last edited Dec 11, 2019
Overview of Mozambique
Quick Overview
Mozambique stretches over approximately 2,000 km from north to south. It is bordered to the east by the Indian Ocean, which, with 2,470 km of coastline, is home to numerous beaches (among the most beautiful in East Africa), lagoons, coral reefs, and many islands. Inland, a vast coastal plain hosts the main cities and occupies a large part of the territory. To the west and northwest, however, there are high plateaus and mountains, with the highest point being Mount Binga (2,436 m) on the border with Zimbabwe. The Zambezi and Limpopo, two of the largest rivers in southern Africa, also cross the country.
Key Facts
- Location: on the eastern coast of Southern Africa, facing the Indian Ocean and Madagascar.
- Latitude/longitude: 25°57' S, 32°35' E.
- Local time:
- Capital: Maputo.
- Nature of the state: single-party republic.
- Official language: Portuguese.
- Currency: metical.
- Population: 27,233,789 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 801,590 km².
- Density: 34 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Monte Binga (2,436 m).
- Lowest point: sea level.
- Coastline: 2,470 km.
- Driving: on the left.
- Flag: [drapeau: Mozambique]
Tourism
Although very popular with South African neighbors, Mozambique still attracts few other nationalities. Yet, even if its history has not always been the calmest, the former Portuguese colony has everything to offer with its beaches, landscapes, parks and nature reserves, as well as numerous built testimonies of its colonial past.
Currently, the country welcomes around 1.5 million visitors per year (1.447 million in 2017), which nevertheless represents a certain decline, partly due to new internal tensions in the central part of the territory, compared to previous years.
Travel Essentials
- Destination:
- By air: France-Maputo.
- Entry requirements: passport valid at least 3 months after the planned return date + visa.
- Currency to bring:
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best period for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (on ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation-holidays .
Useful Addresses
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": 180/188 (rank in 2018)
- GDP per capita: $1,300 (2017)
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: 15.3% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 24.5% (2017)
- Population below the poverty line: 46.1% (2015)
- Life expectancy: 54.1 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -1.9 (2017)
- Population growth: +2.46% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 58.8% (2016)
- Urban population: 36% (2018)
- Press freedom: 99/180 (rank in 2018)
- Political regime: authoritarian regime (116/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook