History (1945 - Present)
1932 - Portugal breaks up trading companies and imposes direct rule over colony.
1950s-60s - Colonial economy thrives, attracting thousands of new Portuguese settlers to Mozambique.
1962 - Exiled activists opposed to Portuguese colonial power meet in Tanzania to form Mozambique Liberation Front - Frelimo - headed by Eduardo Mondlane.
1964 - Frelimo forces begin war of independence. Guerrilla tactics frustrate Portuguese and Frelimo take control of much of north.
1974 - Military coup in Portugal. New government supports autonomy for colonies; start of departure of 250,000 Portuguese inhabitants.
1974 - Portugal and Frelimo sign Lusaka Accord; transitional government is established.
2000 November - More then 40 people killed in rioting at Renamo protests against 1999 elections. Renamo claims poll was rigged; international observers say election was free and fair.
2014 January - Renamo boycotts opening of parliament in protest at last October's election results and threatens to form a parallel government.
1932 - Portugal breaks up trading companies and imposes direct rule over colony.
1950s-60s - Colonial economy thrives, attracting thousands of new Portuguese settlers to Mozambique.
1962 - Exiled activists opposed to Portuguese colonial power meet in Tanzania to form Mozambique Liberation Front - Frelimo - headed by Eduardo Mondlane.
1964 - Frelimo forces begin war of independence. Guerrilla tactics frustrate Portuguese and Frelimo take control of much of north.
1974 - Military coup in Portugal. New government supports autonomy for colonies; start of departure of 250,000 Portuguese inhabitants.
1974 - Portugal and Frelimo sign Lusaka Accord; transitional government is established.
2000 November - More then 40 people killed in rioting at Renamo protests against 1999 elections. Renamo claims poll was rigged; international observers say election was free and fair.
2014 January - Renamo boycotts opening of parliament in protest at last October's election results and threatens to form a parallel government.
Basic Information
- Population- 25,930,150
- Type of Government- presidential republic
- Major Religions- Roman Catholic 28.4%, Muslim 17.9%, Zionist Christian 15.5%, Protestant 12.2% (includes Pentecostal 10.9% and Anglican 1.3%), other 6.7%, none 18.7%, unspecified 0.7%
Culture
Many customs in Mozambique are rooted in the culture of local groups, passed down by the generations. Local culture affects how people practice their religious beliefs, healing methods, rites of passage for young men and women, and how they deal with their community leaders. Song and dance play an important part in many local customs and ceremonies.
Attractions
Island of Mozambique - The Island of Mozambique is a calcareous coral reef situated 4 km from the mainland coast in the entrance to the Mossuril Bay of the Indian Ocean in Nampula Province of the Republic of Mozambique. A bridge built in the 1960s joins the island to the mainland. The island forms an archipelago with two small uninhabited islands, the Islands of Goa and Sena to the east.
Many customs in Mozambique are rooted in the culture of local groups, passed down by the generations. Local culture affects how people practice their religious beliefs, healing methods, rites of passage for young men and women, and how they deal with their community leaders. Song and dance play an important part in many local customs and ceremonies.
Attractions
Island of Mozambique - The Island of Mozambique is a calcareous coral reef situated 4 km from the mainland coast in the entrance to the Mossuril Bay of the Indian Ocean in Nampula Province of the Republic of Mozambique. A bridge built in the 1960s joins the island to the mainland. The island forms an archipelago with two small uninhabited islands, the Islands of Goa and Sena to the east.