Mozambique was home to early Bantu civilizations before becoming a Portuguese colony in the 16th century. It gained independence in 1975 but soon fell into a long civil war (1977–1992). Since then, Mozambique has worked towards economic recovery, with natural gas and agriculture playing key roles in its development.
Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique, is a country located in Southeast Africa. It is bordered by Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, South Africa and Eswatini to the southwest, and the Indian Ocean to the east. Covering an area of approximately 801,590 square kilometers, it has a population of about 31 million people as of 2023. The capital and largest city is Maputo. The official language is Portuguese, with numerous indigenous languages also spoken. Mozambique operates as a unitary presidential republic. The economy is based on agriculture, mining, and energy, with significant natural resources including coal and natural gas. Mozambique is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and extensive coastline with beautiful beaches and coral reefs. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community.