Mozambique

Overview

Mozambique is located in Southern Africa along the coast of the Indian Ocean between Africa and Tanzania. It also shares a border with Malawi, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Zambia.

The former Portuguese colony was once a premier destination for wealthy European tourists. Civil war, however, destroyed much of the country's infrastructure leaving tourists, let alone the local population, with sparse options. The warring factions, Renamo and Frelimo, came to terms on a peace agreement in 1992 and the country has since enjoyed a renaissance among adverturous travelers.

It's proximity to South Africa has resulted in a steady influx of investment into tourism facilities along the south-east coast of the country. Mozambique has some of the best beaches on the East African coast, offering azure waters, coral reefs and subtropical islands. Tourists are flocking to hot spots such as Tofu, Vilankulos and the Bazaruto Archipelago.

The capital Maputo is located in the very south of the country, a stones throw from the South African and Swazi borders. Scheduled buses ply the 6-hour route from Nelspruit and Johannesburg (8 hours) to Maputo. Heading into Swaziland, minibuses leave Maputo every hour just east of the central market. Bill's Bus now offers convenient service between Swaziland-Maputo-Tofo Beach.

While run-down, dark and somewhat unnerving, the capital Maputo is not without it's charms. The picturesque train station, designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1910, is just one of many beautiful spots around the city that speak to the country's European influences. For a more traditional feel, the bustling central market teems with life - especially seafood. Prawns are a Mozambican specialty...more

History

Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large- scale emigration by whites, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development. The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in 1992. In December 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in office. His newly elected successor, Armando Emilio GUEBUZA, has promised to continue the sound economic policies that have encouraged foreign investment.