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Mozambique

Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique, is a country in southeastern Africa with a coastline on the Indian Ocean.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique, is a country in southeastern Africa with a coastline on the Indian Ocean. Its capital and largest city is Maputo, and Portuguese is the official language. The country was a Portuguese colony until independence in 1975 and is now a multiparty republic.

Geography

Mozambique is located on the southeastern coast of Africa, with a long Indian Ocean coastline. It borders Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and South Africa. The country covers an area of 799,380 km² and includes lowlands, highlands, and major river systems such as the Zambezi.

History

Mozambique was colonized by Portugal and known as Portuguese East Africa. It gained independence on 25 June 1975 after nearly five centuries of colonial rule. The country later endured a long civil war that ended in 1992.

Government and politics

Mozambique is a multiparty republic with a president serving as head of state and government. Its national legislature is the unicameral Assembly of the Republic.

Economy

Mozambique's economy is based largely on agriculture, trade, and light industry. The country is rich in natural resources, including offshore gas, minerals, hydropower potential, and biodiversity. These are among its major economic assets.

Key facts

  • Mozambique is a southeastern African country with a coastline on the Indian Ocean.
  • It gained independence from Portugal on 25 June 1975.
  • The capital and largest city is Maputo; Portuguese is the official language.
  • Mozambique is a multiparty republic with a unicameral legislature, the Assembly of the Republic.
  • The economy relies on agriculture, trade, and natural resources such as offshore gas and minerals.
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Canadian context

Mozambique matters to Canadian readers through international development, trade, and diplomatic relations, including shared interest in African regional stability and resource development.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Mozambique?
The capital and largest city is Maputo.
When did Mozambique gain independence?
Mozambique became independent from Portugal on 25 June 1975.
What language is officially used in Mozambique?
Portuguese is the official language.
What type of government does Mozambique have?
Mozambique is a multiparty republic with a president as head of state and government.
Which countries border Mozambique?
Mozambique borders Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and South Africa.
What currency is used in Mozambique?
Mozambique uses the metical (MZN).

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozambique
    Supports: Basic geography, capital, and bordering countries.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Mozambique
    Supports: Official name, capital, population estimate, language, and government type.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13890416
    Supports: Independence in 1975 and the legacy of the civil war.
  4. World Bank — https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/country/mozambique
    Supports: Coastline, natural assets, and economic context.
  5. Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (France) — https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/mozambique/presentation-du-mozambique/
    Supports: Official name, government type, president, area, capital, language, currency, and independence date.