Mozambique: Map & History
Mozambique is mapped in the atlas for 1976 CE – 2024 CE, with a peak mapped extent of about 784,529 km².
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Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique, is a country in Southern Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and Eswatini and South Africa to the south and southwest. The sovereign state is separated from the Comoros, Mayotte, and Madagascar through the Mozambique Channel to the east. The capital and largest city is Maputo.
Modern Countries Once Part of Mozambique
At its mapped extent, Mozambique covered territory in 2 present-day countries. The period shown is when the mapped borders include that country, and the note says how much of it.
States and Provinces
Largest Present-Day Cities in Its Territory
Each opens on the live map inside Mozambique's borders of that time.
Derived by testing mapped cities against this polity's dated territorial polygons, so the list is indicative and follows the borders in the source dataset.
Mozambique in Depth
History
Bantu-speaking peoples migrated into Mozambique as early as the 4th century BC. It is believed between the 1st and 5th centuries AD, waves of migration from the west and north went through the Zambezi River valley and then gradually into the plateau and coastal areas of Southern Africa. They established agricultural communities or societies based on herding cattle. They brought with them the technology for smelting and smithing iron.
From the late first millennium AD, vast Indian Ocean trade networks extended as far south as present day Vilankulo, as evidenced by the ancient port town of Chibuene. Beginning in the 9th century, a growing involvement in Indian Ocean trade led to the development of numerous port towns along the entire East African coast, including modern day Mozambique.
Government and politics
The Constitution of Mozambique stipulates that the President of the Republic functions as the head of state, head of government, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and as a symbol of national unity. They are directly elected for a five-year term via run-off voting. The prime minister is appointed by the president. Their functions include convening and chairing the council of ministers (cabinet), advising the president, assisting the president in governing the country, and coordinating the functions of the other ministers.
The Assembly of the Republic has 250 members, each elected for five-year terms by proportional representation. The judiciary comprises a Supreme Court and provincial, district, and municipal courts.
Economy
Mozambique is one of the poorest and most underdeveloped countries in the world, even though between 1994 and 2006 its average annual GDP growth was approximately 8%. Since 2014/15, household real consumption has decreased significantly and a sharp rise in economic inequality has been observed. The IMF classifies Mozambique as a heavily indebted poor country. In a 2006 survey, three-quarters of Mozambicans said that in the past five years their economic position had remained the same or become worse.
Mozambique's official currency is the metical (in October 2023, US$1 was roughly equivalent to 64 meticals). The U.S. dollar, South African rand, and the euro are widely accepted and used in business transactions. The minimum legal salary is around US$60 per month.
Culture
Mozambique was ruled by Portugal, and they share a main language (Portuguese) and main religion (Roman Catholicism). But since most of the people of Mozambique are Bantus, most of the culture is native; for Bantus living in urban areas, there is some Portuguese influence. Mozambican culture also influences the Portuguese culture.
The Makonde are known for their wood carving and elaborate masks, which are commonly used in traditional dances.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Mozambique (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Mozambique: Key Facts
| Capital | Maputo |
|---|---|
| Official language | Portuguese |
| Currency | Mozambican metical |
| Founded | 25 June 1975 |
Preceded by
- People's Republic of Mozambique
Facts from Wikidata Q1029 (CC0).
Mozambique: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Mozambique exist?
Mozambique is dated to 1976 CE – 2024 CE, in the Industrial era.
What was the capital of Mozambique?
The capital of Mozambique was Maputo.
How large was Mozambique at its peak?
At its peak in 2024 Mozambique covered about 784,529 km².
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