|
MOZAMBIQUE HISTORY
The first people to be in Mozambique were probably the KhoiSan, which was a hunter-gather tribe that had settled in Southern Africa. Although the first evidence of human involvement in Mozambique came with the settlements of Bantu tribes who were growing crops and cattle. The Bantu tribes started to settle in the 3rd century.
In the 8th century the Bantus had made contact with Arab businessmen. The Arabs traded with cloth, spices and pearls for gold, ivory and slaves. This business continued until the arrival of the Europeans.
The European involvement in the area, which is now Mozambique, began in 1498 when Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed at Mozambique Island en route to India. Portuguese interest in the area stemmed in part from the need for supply points on the sea route between Europe and the East, and in part from the desire to control the lucrative gold trade with the interior. Within a decade the Portuguese had established a permanent settlement on the island. Over the next two hundred years, they established numerous other trade enclaves and forts along the coast, and several settlements in the interiors along the Zambezi Rivers Valley. By mid 16th century, ivory have had replaced gold as the main trading commodity. By late 18th century, slaves had been added to the list, with hundreds of thousands (some estimates says as high as one millions) Africans sold into slavery through Mozambique’s coastal ports.
The Colonial Period
With the onset of the “Scramble for Africa” in the 1880s, Portugal faced growing competition from the other colonial powers and was forced to strengthen its claims on its territories. In 1891, after considerable dispute, a British-Portuguese treaty was signed which gave the country its present shape and formalised Portuguese control. However, even after this, the Portuguese were only able to directly administer the southern part of the country. In the north, large areas of land were carved out and leased as concessions to private firms, which operated as independent chiefdoms as and soon became notorious for forced labours abuses.
Early 20th Century Mozambique was characterised by a large-scale labour migration to South Africa and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Economic ties with South Africa were strengthened, a rail link was built between Beira (2nd Big city after Maputo) and Mutare (Zimbabwe), and the Portuguese transferred their capital from Mozambique Island to Lourenço Marques (Maputo).
In 1926 Antonio Salazar came to power in Portugal. He sealed off the colonies from non-Portuguese investment to ensure that Portugal would profit from them directly, terminated the leases of the various concession companies in the north, and consolidated Portuguese control over Mozambique. Over the next decades, the number of Portuguese in Mozambique steadily increased, as did repression on the indigenous populations. There was not even a pretence of social investment in the African populations, and of the few schools and hospitals that did exist, most were in the cities and reserved for Portuguese, other whites and assimilados (African who assimilated to European ways). Forced cultivation of cash crops led to a dramatic decrease in food production, and famines became frequent.
The Independence
In June 1960, at Mueda in northern Mozambique, villagers protesting peacefully about taxes held an official meeting. Portuguese troops opened fire on the crowd, killing a large number of demonstrators. Resentment at the ` massacre of Moeda ´ was one of the sparks kindling the independence struggle. Resistance to colonial rule coalesced in 1962 with the formation of FRELIMO, The Mozambique Liberation Front. Led by the Eduardo Mondlane (who was assassinated in 1969), and operating from bases in Tanzania, FRELIMO´s aim was the complete liberation of Mozambique. The final blow for Portugal came in 1974 with the overthrow of the Salazar regime. On 25 June 1975, the independent People’s Republic of Mozambique was proclaimed with the wartime commander Samora Machel as president.
The Portuguese pulled out virtually overnight and left the country in a state of chaos with few skilled professionals and virtually no infrastructure. FRELIMO, which found itself suddenly faced with the task of running the country, threw itself headlong into a policy of radical social change. Ties were established with the former USSR and East Germany, and private land ownership was replaced with state farms and peasant co-operatives.
Meanwhile, schools, banks, and insurance companies were nationalised and private practice in medicine and law was abolished in an attempt to disperse skilled labour. Education assumed a high priority and literacy programs were launched with the aim of teaching 100,000 people to read and write each year. However FRELIMO's socialist program proved unrealistic, and by 1983 the country was almost bankrupt. Money was valueless and shops were empty. While the collective agriculture had worked in some areas, in many others it was a complete disaster. The crisis was compounded by a disastrous three-year drought and by South African and Rhodesian moves to destabilise Mozambique because the ANC and ZAPU (both fighting for majority rule) had basis there. Onto this scene came the Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO), which had been established in the mid 1970s by Rhodesian as part of its destabilisation policy, with later backing from the South African military and certain sectors in the west.
Civil War
RENAMO, created solely by external forces rather than internal political motives, had no ideology of its own beyond the wholesale destruction of social and communications infrastructure within Mozambique and destabilisation of the government. Many commentators have pointed out that the war which went on to ravage the country for the next 17 years was thus not a ` civil ´ war, but one between Mozambique´ s FRELIMO government and RENAMO´s external backers.
The drought and famine of 1983 crippled the country. Faced with this dire situation, and with the reality of a failed socialist experiment, FRELIMO opened Mozambique to the west in return to the western aid.
On 16th March 1984, South Africa and Mozambique signed the Nkomati Accord, under which South Africa undertook to withdraw its support of RENAMO and Mozambique agreed to expel the ANC and open the country to South African investment. While Mozambique abided by the agreement, South Africa exploited the situation to the full and RENAMO activity did not diminish.
Samora Machel died in a plane crash in 1986 under questionable circumstances, and the more moderate Joaquim Alberto Chissano took his place. While the war between the FRELIMO government and RENAMO rebels continued, by the late 1980s, political change was sweeping through the region. The collapse of USSR altered the political balance, and the new president of South Africa, F W de Klerk, made it more difficult for right-wing faction to supply RENAMO.
By the early 1990s, FRELIMO had disavowed its Marxist ideology, announcing that Mozambique would switch to a market economy, state enterprises would be privatised, and multiparty elections were to be scheduled. After protracted negations in Rome during 1990s, a cease-fire was arranged, followed by a formal peace agreement in October 1992 and a successful UN-monitor disarmament and demobilisation campaign.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Representatives of political parties are elected to the National Assembly by universal suffrage using a system of proportional representation. The president is elected separately. There are about dozen minor parties, some with few seats in the National Assembly, others with none at all because of a 5% cut-off rule. Political allegiance tends to be on regional basis, with RENAMO enjoying considerable support in the centre and north while FRELIMO is stronger in the south.
In multiparty elections in 1994, President Chissano won. In November 1995 the country was the first non former British colony to become a member of the British Commonwealth. The president's disciplined economic plan was highly successful, winning the country foreign confidence and aid. While Mozambique posted some of the world's largest economic growth rates in the late 1990s, it has suffered enormous setbacks because of natural disaster, such as the enormous damage caused by severe flooding in the winters of 2000 and 2001. Hundreds died and thousands were displaced.
In 2002 Chissano announced he would not seek a third term. FRELIMO's candidate, independence hero Armando Guebuza, was elected president and sworn in on February 2, 2005.
2008/9 is going to electoral year. In January 2008 is supposed to be the first call for the Provincial elections, where members of the provincial parliament will be elected. Later in 2008, we have the call for the third Municipal elections and 2009 for the forth call for the General election in Mozambique.
GEOGRAPHY
Mozambique has an area of just more than 800 000 sq km, and a coastline of approximately 2500km. Mozambique is in southern Africa and is bordered by Tanzania in the north, Malawi and Zambia in the northwest, Zimbabwe in the west and South Africa and Swaziland in the south. Along the east runs the warm Indian Ocean. The country consists of relatively low-lying coastal plains covered with palm trees, rising to higher plateaus toward the western border covered in wood and grassland and mountains. Off the coast there are various small islands and coral reefs. The highest peak is Monte Binga (2436m) in Chimanimani range on the Zimbabwe border. Two of southern Africa’s largest rivers- The Zambezi and Limpopo- flow through the country. Other major rivers are the Save and the Rovuma (which form the border with Tanzania)
MOZAMBIQUE`S PROVINCES
Mozambique is divided administratively into 10 provinces, each with a governor and some autonomy. These provinces (and their capitals) are: Maputo (Maputo); Gaza (Xai-Xai); Inhambane (Inhambane); Sofala (Beira); Manica (Chimoio); Tete (Tete); Zambezia (Quelimane); Nampula (Nampula); Niassa (Lichinga); Cabo Delgado (Pemba).
CLIMATE
There are many regional variations, but generally the dry season runs from April/May to October/November, during which daytime maximums are around 24C to 27C on the coast, cooler inland. At nights temperatures go down to 18C to 20C. In the rainy season from November to March, average temperatures range from 27C to 31C, with high humidity.
Severe flooding in early 2000 inundated large areas of Maputo, Gaza and Inhambane, parts of southern Sofala and Manica provinces were also affected. The same catastrophe affected in 2001 the central and northern provinces of country. In the worst hit areas roads were cut; bridges washed away, crops damaged, homes and buildings destroyed. Many people lost their lives and countless others were left stranded.
CIVIL SOCIETY
During the first year of independence everything was nationalised. That included organisations as well. Women and Youth organisations which were all part of the FRELIMO Government structures.
In the beginning of 1990 decade when the peace treaty was being negotiated it was allowed to get organised outside the government structures. This opened up for a lot of foreign NGOs (Non governmental organisations) coming to work as well as a lot of national NGOs was founded.
Many of the NGOs deal with the growing poverty, people in the street that the introduction of the free marked economy and the privatisation created. The government had been told by international donors to cut their public spending including education, health and other social programmes. This has created a vacuum that the NGOs are trying to fill with their different programmes.
The Mozambican youth is trying to take their part of developing the country. At most schools there are youth groups dealing with issues like AIDS, cultural activities. Outside the school structure youth organisations are also found. But for many youth they do not have time to do voluntarily work, as everyday is a struggle for earning a bit of money for survival.
The original Mozambican culture of solidarity has in many ways also vanished with the free market economy of the survival of the fittest.
The NGOs are working in all areas of the society like street children, civic education, promotion of volunteer work, environment, culture etc.
ECONOMY
Known as one of the poorest countries in the world, Mozambique has a colossal challenge ahead to provide stability, food and prosperity to its people after a 17 year long crippling civil war. During the past decade, Mozambique has pursued a very rigorous program of market-oriented reforms, including privatisation of more than 900 companies. As a result, it’s one of sub-Saharan Africa’s fastest growing economies. The inflation rate is about 7.8%. Economic progress is particularly evident in the south, where proximity to South Africa and to the ` Maputo corridor ´ transport and development initiative (linking Maputo to Johannesburg) have pushed things along at a faster pace than in the more isolated north.
The economic situation is improving steadily, however statistics continue to place Mozambique as one of the world’s poorest countries a legal minimum wage of about US$35per month. The estimated GDP/PPP (2005) was $ 25.66 billion; per capita $1.300.
EMPLOYMENT
Most people find their ways of survival outside the formal employment, as employment is very difficult to secure and unemployment rate was estimated at 21% (1997) Even with a monthly salary wages are so low that many people need to do business in informal markets.
POPULATION AND PEOPLE
Mozambique’s population is approximately 18 million, of which about 53% are concentrated in the north. There are 16 main tribes including: the Makua, the country’s largest group, in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Niassa, Nampula and parts of Zambezia; the Makonde, in Cabo Delgado; the Sena, in Sofala, Manica and Tete; and the Shangaan, who dominate the southern provinces of Gaza and Maputo.
Other groups include: Lomwe and Chuabo (in the north-centre areas); Yao and Nyanja (Niassa Province); Nhungwe (Tete Province); Shona, (Manica Province); Twsa and Bitonga (Inhambane Province); Ronga and Chopi (the south).
Native Portuguese comprise about 1% of the population. There are also small numbers of other European and Asian residents.
RELIGION
Mozambique is a mix of people originated from most parts of the world. Therefore you will meet all kinds of religion here. Most people in the south belong to Christian churches and in the north many people are Muslims. In the countryside you will find that some traditional Mozambican religions are still practised as well as you will meet people that do not belong to any religion at all.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Shaking hands when greeting is normal as well as kissing on the cheeks. The atmosphere is very relaxed and informal.
Every part of the country has its different customs and traditions.
Like in Portugal, it is customary to call people by their professional titles.
Informal wear is allowed. Do not photograph sensitive areas including airports, police and government buildings
Tipping 10% is normal in restaurants and for taxes.
FAMILY STRUCTURES
The Mozambicans are much rooted in their extended family. More than two generations can live in the same house. Children leave for their own places at a late stage being in the late 20ies or the early 30ies. In the cities it is normal that a family has more than 4 children. With the wish for a more material life like cars, televisions and cell phones the new generation is changing to a more European way of living. Thus only one or two children and less involvement with the extended family are getting more common in this generation.
In the countryside it is normal that a man has more than one wife and 10 children. The children take over big part in the home duties as well as work in the fields.
ARTS
Mozambique has a rich artistic tradition that continues to thrive after decades of colonial occupation and civil war.
MUSIC
Traditional music is widely played in Mozambique. The Makonde in the north are noted for their lupenbe (wind instrument). They are usually made from animal horn, less often with wood or gourds. In the south, Chope musician play the timbila, a form of marimba or xylophone, and are famous for their timbila orchestra.
Modern music flourishes in the cities, and Maputo’s live music scene is excellent. Marrabenta is perhaps the most typical Mozambican music, its light style inspired by traditional rural majika rhythms.
LANGUAGE
Portuguese, the official language, is widely spoken in larger towns, less so in rural areas. African languages spoken in the country all belong to the Bantu language family and can be divided into three groups: Makua-Lomwe languages (spoken by more than one third of the population); Sena-Nyanja languages; and Tsonga languages.
MONEY / CURRENCY
Mozambique’s currency is the Metical (plural Meticais and the abbreviated is Mts)
In some cases you can find some coins of the old circulation with 3 more zeros.
EXCHANGE RATES (2007)
US$1 = MZN 26,50
Euro1 = MZN 35, 00
EXCHANGING MONEY
Cash USD and EUR are the best currency to carry and are easily exchanged anywhere in the country. South African Rand are also widely accepted in the south, and many places accept direct payment in Rand (or dollars)
We do not advise use of Travellers Cheques because it’s very expensive and difficult to be cashed in Maputo and provincial capital.
Maputo has ATMs linked to the worldwide Cirrus and Maestro network where you can withdraw money with your Maestro -, Visa- and Master Card. Keep in mind that fees are charged at each transaction.
CREDIT CARDS
Visa card and master card are accepted in bigger shops and supermarkets.
COSTS OF LIVING
Mozambique is expensive compared to its neighbours. For you to have an idea here are some prices of daily goods:
Soft drink Mtn 15,00
Beer Mtn 30,00
Public transport in town Mtn 10,00
1 kg of tomatoes Mtn 20,00
1 kg of washing soap Mtn 45,00
Land Mines
An unknown number of unexploded land mines- the legacy of Mozambique’s long war- mean that it’s unsafe to go wondering off into the bush anywhere without first seeking local advice. Even then, stick to well-used paths. Areas that should always be avoided include the base of bridges, old schools or abandoned buildings, and antennas, water tanks or other structures. Also take special care on road verges in rural areas- if you want relieve yourself, stay on the road or seek out a trodden path
More information about Mozambique you can find:
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107804.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1063120.stm
VISA PROCEDURES
The visa procedures for going to Mozambique are as follow:
All participants must proceed to the closest Mozambican embassy with an application form accompanied by an invitation letter from ICYE Mozambique. The application form can be collected at embassy. Normally visa is issued within two weeks time. It’s important to notice that there is no volunteer visa for people going to Mozambique. Normally you should expect to get a visa that will enable you to enter the country and within the first month it can be renewed or extended from Maputo. Do not worry about the type of visa you should apply for because its clearly explained in the invitation letter that we send you. Remember that when in Mozambique the extension of visa may require you to cross the nearest border to validate it. Also note that the nearest borders are located about 90 km from Maputo city and access is quite easy by bus which will take you about 50 minutes.
Remember that the cost of travel to the border is about $2,00 by local transport (normally Chapa) and it has to be paid by the participant him/her self. ICYE Mozambique will help you with all paper work and administration involved to get your visa extended.
Where to Apply for the VISA
As has been said above, the ICYE – Mozambique will provide you the necessary invitation letter in order to apply for the visa at the nearest Mozambican Embassy or Consulate from your home country in case there is no any in yours.
To know where you can apply for the visa please see the website below:
https://www.portaldogoverno.gov.mz/Servicos/migracao/Informacao/negociosEst/missoes_diplomatica
To download visa applications refer to:
http://www.passportsandvisas.com/application/mozambique.pdf
http://www.mosambik-botschaft.de/visa.html (German embassy
|
