It has been estimated that more than one million land mines - laid by
both sides during the war - remain unexploded in Mozambique. Some
minefields have warning signs, but most are unmarked and often only get
discovered when someone gets blown to bits. For this reason it is simply
not safe to go wandering off into the bush anywhere without first
seeking local advice - and even then your safety isn't guaranteed.
There are a lot of guns in Mozambique, and a lot of desperately poor
people. Armed robberies and drive-by theft at gunpoint in Maputo are not
uncommon. Women are advised not to walk alone along any beach in
Mozambique, and travel by convoy is recommended throughout the country,
owing to the risk of banditry.
Full country name: Republic of Mozambique
Area: 801,600 sq km
Population: 17 million
People: African (99%, including Shangaan, Chokwe, Manyika, Sena
and Makua)
Language: Portuguese, Bantu, Swahili
Religion: Indigenous beliefs (50%), Christian (30%), Muslim (20%)
Government: republic
Head of State: President Armando Guebuza
Head of Government: Prime Minister Luisa Diogo
GDP: US$12.2 billion
GDP per capita: US$670
Annual Growth: 3%
Inflation: 22%
Major Industries: Food, beverages, textiles, chemicals, petroleum
Major Trading Partners: South Africa, Spain, US, UK, Portugal,
France, Japan |
