A few things on Mozambique...

Hello all,

Well, I am trying to stick to my new year's resolution of posting on my blog as much as possible. Lots of people have been asking me things about Mozambique. So, I just wanted to put a few facts up here.

So, there are some basic things to start with. First of all, people in Mozambique speak Portuguese officially as well as other indigenous languages non officially. Mozambique is one of five Lusophone African countries, which include: Angola, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Cape Verde, and Sao Tome e Principle. Next, people ask me where exactly I am. Well, I am in Beira, which is in the central region of Mozambique, Sofala Province to be exact, on the coast. You can find it on the map above. Ok, now on to the demographics and other facts....

SELECTED DEMOGRAPHIC INDICATORS
Total population (in millions) 19.0
Total fertility rate (2000-2005) 5.86
Births per 1,000 women aged 15-19 129
Maternal mortality ratio
(deaths per 100,000 live births) 980
Infant mortality per 1,000 live births 128
Per cent births with skilled attendants 44
Contraceptive prevalence rate
(any/modern method) (%) 6/5
Secondary school enrolment (M/F) 11/7
HIV prevalence (M/F) (%) 6.13/14.67

Source: UNFPA State of World Population, 2002

OTHER FACTS:
Area 801,590 km²
Population 17,479,266
Capital Maputo
Government type Republic
Religions Indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20%
Languages Portuguese (official), indigenous dialects
Literacy 47.8 %
Life Expectancy 31.3 yrs.
GDP $19.52 billion ($1,100 / per capita)
Natural Resources Coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum, graphite
Industries Food, beverages, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), aluminium, petroleum products, textiles, cement, glass, asbestos, tobacco
Agriculture - Foods Cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, cassava (tapioca), corn, coconuts, sisal, citrus and tropical fruits, potatoes, sunflowers; beef, poultry
Exports $680 million f.o.b.
Aluminium, prawns, cashews, cotton, sugar, citrus, timber; bulk electricity
Export Partners Belgium 24.3%, South Africa 9.1%, Germany 6.2%
Imports $1.18 billion c.i.f.
Machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, chemicals, metal products, foodstuffs, textiles
Import Partners South Africa 27.5%, France 8.9%, US 7%, Australia 6.9%, Japan 6%, Malaysia 4%
UN Membership 16 September, 1975

As you can see, development wise. A bit similar to Malawi. However, because there was a civil war until 1992 there is a very different political environment and a lot of economic development was hampered. I am sure we will touch more on this as the weeks go by...Hope this adds a little more information in the meantime to fill you in!

Aparna