Mozambique lies in southeastern Africa, and borders (moving clockwise) South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. Due east of Mozambique is the island of Madagascar, as well as the Comoro Islands. National population is 23.5 million, of whom 1.2 million live in Maputo, which is the capital. 98% of Mozambicans are Bantu. 39 languages are spoken in Mozambique, including Portuguese, which is the official tongue (though spoken by a minority). Annual income is about $150 per person, making this one of the poorest nations in the world.

To cite the political summary found in Operation World (2003 edition): 'A Portuguese colony for 470 years, independent in 1975 as a Marxist-Leninist state after a long and bitter war for independence. The anti-government movement, Renamo, subsequently spread rural devastation to most of the country in an exceptionally brutal guerrilla war. The war and international pressure encouraged the Frelimo government to end the flirtation with Marxism in 1988 and to institute a multi-party democracy and a market economy in 1990. A peace accord in 1992 was fully implemented in 1995. A functioning democracy and now (surprisingly) a member of the British Commonwealth.' Although the nation has made much progress in economic development and political stability since the end of the civil war it still remains dependent upon foreign aid for a majority of its annual budget. In 2008 more than 50% of Mozambicans were living on less than $1 a day. Subsistence agriculture comprises greater than 80% of the labor force.

Take a look at the flag. Just as the flag of Saudi Arabia has a sword, the flag of Mozambique features an modern automatic weapon!

About 58% of Mozambicans profess Christianity, 22% the traditional religions, and 18% Islam. As you pray for Mozambique, be sure to remember the AIDS epidemic. 

This article is copyrighted and is for private use and study only.