| Area |
799,380 sq km (308,641 sq miles). |
| Population |
18,082,523 (2002). |
| Capital |
Maputo- population 1,134,837 (2001). |
| Climate |
The climate varies according to the area. Inland is cooler than the coast and rainfall higher as the land rises, with most rain between January and March. Hottest and wettest season is October to March. From April to September the coast has warm, mainly dry weather tempered by sea breezes. |
| Language |
Portuguese is the official language. There are also many local African languages spoken, such as Tsong, Sena Nyanja, Makonde and Macua. |
| Religion |
Christian (mainly Roman Catholic), Muslim and Hindu. Many also follow traditional beliefs. |
| Time |
GMT + 2
|
| Highlights |
A largely untouched destination, in Mozambique you will find beautiful unspoilt sandy beaches, national parks and fascinating Portuguese-influenced culture, where you will enjoy delicious delagoa prawns! Places to visit include Beira and the Bazaruto Archipelago with some of the most beautiful beaches in Mozambique. The Gorongosa National Park, the Maputo Elephant Park located on the right bank of the Maputo River and the Marromeu National Park at the mouth of the Zambesi River are all worth visiting. Diving, snorkelling and birdwatching are all excellent. An 'off the beaten track' destination!
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| Country Facts |
With a population of around 18 million, Mozambique borders Tanzania to the north, Zambia and Malawi to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west and South Africa and Swaziland to the southwest. The Indian Ocean lies to the east of Mozambique with a coastline of nearly 2500km, with beaches bordered by lagoons, coral reefs and strings of islands. Behind this coastline, a vast low plateau rises towards mountains in the west and up north it accounts for nearly half the area of Mozambique. The Bazaruto Archipelago situated approximately 780 km north of Maputo consists of four islands including surrounding islets, reefs and beautiful sandy beaches. The Zambezi is the largest and most important of the 25 main rivers, which flow through Mozambique into the Indian Ocean. |