who came from southern Sudan the Bantu tribes, who were engaged in cattle breeding and agriculture, knew how to mine iron and copper ore and knew how to smelt iron. During the period 5–16 centuries. on the territory of modern Mozambique there were several inter-tribal formations, the largest of which was public education Monomotapa. During its heyday (mid-15th century), Monomotapa occupied half of the territory of modern Zimbabwe and the northern regions of Mozambique. In the 8th century. Arabs penetrated the coast of East Africa (including Mozambique) and created trading posts. With their arrival, the spread of Islam began. Local residents adopted the technique of making cotton fabrics from the Arabs and learned to grow oranges, bananas, lemons, mangoes, rice and sugar cane. Merchants from India, Indonesia, Iran and China often exchanged their goods in the ports of Mozambique - initially for iron, gold, copper, ivory and wild animal skins, later goods were also exchanged for slaves.

Colonial period.

In 1498, the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama visited Mozambique, whose expedition was heading to India. The colonization of Mozambique by the Portuguese began in the beginning. 16th century – the forts of Sena, Sofala, Tete and a fortress on the island of Mozambique were built. (For almost five centuries, the island city of Ilha de Mozambique (the Portuguese name of the island) was the main military, political and cultural outpost of Portugal not only in Mozambique, but throughout East Africa). A major role in the colonization of the country was played by missionaries who followed the Portuguese troops and merchants from the coast of the Indian Ocean along the Zambezi River into the interior regions. The first of the Catholic orders to arrive here were the Jesuits. The Portuguese fought a bitter struggle with the Arabs to gain control of trade in East Africa. Their attempts to conquer Monomotapa (in 1572 and 1574) ended in failure. Weakened by the uprisings of the rulers of a number of regions, the African state was forced to sign an agreement with Portugal on the transfer of gold and silver mines to it in exchange for weapons and support in the fight against the rebels. The plunder of the country by the colonialists and their cruel treatment of the local residents led in 1627–1632 to a general uprising, led by the supreme ruler of Monomotapa Kapranzine. The Portuguese brutally suppressed the uprising. The next rulers of Monomotapa - Manuza and his son - were baptized. In con. 17th century The anti-Portuguese movement was led by the leader of the Rozvi people, Changamire Dombo. The new paramount ruler, Nyakambiro, formed an alliance with the rebels, and their combined forces drove the Portuguese out of Monomotapa. As a result of numerous wars and civil strife, the African state gradually disintegrated; the power of the ruler of Monomotapa extended only to a small area west of Tete.

The economic development of Mozambique by the Portuguese began at the end. 16th century In search of gold (according to legend, this is where the country of Ophir, the treasury of King Solomon, was once located), they penetrated into the interior along the Zambezi River. There, Portuguese settlers began to create feudal estates “prazu” (translated from Portuguese as “a certain period”) - peculiar land concessions that were granted to them for possession (on the basis of inheritance rights) by the King of Portugal. The size of these feudal estates reached 50 thousand square meters. km, they widely used slave labor. Corn and cassava (cassava) were imported and began to be grown, and cattle began to be raised. Tropical diseases and the unruliness of the local population made farming difficult. The “prazu” system, which did not bring significant income to the royal treasury, was officially liquidated in 1852, but praseiros (prazu owners) farms existed until the 1890s. In 1781, the fortress settlement of Lourenço Marques (present-day Maputo) was founded, named after the Portuguese merchant, who back in the middle. In the 1540s, he conducted active trade and exchange with the leaders of local African tribes. The slave trade (since 1810, their intensive export from the country began to work on the sugar plantations of Brazil, French possessions in the Indian Ocean and Cuba) gradually replaced the ivory trade and led to a significant reduction in the population. Despite the official prohibition of the slave trade in 1850, the illegal export of slaves (20 thousand people annually) continued until the 1880s.

Portuguese possessions were declared a separate colony of Mozambique in 1852. The conquest of the interior continued until the beginning. 20th century and was accompanied by anti-Portuguese protests by the indigenous population (uprising in the province of Cabo Delgado, a major uprising led by J. Cruz and others), as well as a long war with the African state of Vatua (Gaza). Full control over the territories was established by the colonialists only at the beginning. 1920s The system of colonial administration established by the Portuguese was characterized by strict centralization. The colony was governed by a governor-general, to whom the provincial governors were subordinate. Locally, colonial authorities relied on chiefs who collected taxes and recruited labor. In 1895–1897, an administrative reform was carried out: the colony was divided into districts, districts and posts. Zones of separate residence of European and non-European populations were determined. In 1897, the city of Lourenço Marques became the administrative center of the colony. Portugal's claims to the territories located between Mozambique and Angola, i.e. most of the territory of modern Zimbabwe and Malawi, clashed with the interests of Great Britain. After lengthy negotiations, an agreement was concluded between the parties that defined the borders of modern Mozambique. More than half of its territory was transferred by the Portuguese government in concession to English and Belgian companies, whose activities were aimed mainly at the construction of seaports and railways necessary for the export of agricultural raw materials and minerals. By agreement with the British authorities of South Africa in the 1860–1880s, the male population of the southern regions began to be sent to work on the sugar cane plantations of Natal and the mines of the Transvaal. As a result of the division of the German colonies in East Africa under the Treaty of Versailles, the Kiongu region was annexed to Mozambique in 1919.

After the establishment of the military dictatorship of A. Salazar in Portugal in 1926 and especially during the period of the global economic crisis (1929–1933), the exploitation of the colony intensified: a new taxation system was introduced (mandatory “native tax” - 1/3 of the worker’s annual earnings), forced labor was legislated Africans on plantations, construction of railways and highways, refusal of which was punishable by hard labor. Forced labor on the plantations was associated with a widespread cotton cultivation campaign (for the needs of the Portuguese textile industry) launched by the colonial authorities. A “trip to the north” (as work on cotton plantations was called) could punish a worker for getting married or being late for work. Due to the forced expansion of cotton plantations, the area under cultivation decreased and became frequent outbreaks hunger. During World War II, there was active trade in colonial goods with the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition, and trade relations with Germany were also maintained (in 1938–1945, Mozambique’s export volume tripled). In 1951, Portugal declared Mozambique its "overseas province". In July 1972, the country received state rights, while remaining in complete economic and political dependence on Portugal.

The national liberation movement, manifested in the creation in 1920 of the anti-Portuguese “African League” and the “Association of Natives of Mozambique” in the beginning. 1930s, the strike movement of the capital's dockers (1949, 1951) and railway workers in the province of Tete, intensified in the early 1950s. On Wednesday In the 1950s, the first political organizations and groups were created - the Progressive Union of Mozambique, Nucleo Negrofico. In the beginning. In the 1960s, the parties “African National Union of Mozambique” and “National Democratic Union of Mozambique” were created outside the country, which in 1962 united into a single Liberation Front of Mozambique (FRELIMO). Eduardo Mondlane was elected its chairman (exiled from Mozambique for participating in the student movement in South Africa, taught at Syracuse University in the USA, worked in the UN Trusteeship Council), and the headquarters were located in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania). The main requirement of all of the above political organizations the country was granted independence. The FRELIMO program set the task of uniting the country's patriotic forces, eliminating the colonial regime and building an independent democratic system. Internal conflicts in a front that was heterogeneous in social composition led to the middle. 1963 to a split in its ranks. Supporters of E. Mondlane remained in the organization. It was recognized by the Organization of African Unity as the main party in Mozambique and received full assistance from it. The refusal of the colonial authorities to negotiate with FRELIMO and the ban on any form of protest forced it to switch to armed struggle: on September 25, 1964, the front called on the population for a general armed uprising. The liberation army, which consisted of 1967 over 8 thousand people, moved from sabotage and attacks on military posts to attacks on administrative centers and the liberation of entire regions. Despite the fact that the colonial authorities had an army of 30,000, and also enjoyed economic and military support from South Africa and Southern Rhodesia, by 1974 FRELIMO fighters liberated territories of 200,000 square meters. km. In these areas, self-government bodies, schools, hospitals, etc. were created. folk shops for the population. The colonial authorities, while maintaining complete control over the cities and the most important communications, dealt with (entire villages were burned) the civilian population that supported the rebels, some of whom were forced to flee from their homes to neighboring Malawi and Tanzania. On February 3, 1969, in Dar es Salaam, as a result of a terrorist attack, E. Mondlane was killed by police agents. In 1970, Samora Machel, a member of the Governing Council, was elected chairman of FRELIMO, and poet Marcelino dos Santos was elected vice-president. The leadership of the front came to the conclusion that it was necessary to create a vanguard party of workers. A FRELIMO delegation led by S. Machel visited the USSR, Bulgaria, the German Democratic Republic and Romania in 1971. International pressure on the Portuguese government intensified after public revelations by Catholic priests who spoke about the atrocities of the colonial army against civilians. After the fall of the fascist dictatorship in Portugal (April 1974), the new government of Lisbon signed an agreement with FRELIMO (Lusaka (Zambia), September 7, 1974) granting independence to Mozambique. A transitional government was created, which included representatives of FRELIMO and the Portuguese government, headed by J. Chissano. In order to prevent FRELIMO from coming to power, extremist and racist white minority organizations attempted a military coup in September and October 1974, but they were thwarted by the joint efforts of units of the Portuguese army and FRELIMO fighters.

Period of independent development.

The Independent People's Republic of Mozambique was proclaimed on June 25, 1975. FRELIMO Chairman S. Machel was elected its first president. The Constitution of the independent state, adopted in 1975, established the course towards the creation of the political, ideological, scientific and material foundations of a socialist society in Mozambique, as well as the leading role of FRELIMO. The government nationalized foreign trade, banks, educational and health care institutions, the legal service and most enterprises; a land use law was issued, according to which land was allocated to the created peasant cooperatives. After the declaration of independence, the majority of the European population (mainly Portuguese) left Mozambique, so the authorities faced serious personnel problems in the fields of economics, education and medicine.

Since 1977, a one-party regime has been established. At the III Congress of FRELIMO (February 1977) it was transformed into the “Frelimo Party” - a party of the avant-garde type with Marxist orientation. According to the adopted charter, the party became the leading force of the state and society. The basis of her ideological activity was the experience of the Mozambican people and Marxism-Leninism. The government managed to achieve significant success in the development of education and medicine: in 1983 the number of primary schools was 5.8 thousand, secondary schools - 136, a wide network of vocational education was created, health care costs more than tripled in 1975-1981 . Economic reforms did not lead to positive results, a decline began industrial production and trade. One of the reasons for this was the deterioration of relations with the Republic of South Africa. On the eve of independence, the economy of Mozambique largely depended on close economic ties with South Africa: more than 2/5 of the national income and 50% of foreign exchange receipts to the budget were remittances from Mozambicans working in mines and mines in South Africa, funds received for port and transport services to industrial corporations and companies of the Republic of South Africa, as well as income from the tourism business.

The internal political situation was aggravated by the guerrilla war against the government waged by the Mozambican National Resistance (MNR) in the northern provinces. This opposition organization, created in 1976, opposed Mozambique's socialist orientation and advocated the introduction of a multi-party system. The MNF's bases were located on the territory of Southern Rhodesia (present-day Zimbabwe), whose government provided financial and military assistance to the opposition, trying to force Mozambique to abandon trade sanctions against it adopted by the UN. Since 1980, the Republic of South Africa also began to support the MNF, dissatisfied with Mozambique’s assistance to the African National Congress (ANC), which led the movement to combat the apartheid policy in South Africa. During undeclared war its armed forces attacked ANC members even in Maputo. After Zimbabwe declared independence, its armed forces supported the fight of the Mozambican government against the opposition MNF, and the Pretoria regime increased assistance to its troops.

The MNF's attacks on objects of economic importance were of a purposeful nature, undermining the economy. Government mistakes in the economic field and repeated drought for several years led to famine in the country. In an effort to put an end to the protracted civil war and normalize relations with the Republic of South Africa, in 1984 the Mozambican authorities signed a non-aggression and good neighborliness treaty with its government (the “Nkomati Agreement”). According to this document, both states pledged not to provide bases on their territory, financial and material assistance to groups whose actions pose a threat to the security of each side. Fulfilling the terms of the agreement, the Mozambican government expelled hundreds of ANC members. However, the Pretoria regime never stopped supporting the Mozambican National Resistance. In August 1984, civil war engulfed all provinces of Mozambique; the MNF managed to block most transport routes leading to Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa. After the invasion of Mozambican territory in 1987 by the South African army (in search of ANC bases), Mozambique withdrew from the Nkomati Agreement. In response, the MNF intensified reprisals against the civilian population - approx. 800 people

In 1986, President S. Machel died in a plane crash. The head of state was Joaquim Alberto Chissano, whose government in 1989 began to pursue a course aimed at liberalizing the economy and socio-political life of the country. A draft of a new constitution was developed that proclaimed democratic freedoms, including a multi-party system. The government invited the MNF to participate in the discussion of the draft constitution and in the general elections scheduled for 1992. The Constitution was adopted on November 30, 1990, and registration of new political parties began. According to the constitution, since November 1990 the country received the name “Republic of Mozambique”. Through the mediation of the presidents of Zimbabwe and Kenya, as a result of negotiations between Frelimo and the MNF (1989–1991), a truce agreement was concluded, and in 1992 an agreement on the cessation of hostilities was signed.

The restoration of the economy took place in difficult conditions: during the long civil war, most of the roads and industrial enterprises were destroyed, agriculture was undermined - irrigation systems were destroyed, plantations fell into disrepair due to the forced flight of peasants (about 1 million people left their places of residence, in the Zambezi River valley, which before the war was the breadbasket of the country, only 20% of the population remained). The damage caused to Mozambican industry as a result of military operations in 1980–1990 amounted to 15 billion US dollars. Thanks to external assistance (the government agreed to IMF control over the country's economic policy), mobilization of internal resources and support from the population, record GDP growth was achieved in 1993 - 19.3%, inflation in 1994 was reduced to 70%.

Preparations for the presidential and parliamentary elections took place in the context of protracted disagreements between Frelimo and the other 12 opposition parties. A compromise was reached through the mediation of the UN in April 1994. The first democratic general elections in the history of the country took place in October 1994. J. Chissano was elected president of the country, receiving 53.3% of the votes, 33.7% voted for the MNF candidate. The Frelimo party received 129 out of 250 seats in the parliament (Assembly of the Republic), the MNF received 112 (becoming the main opposition party), the remaining 9 seats were received by the Democratic Union (DS). The opposition, led by MNF leader A. Dhlakama, recognized the results of the general elections, which took place in conditions of relative calm and loyal attitude of the candidates to each other.

The government of J. Chissano proclaimed a policy of carrying out market reforms. Since 1992, the process of privatization of the public sector of the economy began (in 1992–2002, about 900 companies were sold to private entrepreneurs). To attract Mozambican investors, the authorities provide them with preferential loans. After the ANC came to power in the Republic of South Africa (1994), a process began economic integration two neighboring countries. The stabilization of the internal political situation in Mozambique intensified after the disarmament in 1995–1996 of the remaining MNF units, which did not recognize the peace agreement and continued attacks on populated areas in the northern provinces of the country. In 1997, a law on land ownership was adopted. The economic recovery was facilitated by foreign aid, coming mainly from England, the World Bank, Germany and the United States of America (foreign aid received by Mozambique in the 1990s is one of the largest in Africa). IMF in 1996 for implementation economic reforms and to combat inflation provided Mozambique with a loan of $110 million. In June 1999, the IMF wrote off two-thirds of Mozambique's external debt ($3.7 billion). Thanks to tough financial policies - increasing taxes, cutting government spending, supporting and expanding the private sector, privatizing unprofitable enterprises and curbing wage growth - in 1997 it was possible to reduce inflation to 5.8%. In 1998, a bill was introduced into the Assembly of the Republic, according to which some of the functions of the president were transferred to the government and parliament. But the bill was rejected because it did not receive the required two-thirds of votes in parliament. The MNF boycotted the 1998 local government elections, so only 20% of voters went to the polls. Frelimo party candidates won the elections, and independent candidates received some of the mandates.

The next presidential and parliamentary elections took place on December 3–5, 1999. The competition between candidates was quite fierce. However, the election results did not demonstrate significant changes in the balance of political forces: J. Chissano was re-elected president (52.29% of the votes), and the Frelimo party received the majority of seats (133 - 48.5% of the votes) in the Assembly of the Republic. 47.71% of voters cast their votes for the candidacy of A. Dhlakama. In parliament, the opposition was represented only by representatives of the MNF, since in the elections it acted in a bloc together with eleven opposition parties (117 seats - 38.8% of the votes). The opposition was dissatisfied with the results of the presidential and parliamentary elections and accused the ruling party of rigging them. A. Dhlakama resorted to open threats and announced his intention to create a parallel government if an independent recount of votes was not organized. In November 1999, the opposition held several demonstrations in Maputo, whose participants demanded a review of the results of the general elections. 40 people were killed during clashes with police. In addition to the capital, unrest also spread to the northern and central provinces of the country. 83 MNF activists were arrested and imprisoned, where they later died from lack of air in the cells. The MNF filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court demanding a review of the election results. In January 2000, the Supreme Court ruled that the opposition party's claims were unfounded. Relations between the government and the opposition became extremely strained, and A. Dhlakama announced his intention to start a guerrilla war again. J. Chissano held several meetings with the leader of the MNF, as a result of which an agreement was reached on permanent consultations between the government and the opposition. In June 2001, A. Dlakama announced his readiness to cooperate with the government of J. Chissano. In December 2001, the president made an official statement that he did not intend to stand as a candidate in the next presidential elections, scheduled for 2004.

The victory of the Frelimo party in the 1999 elections was largely ensured by the results of its active and balanced policy in the economic field. After a long period of devastation and stagnation, the annual economic growth rate reached 5–6% in the first half. 1990s and more than 10% by the beginning. 2000s (Growth in industry in some years amounted to 30.5%, in transport and communications - 22.5%, in construction - 16%). High economic performance and simplification of bureaucratic procedures for investors have sharply distinguished Mozambique among the member states of the Southern African Development Community and attracted new foreign investment. In 1998, on the outskirts of Maputo, a powerful aluminum smelter was built and began operating, shares of which, in addition to Mozambique, are owned by England and Japan. Reductions in military spending, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and measures to streamline tax collections led to an improvement in the financial system and a decrease in inflation. This allowed the government in 2000 to increase spending on agriculture by 13%, education by 21%, and health care by 80%.

Mozambique in the 21st century

In the beginning. 2000, due to powerful tropical rainfall that hit southern Africa, most of the dams in the upper reaches of rivers that flow into the Indian Ocean were torn down in Zimbabwe and South Africa. This led to a catastrophic flood in Mozambique: 640 people died, more than half a million people were left homeless, crops were completely destroyed on an area of ​​127 thousand hectares (10% of 15% of all cultivated land), 20 thousand head of cattle were lost, Tens of kilometers of railways and highways were demolished. Damage from the flood was estimated at $450 million. The inflation rate reached 12%. The Republic of Mozambique was provided with urgent humanitarian assistance (including by Russia). International financial organizations and donor countries provided Mozambique with grant assistance in the amount of $452.9 million to eliminate the consequences of the flood. In December 2001, the Paris Club wrote off 60% of its external debt due to the flood.

Mozambique is one of the ten poorest countries in the world. Receives IMF financial assistance under the HIPC (Heavily Indebted Poor Countries) program, provided to the poorest countries with high external debt and put forward by the World Bank. In 2001, a five-year agricultural development program called “Proagri” was developed, half of the funds for the implementation of which are provided by foreign investors. In 2002–2004, more than $6 billion of foreign investment was invested into the country's economy (primarily by companies from the Republic of South Africa). The active efforts of the government of J. Chissano to maintain political stability in the country and the successful implementation of economic reforms within the framework of the tough IMF and World Bank program developed for Mozambique made it possible to maintain the pace of economic growth. Despite the drought in the central and southern provinces, in 2002 GDP growth was 7.7%, in 2003 - 7%. The government is conducting economic policy taking advantage of the new opportunities that have opened up with the launch of NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa's Development), a new large-scale program for the continent's development strategy.

The President of Mozambique, J. Chissano, was elected Chairman of the AU (African Union) for 2003–2004 at the Second Summit of this organization, which took place in Maputo on July 9–12, 2003.

In November 2003, elections to local authorities were held. The ruling Frelimo party won a landslide victory, winning 29 of the 33 municipal districts. In the remaining four constituencies, Mozambican National Resistance candidates won. In con. 2003 Strict new legislation was adopted that tightened the fight against corruption - government officials who abuse their position face eight years in prison. In April 2004, a gas plant went into operation in the south of the country, and natural gas supplies to the Republic of South Africa began. Reportedly news agency country (AIM) in 2004, the increase in grain harvest was 11% (it was achieved mainly due to an increase in corn yield - 1.4 million tons (14% more than in 2003)).

In June 2004, it was officially announced that the next presidential and parliamentary elections were scheduled for December of this year. President J. Chissano announced that he would no longer stand as a candidate. The party's secretary general, Guebuza Armando, has been nominated as a Frelimo candidate in the elections.

Lyubov Prokopenko

Literature:

Recent history of Africa. M., “Science”, 1968
Mondlane E. The fight for Mozambique. M., 1972
Nepomnyashchy N. Chariots in the desert. M., “Science”, 1981
People's Republic of Mozambique. Directory. M., “Science”, 1986
Mirimanov V.B. Art of Tropical Africa. M., “Art”, 1986
Kulik S. Mozambique safaris. M., “Thought”, 1986
Shubin V.G. African National Congress during the years of underground and armed struggle. M., 1999
Encyclopedia of African Peoples. L., 2000
Brief historical encyclopedia in 2 volumes: Phenomena of the century. Countries. People. M., “Science”, 2001
Africa in the memories of veterans of the diplomatic service. T. 2. M., Publishing House of the Institute of African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2001
Alden C. Mozambique and Construction of the New African State: From Negotiations to Nation Building. Hampshire, 2001
Cabrita J. Mozambique (The Tortuous Road to Democracy). Basingstoke, Palgrave, 2001
Lvova E.S. History of Africa in faces. Biographical sketches. Issue I. M.: “Ant”, 2002
The World of Learning 2003, 53 Edition. L.-N.Y.: Europa Publications, 2002
Countries and regions of the world 2003. Economic and political reference book. M.: “Prospekt”, 2003
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African Development Indicators 2003. The World Bank. Washington, 2003



Mozambique is Portuguese traditions plus African flavor, coupled with amazing nature and a lot of famous attractions. The capital Maputo is a city of contrasts, national parks, beaches and islands - everything about Mozambique: map, tours, photos.

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Mozambique is one of the most ancient countries on Earth, where life was in full swing about two million years ago. This is a country of amazing nature (both terrestrial and underwater), rich fauna, ancient cities and gorgeous beaches. Over the past 20 years, Mozambique has begun to confidently emerge from the post-war crisis and attract more and more attention from tourists. First of all - the rich, who love comfort and exoticism, and secondly - backpackers who save on everything, who are not afraid of the comfort of a bunk for five bucks.

Time difference from Moscow

− 1 hour

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• from Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

How to get to Mozambique

Most international flights to Mozambique connect at Johannesburg Airport (South Africa), although there are direct flights from Maputo to Swaziland and Zimbabwe, as well as to Tanzania, Kenya and Portugal. For example, Kenya Airways, Swazi Express Airways and TAP Portugal fly directly to Maputo - from Durban, Swaziland, Dar es Salaam, Harare, Nairobi and Lisbon.

The most convenient way for Russians to get here is by flying Qatar Airways (via Doha) or Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) to Johannesburg, and from there by flying South African Airways or Linhas Aereas de Moçambique to Maputo.

South African Airways and Linhas Aereas de Moçambique fly to Pemba several times a day from Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam and Nairobi. They say that local carrier Air Corridor promises to launch several more direct international flights from the capital of Mozambique in the near future.

Passengers departing on an international flight are charged an airport tax of 10-20 USD depending on the airline; for domestic flights the fee is ~5 USD.

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Visa to Mozambique

Russian citizens need a visa to visit Mozambique. In addition, it is worth purchasing travel medical insurance in advance, without which it is simply unreasonable to travel around Africa.

Customs

The import of foreign currency is not limited; declaration is required for amounts over 5,000 USD. The import and export of national currency is prohibited.

Duty-free import is allowed for persons over 18 years of age: up to 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams. tobacco; wine - up to 2.5 l, spirits - up to 1 l, up to 50 ml of perfume or 250 ml eau de toilette, medicines - within the limits of personal needs, gifts in the amount of no more than 100 USD.

The import of drugs, weapons and ammunition, gold, platinum and silver in bars, plates or coins without the permission of the country's bank, handicraft alcoholic beverages, as well as photographs, graphics, printed materials and video materials “obscene or directed against the Republic of Mozambique or dignity” is prohibited of the Mozambican people." The export of ivory and ivory products is prohibited.

Tourist safety in Mozambique

Despite the fact that in the country for a long time The civil war continued, the people of Mozambique are very welcoming and friendly towards tourists. There is a risk of various types of hepatitis and dysentery in the country, so upon arrival you must strictly follow the simplest rules of hygiene: do not drink unboiled water and use personal hygiene products. Vaccination is not mandatory, but it is recommended to get vaccinated against dengue fever and also take prophylaxis against malaria.