Mozambique

I

Introduction

Mozambique, independent republic, south-eastern Africa, bordered on the north by Tanzania, on the east by the Mozambique Channel of the Indian Ocean, on the south and south-west by South Africa and Swaziland, and on the west by Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi. Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975. It has a total area of 799,380 sq km (308,642 sq mi). Maputo is the capital and largest city.

II

Land and Resources

The country has a 2,800-km (1,740-mi) coastline on the Mozambique Channel and possesses several good natural harbours.

Coastal lowlands make up two fifths of Mozambique. Inland, the terrain rises to the west in a series of low hills and plateaux to reach high points of 2,436 m (7,992 ft) on Mount Binga near the western border and 2,419 m (7,936 ft) in the Namuli mountain range in the north. To the north-west, forming the western edge of Africa’s Rift Valley—here occupied by Lake Malawi (Nyasa) and the Shire River—is the Angonia Plateau. Soils are generally infertile except along river valleys and in parts of the Angonia Plateau.

A

Rivers and Lakes

The country’s many rivers flow from the western highlands to the Mozambique Channel in the east. Chief among these is the River Zambezi, which, in its upper reaches, forms a lake behind the Cabora Bassa Dam. Other major rivers include the Ruvuma, which forms part of the Tanzanian border, and the Save and Limpopo rivers. Lake Malawi (Nyasa) forms part of the Malawi border and drains south through the Shire River into the Zambezi.

B

Climate

Mozambique has a tropical climate, with a dry season that lasts from April to October. July (winter) temperatures average 21.1° C (70° F) in Pemba in the north and 18.3° C (65° F) in Maputo in the south. January (summer) temperatures average about 26.7° C (80° F) along the coast and are lower in upland areas. Average annual rainfall decreases from 1,422 mm (56 in) in the north to 762 mm (30 in) in the south. There is a constant threat of prolonged drought alternating with devastating floods.