Mozambique Country Insight

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Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA: $900 (2008 est.)
Inflation Rate: 10.3% (2008 est.)
Population: 21,669,278 (2009 est.)
Country Risk Ratings: B
Ease of Doing Business: 141/181
Global Competitiveness: 3.15/134

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Mozambique : Introduction

Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration by whites, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development until the mid 1990's. The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in 1992. In December 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in office. His elected successor, Armando Emilio GUEBUZA, promised to continue the sound economic policies that have encouraged foreign investment. Mozambique has seen very strong economic growth since the end of the civil war largely due to post-conflict reconstruction.

Capital City: Maputo (+2 GMT)

Currency: Metical (MZN) (convert)

Languages: Emakhuwa 26.1%, Xichangana 11.3%, Portuguese 8.8% (official; spoken by 27% of population as a second language), Elomwe 7.6%, Cisena 6.8%, Echuwabo 5.8%, other Mozambican languages 32%, other foreign languages 0.3%, unspecified 1.3%

Calling Code: 258

Voltage: 220

Religions: Catholic 23.8%, Muslim 17.8%, Zionist Christian 17.5%, other 17.8%, none 23.1%

quick links

Mozambique: Country Commercial Guide
Mozambique: World Bank Doing Business Indicators
Mozambique: BBC Country Profile
Mozambique: MSU Global Access

Mozambique: Bank of Mozambique: The main objective of the Bank of Mozambique is to stabilize and preserve the value of national currency. Its headquarters is located in Maputo and it has regional offices in Beira and Nampula. The site provides information both in English and Portuguese. Financial and monetary reports, statistical information, documents on financial legislation as well as directories of financial institutions in the country can be found in the website.

Mozambique: National Institute of Statistics: The Mozambique National Institute of Statistics provides figures for population characteristics and economic sectors. The site also lists links to other statistic bureaus throughout Africa and the world. Information is provided in English and Portuguese.

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (August 2009)