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Mozambique flag Mozambique
Mozambique
Quick Facts
Region:
Africa
Full Name:
Republic of Mozambique
Capital City:
Maputo
Language Spoken:
Emakhuwa 26.1%,
Xichangana 11.3%,
Portuguese 8.8% (official; spoken by 27% of population as a second language),
Elomwe 7.6%,
Cisena 6.8%,
Echuwabo 5.8%,
other Mozambican languages 32%,
other foreign languages 0.3%,
unspecified 1.3% (1997 census)
Personnel risk: HIGH
Evacuation risk: LOW
Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration by whites, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development. The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in 1992. In December 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in office. His newly elected successor, Armando Emilio GUEBUZA, has promised to continue the sound economic policies that have encouraged foreign investment.