Mozambique whose colony. Mozambique: a short description of the country. Fine arts and crafts

Imagine a frozen ocean without a single wave, a huge moon illuminating everything around for kilometers, an endless deserted sandy beach, crowns of coconut trees and tens of thousands of sea crabs swarming on the shoals after low tide. These places are for connoisseurs of natural nature, they do not need evening dresses like in Mauritius. But here it is easy to find a place for solitude, go behind a sand dune and be alone with the ocean, sunbathe and swim. We won't even talk about fishing, diving and Mozambican seafood. Marlins, sailfish and local king prawns are unrivaled.

Geographical position: Mozambique is located in southeast Africa opposite the island of Madagascar. In the north it borders with Tanzania, in the south and southwest - with South Africa and Swaziland, in the west - with Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. In the east it is washed by the waters of the Mozambique Channel. The territory of Mozambique stretches along the coast of the Indian Ocean for about 3000 km. The coastline in the north is dissected by small bays, the shores are low, but rocky. To the south, the shores are low, in places swampy. There are natural harbors: Beira, Maputo, Nakala, Pemba. Two-fifths of the country's territory is occupied by coastal plains. There are several plateaus in the center of the country, reaching a peak of 2,436 m (Mount Binga) near the western border. The Namuli mountain range in the north of the country rises to 2419 m. In the north-east lies the Angonia plateau. In the northern, wider area, lies the Mozambique Plateau, which descends in steps to the east to a narrow coastal lowland (up to 30 km wide). To the south, the lowland expands to 400 km, occupying a total of 44% of the total area of the country. The total area of the country is 802 thousand square meters. km.

Capital: Maputo. The largest city in Mozambique, located in the south of the country, on the eastern shore of Maputo Bay, at the mouth of the Temb River. A major port on the shores of the Indian Ocean, economic life is concentrated in the harbor area. Officially, the population is about 1.3 million people, but in reality it is significantly higher than this figure due to the large number of slums and other illegal buildings.

Language: Portuguese (official language). English is also used in communication (especially in the capital). The most common local languages are Imakua, Chinyanja, Chishona, and Shangaan.

Religion: According to the 1997 census, Mozambicans rank themselves among the following confessions: non-religious (perhaps many in this group retain their traditional beliefs) - 24.25%, Catholics - 24.2%, Muslims - 17.8%, Christians are not Catholics (mostly Protestants) - 11.45%; (Assemblies of God, Methodists, Anglicans, Nazarenes, Adventists), syncretic cults (a mixture of different religions, for example, combining elements of Christianity and traditional African beliefs) - 18.7%, others - 3.6%.

Time: The time difference in Mozambique is -2 hours (relative to the time in Moscow). All country's territory belongs to the same time zone. The country does not switch to summer / winter time, so the time difference remains the same throughout the year.

Climate: The climate of Mozambique in the north is close to equatorial (+ 25-28 C, precipitation 1300-1500 mm per year), in the south - tropical trade winds (+ 20-22 C, precipitation 500-1000 mm per year). The wet season lasts from November to April-May. Droughts and destructive tropical cyclones are frequent. The best time to visit the country is from May to November, during the cooler and less rainy winter months. You can travel during the rainy season, but closer to March, some roads are very eroded, especially in the center and in the south of the country. People come to Mozambique to watch wild animals in August-September, and birds from December to April.

Currency: Metical (MZN) equal to 100 centavos. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 meticals, as well as coins of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavos and 1, 2, 5 and 10 meticals. $ 1 is equal to about 30 meticals. It is better to change money in private exchange bureaus in Maputo (better rate) or in banks (safer, high commission). You should forget about exchanging money on the street right away - it is extremely unsafe. The use of credit cards and traveller's checks is difficult throughout the country, and even impossible in the provinces. Banking hours: Mon-Fri 7: 30-11: 15 and 15: 00-16: 30. Almost all shops and souvenir shops gladly accept not only the national currency, but also US dollars and South African rand (they are especially loved in the south).

Mains voltage and type of socket: 220/240 V, alternating current frequency - 50 Hz; plug sockets usually have two sockets (European type, no adapter is needed), but there may be three sockets (an adapter for Russian plugs is required).

Customs: The import of foreign currency into Mozambique is not limited (the declaration is required for amounts over 5 thousand US dollars). Import and export of national currency is prohibited. Duty-free import is allowed: cigarettes - up to 400 pieces, or cigars - 50 pieces, or tobacco - 250 g, wine - up to 5 liters, spirits - up to 1 liter, perfumes and medicines - within personal needs, new goods for amount not exceeding 100 US dollars. It is prohibited to import drugs, weapons and ammunition to them, pyrotechnics, gold, platinum and silver in ingots, plates or coins without the permission of the country's bank, handicraft alcoholic beverages, as well as photographs, graphics, printed materials and video materials "of obscene content or directed against the Republic of Mozambique or the dignity of the Mozambican people. "

The export of ivory and ivory products, food products is prohibited, unless the conditions for their storage along the route are provided.

Population and culture: The population of Mozambique in 2007 was 20,366,795 people. The population of the country is unevenly distributed. Most of the population lives in coastal areas along the Zambezi River and on the Angonia plateau. 98% of the population of Mozambique are peoples of the Bantu language family. The most numerous people are the Makua people (more than 50%), living in the north of the country. In the south, on the border with South Africa, Tsonga are settled (about 25%). Along Lake Nyasa, Malawi (about 13%) and Yao (more than 3%) live, in the center - Shona (about 6%), in the northeast - Makonda. There are also Swahili, Zulu, which are much smaller in number. The country is inhabited by immigrants from Asia (Indians make up 0.08% of the population), as well as mulattos. The number of persons of European nationality has greatly decreased (from 2% to 0.06%) after Mozambique gained independence. Ethnic composition: blacks 99.66%, mulattos 0.2%, Indians 0.08%, whites 0.06%.

Due to the large number of different ethnic groups living in the country, the culture of Mozambique has developed over time into a very rich and diverse one. Many rituals, customs, and traditions of the peoples of Mozambique originated from different tribes and religions. Traditionally, the peoples of Mozambique believed in animism, therefore the corresponding animistic rituals are practiced in the country. Wood carving and sculpture making are the two main traditional art forms in Mozambique. They are especially practiced among the Makonde peoples. Another popular art form is the making of masks called family trees. Music and dancing are part of the rituals of the peoples of the country. In particular, animistic rituals are accompanied by music and dances. Portuguese music has left a strong mark on the country's folk music. A very popular form of music is marrabenta, which is mainly dance music.

Kitchen: The Portuguese left their mark not only on the culture and religion of the country, but also on the national cuisine of Mozambique. Mixed with traditional African dishes, it is a rather mouth-watering and tempting concoction, especially on the fish menu. It is worth trying the Piri-Piri sauce - the African analogue of the hottest chili. Paozinho - pork or beef rolls served with semi-sweet bread. Matapa is a fish dish, usually crab or shrimp, cooked with Casave leaves and rice. Camarao National shrimps are marinated in piri piri sauce, garlic, onion, lemon and vinegar. Finally, Kakana is a bitter local vegetable. Another local specialty is goulash, which is supplemented with crushed dried fish fried in oil and mixed with chicken, potatoes, onions, chili and water.

Popular local beers are 2M (pronounced "doish-em"), Laurentina Clara and Manica, as well as varieties from neighboring African countries: Castle or Windhoek. Strong alcohol, like gin or vodka, is inexpensive and widely sold. You can try the local vodka porridge (cashu), which is made from cashews, has a sour taste and is said to have a good effect on male libido.

Tips: In Mozambique, it is customary to tip at a restaurant about 10% of the total order. Porters are given a tip of about 0.5 USD per piece of luggage, a driver or guide: 1-2 USD per day.

Souvenirs: You can buy all sorts of handicrafts in local markets: female and male figurines and sculptural groups made of a single piece of wood, ritual wands with anthropomorphic heads, spoons decorated with ornamental carvings and human figurines, graceful clay vessels with a white ornament in the form of a zigzag ribbon, smoking pipes , mitete - boxes for medicinal drugs and tobacco with stylized drawings on the lid and mortars with carved figures of a person, intended for grinding drugs. Also interesting are the wooden carved headrests of the Karanga and the famous ceramics of the Shona people - huge vessels for storing water or grain, covered with pieces of clay and resembling boulder stones. In Mozambique, anything that has no price tag is bargained for. It should also be borne in mind that, with the exception of large shops and hotels, no one will give change to a tourist from a banknote of 500 MZN and above. So it is worth exchanging small money in banks or exchange offices in advance.

Flight: Most international flights to Mozambique connect at Johannesburg Airport (South Africa), although there are direct flights from Maputo to Swaziland and Zimbabwe, as well as Tanzania, Kenya and Portugal. For example, Kenya Airways, Swazi Express Airways and TAP Portugal fly directly to Maputo - from Durban, Swaziland, Dar es Salaam, Harare, Nairobi and Lisbon. It is most convenient for Russians to get here on flights with Qatar Airways (via Doha) or Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) to Johannesburg, and from there by South African Airways or Linhas Aereas de Mocambique flights to Maputo. South African Airways and Linhas Aereas de Mocambique fly to Pemba several times a day from Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam and Nairobi.

MOZAMBIQUE

(Republic of Mozambique)

General information

Geographical position. Mozambique is a state in the southeast of Africa. In the north, it borders with Tanzania, in the south and southwest, with South Africa and Swaziland, in the west with Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. In the east it is washed by the Mozam-Bik Strait.

Square. The territory of Mozambique is 799,380 square meters. km.

Gshvnye cities, administrative divisions. The capital of Mozambique is Maputo. The largest cities: Maputo (1,098 thousand people), Beira (300 thousand people), Nampula (203 thousand people). Administrative divisions of the country: 10 provinces.

Political system

Mozambique is a republic. The head of state and government is the president. The legislative body is a unicameral Assembly of the republic.

Relief. Two-fifths of the country's territory is occupied by coastal plains. There are several plateaus in the center of the country, reaching a peak of 2,436 m (Mount Binga) near the western border. The Namuli mountain range in the north of the country rises to an elevation of 2,419 m. In the northeast lies the Angonia plateau.

Geological structure and minerals. The bowels of the country contain reserves of coal, titanium, iron ores, bauxite, and copper.

Climate. Mozambique has a tropical climate. In summer, the average monthly temperature is about + 27 ° C, in winter about + 20 ° C. The rainy season lasts from April to October.

Inland waters. The country's many rivers originate in the mountains to the west and flow into the Mozambique Channel. The main river is the Zambezi, and the largest are the Ruvuma, Savi and Limpopo. On the territory of the country lies also part of Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi).

Soils and vegetation. About 20% of the country's territory is covered with forests. In the river valleys, dense jungles grow.

Animal world. Among the animals are zebra, bull, rhino, giraffe, lion, elephant.

Population and language

The population of Mozambique is about 18.641 million people, the average population density is about 23 people per 1 sq. km. Most of the population lives in the coastal areas along the Zambezi River and on the Angonia Plateau. Ethnic groups: Ma-kua-lomwe-47%, Tsonga -23%, Malawi, Shona, Yao. Languages: Portuguese (official), Macua, Malawi, Shona, Tsonga, Swahili.

Religion

Pagans - 60%, Christians - 30%, Muslims - 10%.

A brief historical outline

Before the Portuguese arrived in East Africa in 1498, the zenj city-states occupied the coast. In the XVI century. the coast of modern Mozambique almost completely fell under the rule of Portugal. By the 17th century. the slave trade led to the complete decline of the Mutapa empire - the most powerful of the Bantu states. The colonization of the country took place gradually. In the XX century. colonization policy remained practically unchanged and industry in Mozambique did not develop.

Mozambique gained independence on June 25, 1975. For 15 years after that, there was a civil war in the country, which further weakened the already not very developed economy of the country.

Brief economic outline

Mozambique is an agricultural country. Cotton, sugar cane, coconut, tobacco, coffee, corn, cassava, peanuts, sorghum, and others are cultivated. Livestock raising. Fishing. Extraction of coal, bauxite, copper, tantalum and iron ores. Enterprises for the processing of agricultural raw materials. Logging. Exports: shrimp, cashews, cotton, sugar, timber.

The monetary unit is the metical.

A brief outline of culture

Art and architecture. Maputo. Natural History Museum. Aunt. Catholic cathedral 1563

Have you decided to organize a vacation in Mozambique? Looking for the best Mozambique hotels, hot tours, resorts and last minute tours? Interested in the weather in Mozambique, prices, the cost of the tour, do you need a visa to Mozambique and would a detailed map be useful? Would you like to see what Mozambique looks like in photos and videos? What are the excursions and attractions in Mozambique? What are the stars and reviews about hotels in Mozambique?

Republic of Mozambique- a state in southeast Africa, a former Portuguese colony. Mozambique is washed by the Indian Ocean in the east, Tanzania in the north, Malawi and Zambia in the northeast, Zimbabwe in the west, and Swaziland and South Africa in the south. Member State of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Commonwealth of Portuguese-speaking countries.

Coastal lowland occupies 45% of the territory. Low mountains (10% of the territory) are located in the northwest. The highest point is Binga (2437 m).

Airports in Mozambique

Vilanculos Airport

Maputo International Airport

Nampula Airport

1-star hotels in Mozambique

Weather in Mozambique

The climate of the northern regions is subequatorial, monsoon, while the central and southern regions are tropical trade winds. Two seasons: wet (summer - November-March) and dry (winter - June-October). Average annual air temperatures are + 22 ° –27 ° С, in mountainous areas - + 18 °. Precipitation falls in the form of tropical rainstorms, floods occur. 2/3 of the territory receives less than 1000 mm of precipitation per year, and is subject to regular droughts (3 out of 10 years - dry). More than 1000 mm of precipitation falls in the mountains per year.

Language of Mozambique

State language: Portuguese

In addition to Portuguese, English is also used (especially in the capital). The most common local languages are Imakua, Chinyanja, Chishona and Shangaan.

Currency of Mozambique

International name: MZM

One methical is equal to 100 centavos. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 metikals, coins of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavos, 1, 2, 5 and 10 metikals.

US dollars and South African rand are readily accepted at any point of sale. In the south, it is possible to pay for a large number of things and services in rand.

The best place to exchange currency is the private exchange bureaus in Maputo, which offer better terms than banks. Changing money on the street is unsafe due to the high crime rate, mainly fraud.

Using credit cards and travel checks is almost impossible throughout the country.

Customs restrictions in Mozambique

The import of foreign currency is not limited (the declaration is required for amounts over 5 thousand US dollars). Import and export of national currency is prohibited.

Duty-free import is allowed: cigarettes - up to 400 pcs., Or cigars - 50 pcs., Or tobacco - 250 gr., Wine - up to 5 liters., Spirits - up to 1 liter., Perfumes and medicines - within personal needs, new products worth not more than $ 100.

It is prohibited to import drugs, weapons and ammunition to them, pyrotechnics, gold, platinum and silver in ingots, plates or coins without the permission of the country's bank, handicraft alcoholic beverages, as well as photographs, graphics, printed materials and video materials "of obscene content or directed against the Republic of Mozambique or the dignity of the Mozambican people. " The export of ivory and ivory products, food products is prohibited, unless the conditions for their storage along the route are provided.

Import of animals

When importing pets, you must present a veterinary certificate with a note about vaccinations against rabies (except for kittens and puppies under the age of 6 months) and permission of the country's veterinary service.

Mains voltage: 220V

Tips

Tipping is not accepted.

Code of the country: +258

Geographic first level domain name:.mz


	Official name:	Republic of Mozambique
	Capital:	Maputo
	The area of the land:	799.38 thousand sq. km
	Total population:	22.1 million people
	Population composition:	98% of the peoples of the Bantu language family: Makua, Tsonga, Malawi, Shona, etc .; immigrants from Europe and Asia (Portuguese, Indians, Pakistanis, etc.) - only about 40 thousand people.
	Official language:	Portuguese. English is also used (especially in the capital). The most common local languages are Imakua (Makua), Chinyanja (Malawi), Chishona (Shona), and Shangaan (Tsonga).
	Religion:	24.25% are non-religious, 24.2% are Catholics, 17.8% are Muslims, 11.45% are non-Catholics (mostly Protestants), 18.7% are syncretic cults, 3.6% are others.
	Internet domain:	.mz
	Mains voltage:	~ 220 V, 50 Hz
	Country dialing code:	+258
	Country barcode:

Climate

The climate of the northern regions is subequatorial, monsoon, while the central and southern regions are tropical trade winds. Two seasons: wet (summer - November-March) and dry (winter - June-October). Average annual air temperatures are + 22 ° -27 ° С, in mountainous areas - + 18 °. Precipitation falls in the form of tropical rainstorms, floods occur. 2/3 of the territory receives less than 1000 mm of precipitation per year, and is subject to regular droughts (3 out of 10 years - dry). More than 1000 mm of precipitation falls in the mountains per year.

Geography

Mozambique stretches for 2500 km. along the southeastern coast of the Mozambique Strait of the Indian Ocean in the southeast of the African continent. In the north it borders with Tanzania, in the south and southwest - with South Africa and Swaziland, in the west - with Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. The relief of the country is very diverse and picturesque.

Almost half of the country is occupied by the Mozambican lowland, reaching 400 km in the south and narrowing to several tens of kilometers in the north. A slightly hilly plain, overgrown with tropical forests, gently rises to the west up to 350-400 m above sea level. In the north there is the Nyasa plateau (average heights of 500-1000 m, individual peaks rise up to 2000 m), breaking off to the lake of the same name, and in the west and north-west - the crystalline plateaus of Mozambique, Angoni and Motabeli with the highest point of the country - Mount Binga (2436 m.). In the southwest, near the border with South Africa, the volcanic mountains of Lebombo rise. A part of Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) also lies on the territory of the country.

Flora and fauna

Animal world. The fauna is extremely rich, especially the world of birds - turtle doves, marabou, parrots, owls, ostriches, weavers, toucans, hoopoes, herons and hawks. Large mammals (buffaloes, giraffes, wild boars, rhinos and elephants) live mainly in national parks. Antelopes, hippos, civets, wolves, hyenas, wild goats, zebras, crocodiles, lemurs, leopards, lions, monkeys and jackals are widespread. There are many reptiles (cobras, pythons, horned snakes, turtles and lizards) and insects. The coastal waters are rich in fish (swordfish, sawfish, sardines, tuna), shrimp and lobster.

Vegetable world. 2/3 of the territory is covered with light rainforests miombo and savannas. Miombo is widespread in the north and consists of 80% of trees of the brachistegia type (deciduous from the legume family), there are also berlinia, combretum, vines and yulbernardia (acacia). In the river valleys grow iron, mahogany, pink and ebony, palm trees (Guinea, fan, raffia, date) and silk acacia, and in the mountains - brown mahogany and mahogany, Mangian cedar and podocarpus (yellow tree). Mangrove forests are located at river estuaries and along the coast. Tall grass savannas with low-growing trees (acacia, baobab, bauhinya, kaffra, sausage tree (kigelia), sclerokaria, terminalia) prevail in the center and in the south. In arid areas, grow acacias and mopane, broadleaf trees from the legume family.

sights

Mozambique is one of the most ancient states in the world. People have lived here for more than 2 million years, the first fossil remains of Homo sapiens were first discovered in this area. Various peoples, many of whom have now disappeared from the face of the Earth, have swept this earth in waves of migration for at least 100,000 years. About 2,000 years ago, the Bantu peoples began migrating to this area, bringing iron tools and weapons, and formed the backbone of the country's modern population. The flourishing trade in gold and ivory raised the civilization of Mozambique to one of the highest levels in Africa, and to this day the bowels of the country are fraught with many mysteries and secrets of bygone eras.

Tourists are attracted to the country mainly by the beautiful sandy beaches. The beautiful shores of Tofu, Moma, Langoshe, Lurio and Cape Barra were legendary places until quite recently and are quickly regaining their former fame. The Tofu area is more accessible and more developed, with a hotel and a well-organized recreation structure, rather poorly affected. Barra is somewhat more difficult to access, but quieter, and with somewhat better conditions: clean dunes with constant surf on one side and mangrove forests and palm groves on the other side of the cape, where flocks of almost tame parrots and monkeys are quite common.

The capital of the country, Maputo, grew up on the site of a Portuguese fort founded in 1781, from which ramparts, old guns and a grassy courtyard have survived. Almost no ancient buildings have survived in the city. Maputo was previously known as a very beautiful city and ranked by travelers on par with Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro, but after nearly 20 years of war and privation, the capital is very dilapidated, with crumbling buildings and dirty streets. However, it is still a very interesting place, with a very lively atmosphere and friendly people, slowly but surely recovering its former charm. Among the sights of the city are the Natural History Museum and the station, designed and built at the beginning of the 20th century. the same Eiffel who created the famous tower in Paris. The recently refurbished train station looks more like a palace topped with a giant copper dome with polished wood and marble decorations.

Also of interest are the Botanical Gardens, the National Museum of Art, which has a fine collection of Mozambique's finest contemporary artists, and the vibrant Municipal Market, which sells a variety of fruits, vegetables, spices and traditional wickerwork from local artisans.

Beira is 880 km away. north of Maputo, the second largest city in Mozambique, is the main port and terminus of the Trans-African Railroad. Its compact central area and old Mediterranean-style buildings give the city a special charm. The heart of the city is Prasa (main square), which is surrounded by shops, markets and offices. The cathedral, which lies southeast of the center, looks somewhat unkempt, but has definitely retained the former grandeur of its inner stop.

The bustling market in Chunga Moyo ("bold heart") is full of imported goods and contraband. The coast near Praia de Macuti is called "fine sands" (and quite rightly). The entire coast of this region is rich in various cases of finds of shipwrecks of past centuries, especially a lot of them are thrown by the surf on the shore near the "red" and "white" lighthouses at the northern end of the beach.

Pemba, a coastal town at the throat of a large bay in the north of the country, boasts interesting buildings, especially in Bikesa, the old town, and the vibrant atmosphere of its streets. Most visitors come here for the luxurious beaches, especially Wimby Beach (or Wimbe) and the coral reefs, which are so close to the shore that they can be easily reached by swimming. Wimby is 5 km away. east of the city. The rapidly recovering tourism industry is already transforming the site into a luxury resort with bars, restaurants, water activities and well-equipped diving, snorkelling, boating, fishing, surfing and more. On the road between the town and the beach, there is a Maconde artisan workshop that makes fine wooden figurines for sale at very low prices. An interesting Cathedral of 1563 in the city of Tete, 150 km. to the southeast down the Zambezi River, however, it is necessary to have permission from the authorities to visit it, due to the turbulent situation in the area.

500 km. northwest of the coast, the Zambezi River is baffled by the enormous Dam de Cahora Basso, built in the 1970s, making it one of the largest civil engineering projects in Africa. Lying in a stunning landscape at the mouth of a magnificent gorge, the dam has created the imposing lake Lago de Cahora Bassa, 270 km away. long, stretching upstream to the confluence of the Zambezi and Luangwa rivers on the border with Zambia.

The island of Ile de Mozambique (usually called simply "Ile") is a small piece of land located 3 km away. from the mainland and connected to it by a bridge, was previously the capital of the East African colony of Portugal. Ile is now famous for its many mosques and churches and its Hindu temple. Most of the historic sites are located on the northern half of the island, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Landmark number one - the Palace and Chapel of São Paulo - the residence and residence of the former governor of the country, dating back to the 18th century. This building is a large area paved with tasteful stones quarried here, on the western end of the island. Today it is a museum that contains rare furniture and jewelry from Portugal, Arabia, India and China, in remarkably good shape for such a turbulent history. The Museum of Sacred Art is located nearby, containing religious jewelry, paintings and sculpture. On the northern tip of the island is the medieval fort of San Sebastian, also in surprisingly good condition, and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, the oldest building in the southern hemisphere.

Mozambique has a rich artistic tradition that can seem incredible as it continues to flourish after decades of colonialism and civil war. Today Mozambique has one of the most distinctive and interesting forms of folk art in Africa. Maconde sculpture is recognized as one of the most sophisticated and sophisticated art forms in Africa. The traditions of fresco painting are also strong, the first examples of which were found during excavations of settlements more than 2 thousand years old. The largest and most famous of the modern frescoes is located near the capital's airport, is 95 meters long, and reflects the events of the period of the Revolution.

Traditional music is very popular both in Mozambique and beyond; many researchers, not without reason, consider it to be one of the origins of "reggae" and new age. The "wind instruments" ("lupembe") of the Makonde people in the north of the country are unique. In the south, musicians traditionally use the "marimba", a genus of xylophone that has spread from these places throughout southern Africa. The Mozambican marimba orchestras are widely known all over the world, gathering sold out in the best concert halls of the planet. The "marrabenta" they perform is the most typical Mozambican music, with a light style and traditional rural rhythms.

One of the most beautiful places on the continent is the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park, 10 km away. from the coast, with blue waters, sandy shores, thickets of palm trees, ancient coral reefs, plus the myriad of tropical fish that inhabit these waters. Scuba diving and great fishing are also possible here. The whole area between the mainland and the 150 islands is now protected as a world-class nature reserve. If you are staying in one of the dozens of luxurious houses on the islands, then it is quite possible to rent a speedboat for a mini-cruise around the archipelago.

Also quite interesting are the national parks of the country - Gorongosa, Banyin, Zinave, etc., which are quickly recovering and possessing the whole range of natural attractions and unique fauna.

Banks and currency

US dollars and South African rand are readily accepted at any point of sale. In the south, it is possible to pay for a large number of things and services in rand. The best place to exchange currency is the private exchange bureaus in Maputo, which offer better terms than banks. Local banks have branches in most cities and exchange without delay, but the exchange rate in them is quite low and the commission is significantly higher than in private offices. Changing money on the street is unsafe due to the high crime rate, mainly fraud.

The use of credit cards and travelers checks is difficult throughout the country, in the provinces it is not possible.

Metical (international designation - MZM). $ 1 is equal to approximately 1000 meticals.

There are no entries to display.

Useful data for tourists about Mozambique, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Mozambique, cuisine, peculiarities of visa and customs restrictions of Mozambique.

Geography of Mozambique

The Republic of Mozambique is a state in southeast Africa, a former Portuguese colony. Mozambique is washed by the Indian Ocean in the east, Tanzania in the north, Malawi and Zambia in the northeast, Zimbabwe in the west, and Swaziland and South Africa in the south. Member State of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Commonwealth of Portuguese-speaking countries.

Coastal lowland occupies 45% of the territory. Low mountains (10% of the territory) are located in the northwest. The highest point is Binga (2437 m).

State

State structure

Mozambique is a republic. The head of state is the president. Parliament is a unicameral Assembly of the republic.

Language