Mozambique, a country in southern African, in an area where the Indian Ocean coastline is dotted with popular beaches as well as offshore marine parks. It is bordered by Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, Eswatini and South Africa to the southwest. The capital and largest city of Mozambique is Maputo. It has population of over 31.26 million persons, comprising of seven major tribes which includes Makua, Tsonga, Makonde, Shangaan, Shona, Sena, Ndau and other indigenous groups. The official language in Mozambique is Portuguese, although other local languages like Swahili, Mwani, Chewa and Tsonga are spoken by the locals.
The Makua
The Makua people are also known as Makhuwa , a Bantu ethnic group found in the northern Mozambique. They are the largest group in Mozambique with over 3.5 million population and primarily concentrated in a large region to the north of Zambezi River. The Makua people have the circumcision exercise carried out on children. The female usually rob chalk or white clay on their faces.
The Tsonga
The Tsonga traditionally have a bright and vibrant culture and attire. Women often wear a wraparound woven and beaded skirt called tinguvu or xibelani skirt, which is usually worn when performing the traditional xibelani dance. The men dress often come with different animals skin and hides.
There are many interesting places to see in Mozambique which include;
Maputo Elephant Reserve – not only elephants, it also has Zebras, hippopotamus, crocodiles, giraffes and several other wild animals.
Macuti lighthouse and shipweck – this place gives the opportunity to see remains of ship up close.
Tofo – a wide ad sunny arc of powdery beige sand carves its way along the shoreline to the north and south of tropical Tofo.
Pemba – it is known for its gorgeous colonial architecture and pretty Portuguese-style front piece.
Lugela – it is surrounded by swathes of spiny pine trees and firs.
Limpopo National Park – the park has all the fascinating biodiversity and landscapes expected of a protected reserve.
Lake Cahora Bassa – this lake extends from Zambia border to the heart of Tete province in Western Mozambique.
Gorongosa National Park- a private rolling savannah and grassy hills designated for private reserve since the Portuguese rule.
Maputo – the pretty Casa do ferro, imperial building like the railway station can be seen in the capital of Mozambique.
Benguerra – the second largest among the foue main island popular for snorkeling, rich marine life etc.
Bazaruto Natcional Park – one of the most famous Mozambique holiday destination for swimming and snorkeling.
Tunduru Botanical Gardens – an ideal place to spend quality time with loved onees. It is a 19th century garden with various species of trees.
The Quirimbas Archipelago – sets of islands located in the Indian Ocean known for its coral reefs, whales, dolphins and endangered sea cows. It has plenty of forts, beautiful beaches.
Paroquia Santo Antonio – a church famous for its shape and architecture, which is unique and interesting.
Niassa Reserve – it is the largest conservation reserve in Mozambique, where there are various animals including lion, leopard and hyenas.
Native folk music in Mozambique has been highly influenced by Portuguese colonisation and local forms. The most popular style of modern dance music is marrabenta. Mozambican music is also influenced by another Lusophone music in Brazil like maxixe, and Mozambique style in Cuba and New York City.
Some musicians in Mozambique
Some art work in Mozambique
Mucapata – it is a meal made with mung beans, coconut milk and rice, all smashed together to create a tasty dish.
Matapa – interesting dish made from fresh cassava leaves, groundnut peanut, coconut milk and garlic.
Feijoada – a heavy bean stew made with beef or pork, with some onions and tomatoes.
Bolo Polana – it is a traditional dessert usually served for special occasions.
Prawns – this makes a major aspect of Mozambican cuisine.
Mozambican coconut curry – it is a delicious meal, spiced with many seasonings introduced by the Portugues in the 1500’s such as the famous Peri-Peri spice.
Mozambican Peri Peri – a hot spicy sauce totally addicting. It is sometimes taken with shrimps.
Peanut stew – it is made from ground nut, chopped onions, tomatoes and black pepper.
Baked Chinese Sandwich – it is made from Portuguese rolls, cheddar cheese and ham.
Maize porridge – it is a delicious porridge made from grounded maize and well-cooked.
Piri-Piri sauce – the sauce is made with garlic, lemon juice, butter, chopped spring parsley and pepper.
Chicken Mozambique – a popular traditional Portuguese chicken recipe made with variety of spices and simmered in a delicious sauce.
The conservation area system covers most of the nation’s ecoregions and biomes and total s over 23% of Mozambique territory, comprising 7 national parks, 11 national reserves, 22 game reserves, 52 game farms and 14 forest reserves. There are organizations incharge of this conservation and it is adequately funded by the Mozambique government.
Due to long coastline, frequent severe storms and seasonal flooding, the country is one of the two countries in africa most vulnerable to climate change, and among the five most vulnerable in the world. Climate change in Mozambique have resulted to intense flooding and drought, where lives and properties were lost.
Although gender equality in Mozambique is not fully obtained, women are allowed to participate in the country’s politics and economic decision. Women are allowed to acquire higher education and also hold political posts such as Ministerial appointments, head public Univeristies etc.
Some prominent women in Mozambique include;
Nazira Abdula – a pediatrician and politican from Mozambique, who served as Minister of Health.
Graca Machel – Mozambican politician, humanitarian and former first lady.
Luisa Dias Diogo – Mozambican politician who served as Prime minister of Mozambique.
Alcinda Abreu – Mozambique politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs in Mozambique.
Helena Taipo – a politician in Mozambique and Minister for Labour.
Esperanca Bias – Mozambican politican who served as Minister of Mineral Resources.
Emilia Nhalevilo – Mozambican professor and first woman to lead a public university in Mozambique.
Veronica Nataniel Macamo Dlovo – Mozambican politician who served as the president of the Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique.
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