Mozambique
Pictures
Rural landscape, Mozambique ©
Fast Facts
- 801,590 square kilometres, three times bigger than the UK
- 20 million people, with an average life expectancy of 39 years
- Official language is Portuguese, with Swahili, Makua, Sena, Ndau, English and Shangaan also spoken
- 12.2% of the adult population is HIV-positive
- 70% of the population lives below the local poverty line
- Only 0.7% are internet users, and 6.2% own a mobile phone
- 30,400km of roads, 18% of them paved
Lay of the land
A wide coastal plain rises to mountains and plateaus. The rivers Zambezi, Limpopo and Ruvumo all flow through northern Mozambique, the more inaccessible part of the country. Southern Mozambique has a good road network.
And on the way...
Cahora Bassa dam - one of three major dams on the Zambezi river system, it was begun in 1974 by the Portuguese colonial government. It created a huge artificial lake, 240km long and 31km at its widest point.
Other highlights
Bazaruto Archipelago - a group of islands off the Mozambican coast with clear waters, spectacular coral and marine life, including five species of dolphin.
Northern Mozambique - cross the Zambezi to enter the wildest and least explored area of the country.
The people
Mozambique is ethnically and linguistically diverse, with the majority black African population divided into many groups, including the Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe and Sena.
Did you know...
Poet and painter Malangatana Ngwenya is one of the most famous Mozambican artists. His work has been shown throughout Africa, and is in the collection of the National Museum of African Art in Washington DC.
The domed train station in Maputo, Mozambique's capital, was designed by a pupil of Gustave Eiffel.
Comments
Comments 1 - 8 of 8
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At 11:06:55 AM on 04/06/2007, Andre (Maputo) wrote:
Come to Maputo!
Hey guys you are Great!! I've seen and loved long way round and I'm excited about the LWdown! If you can, come visit Maputo, Mozambican Capital. Its worth seeing. If you want a guy to help repair the bikes or just a nice soup, heheheh, Contact me! Regards and Nice Journey!
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At 02:00:31 AM on 07/07/2007, Andre (Maputo) wrote:
Tips...
You said that you want tips on these countries... Here's one: these countries are very poor and very corrupt. So you can virtually do anything just by flashing some cash...
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At 11:10:47 AM on 15/07/2007, glenn atterbury (reading) wrote:
hello mate
Hi Charley & Ewan, No tips but have a great trip and keep yourself safe, look forward to catching up on your return, and Charley turn your mobile on mate, Cheers Glenn
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At 06:32:57 AM on 16/07/2007, Sandy (Freiburg, Germany) wrote:
Moz Pearls!
... try the moz cashew nuts and pineapples - divine. You will never eat another pineapple in your life! The rough North (Tete & Chimoio) and the Inhambane area (Tofo Beach - snorkelling with whale sharks) are great - sans South Africans on vacation that is! Watch out for corrupt police and warm beer and enjoy Moz. It is still a bit wild!
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At 12:58:25 PM on 16/07/2007, Hennie (Johannesburg; SA) wrote:
Moz
Hey guys, like any other 3rd world country Moz is a little bit skewed on priorities... You'll find it VERY strict on traffic law enforcement in 'some' areas. At closer inspection you'll find that it is mostly corrupt officials catching you for nothing, and then trying to bribe you or else faced being arrested. Trust me, this practice is rife in Moz, so watch out. They EASILY confiscate cameras, passports etc.
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At 09:14:33 PM on 16/07/2007, Sean (Swindon, UK) wrote:
Some of the best coast
Some great places can be seen in Moz. Try Vilanculos (in between Beira and Maputo in front of Bazaruto) or Xai-Xai further down or Bilene - a remote bay closed in by a reef during high tide. But the MUST is Ponta D'Ouro near the border with South Africa. One of the best beaches in the world! Huge pot holes were a problem a few years back - so watch out.
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At 09:52:12 AM on 17/07/2007, Natalie (London) wrote:
Long Way Down
hey, just wanted to say that I can see that Lesotho is not on the route for later in the trip, but if at all possible try and make it there. It's like a different world. best of luck
At 06:27:59 AM on 18/05/2007, Jesse (Beira) wrote:
Moz. is great.
Hey Guys, Lived in Moz. for awhile studying. It's the best! I was in Beira, and for some good rugby games and beer try out a place calle Bique's, on the beach near the hospital. The Bazaruto area is one of the most amazing places I've been. Visit the islands and also make sure they take you to the big sand dunes to slide down -- such a perfectly peaceful place to kick back for awhile. Enjoy Moz. I'll post more if I think of it.
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