Mozambique is one of South Africa’s neighboring countries. I visited Mozambique in 2009 to attend the STRAB music festival (held every year in the Southern Part of the country, close to the South African border). It’s truly of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited.

Here are some facts about Mozambique:

1. The country is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the North, Malawi and Zambia to the North West, Zimbabwe to the West and Swaziland and South Africa to the South West.

2. The country gets its name from Mozambique Island (derived from Musa Al Big or Mossa Al Bique or Mussa Ben Mbiki, an Arab trader who first visited the island and later lived there). Today the island is a World Heritage Site.

3. The area was explored by Vasco da Gama in 1498 and colonized by Portugal in 1505.

4. The country gained independence from Portugal in 1975.

5. There was a civil war in the country between 1976 and 1992 (between the RENAMO and FRELIMO factions).

6. Maputo (formerly known as Lorenzo Marques) and has a population of +/- 1.2 million. The existing city dates back to 1850.

7. The country has an estimated population of 22 million people.

8. Armando Guebuza is the current president of Mozambique. Aires Ali is the current prime minister of Mozambique.

9. The Mozambican metical is the currency used in the country.

10. The Vumba Rock Paintings are thought to be around 8,000 years old depict hunters and other human figures and animals.

If I’ve left out something important, please comment on this post.

Watch this space for regular updates in the Facts category on Running Wolf’s Rant.