Ethnic Groups/Languages
The peoples of Mozambique speak at least one of eight native languages, and most of these languages are Bantu in origin. There are very few linguistic groups unified in Mozambique. They are rather subdivided into numerous ethnic identities influenced by external cultures. In the north, there are Muslims who share many cultural traits with the Swahili of Tanzania and Kenya. These groups are heavily influenced by the Arab and trade. The identities of many fragmented groups were shaped by the Portuguese and their Roman Catholicism, about half of the country's population adheres to traditional, animist religions. Because the country is divided into numerous small ethnic subgroups, there really is no dominant group. Ethnicity has generally not been a major factor in Mozambique's social status or politics.
Life Expectancy
The peoples of Mozambique speak at least one of eight native languages, and most of these languages are Bantu in origin. There are very few linguistic groups unified in Mozambique. They are rather subdivided into numerous ethnic identities influenced by external cultures. In the north, there are Muslims who share many cultural traits with the Swahili of Tanzania and Kenya. These groups are heavily influenced by the Arab and trade. The identities of many fragmented groups were shaped by the Portuguese and their Roman Catholicism, about half of the country's population adheres to traditional, animist religions. Because the country is divided into numerous small ethnic subgroups, there really is no dominant group. Ethnicity has generally not been a major factor in Mozambique's social status or politics.
Life Expectancy
Education
Under Portugal, educational opportunities for poor Mozambicans were limited; 93% of the Bantu population was illiterate, and many could not speak Portuguese. In fact, most of today's political leaders were educated in missionary schools. After independence, the government placed a high priority on expanding education, which reduced the illiteracy rate to about two-thirds as primary school enrollment increased.
Religion
Under Portugal, educational opportunities for poor Mozambicans were limited; 93% of the Bantu population was illiterate, and many could not speak Portuguese. In fact, most of today's political leaders were educated in missionary schools. After independence, the government placed a high priority on expanding education, which reduced the illiteracy rate to about two-thirds as primary school enrollment increased.
Religion
Economy
Poverty is a huge problem,
with more than 50% living on
less than $1 a day.
In 1975, Mozambique was one of the world's poorest countries. It had no money and had just gotten out of a war for their independence. Most of the country still works the land, and infrastructure nationwide still suffers from colonial neglect, war, and under-investment. Poverty is also a huge problem within Mozambique. Just like many other African countries, Mozambican citizens are facing a nationwide epidemic with HIV. Currently, 1.4 million are living with this disease in the country. However, there is some hope for the people of Mozambique. It has since emerged as one of the fastest growing economies. It is expected to become a crucial exporter of coking, thermal coal, and liquefied natural gas. and foreign investors have showed a lot of
interest in Mozambique’s
untapped oil and gas reserves. Coal and titanium are also growing sources of
revenue.Today as well it serves as an important attraction for the growing tourism
industry. It has an extensive coastline, fronting the Mozambique Channel, which
separates mainland Africa from the island
of Madagascar, which offers some of Africa’s best natural harbors. The country’s white sand
beaches are a huge attraction, and fertile soils in the northern and centrals
of Mozambique
have yielded a varied and abundant agriculture. The great Zambezi River
has provided ample water for irrigation and the basis for a regionally
important hydroelectric power industry.