Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Civic Brief • Country

Mozambique

Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique, is a country in southeastern Africa with a coastline on the Indian Ocean.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Mozambique is a southeastern African country with a long Indian Ocean coastline. Its capital and largest city is Maputo, and Portuguese is the official language.

What it is

Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique, is a multiparty republic that gained independence from Portugal on 25 June 1975. It covers 799,380 km² and has an estimated population of 34.1 million in 2025. The country uses the metical as its currency and its legislature is the unicameral Assembly of the Republic.

Key details

Mozambique borders Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and South Africa. Its geography includes lowlands, highlands, and major rivers like the Zambezi. The country is rich in natural resources, including offshore gas, minerals, hydropower potential, and biodiversity.

Why it matters

Mozambique matters to Canadian readers through international development, trade, and diplomatic relations, including shared interest in African regional stability and resource development.

In short

  • Southeastern African country, capital Maputo, official language Portuguese.
  • Independent from Portugal in 1975 after nearly five centuries of colonial rule.
  • Rich in offshore gas, minerals, hydropower, and biodiversity.
  • Multiparty republic with a president as head of state and government.
Canadian angle

Mozambique matters to Canadian readers through international development, trade, and diplomatic relations, including shared interest in African regional stability and resource development.

Quick questions

What is the capital of Mozambique?
The capital and largest city is Maputo.
When did Mozambique gain independence?
Mozambique became independent from Portugal on 25 June 1975.
What currency is used in Mozambique?
Mozambique uses the metical (MZN).

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozambique
    Supports: Basic geography, capital, and bordering countries.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/place/Mozambique
    Supports: Official name, capital, population estimate, language, and government type.
  3. BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13890416
    Supports: Independence in 1975 and the legacy of the civil war.
  4. World Bankhttps://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/country/mozambique
    Supports: Coastline, natural assets, and economic context.
  5. Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (France)https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/mozambique/presentation-du-mozambique/
    Supports: Official name, government type, president, area, capital, language, currency, and independence date.