Mozambique: 15 Interesting Facts You Might Not Have Known

Mozambique is one of South Africa’s neighboring countries. I’ve visited Mozambique many times to attend the STRAB music festival. The festival is 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 15 facts you might not know 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 35.6 million people.

8. Filipe Nyusi is the current president of Mozambique. Adriano Maleiane 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.

11.  A popular traditional dish is Matapa, a stew made from cassava leaves cooked in peanut or cashew nut powder and coconut milk, often served with seafood.

12. Mozambique is a paradise for seafood lovers, most famous for its peri-peri prawns (often called LM Prawns, named after the colonial capital Lourenço Marques, now Maputo), which are grilled and seasoned with the fiery piri-piri chili sauce.

13. The country has a rich artistic heritage. The Chopi people are known for their intricate timbila (xylophone) orchestral music. The Makonde people are renowned for their elaborate and symbolic wood carvings.

14. The flag of Mozambique is the only national flag in the world to feature a modern assault rifle – specifically, an AK-47, crossed with a hoe and an open book, symbolizing defense, agriculture, and education, respectively.

15. The Island of Mozambique (Ilha de Moçambique), in the north, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was the capital of Portuguese East Africa for nearly four centuries and showcases architecture with Portuguese and Arab influences.

Well, there you have it, 15 interesting facts about Mozambique. If I’ve left out something important, please comment on this post.

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