Facts About Mozambique

Official designation: Republic of Mozambique

Head of State and Government: H. E. President Joaquim Alberto Chissano, also Deputy Chairman of SADC

Prime Minister: H.E. Dr. Pascoal Manuel Mocumbi

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation: H.E. Dr. Leonardo Santos Simão

Independence: 25 June 1975

Capital City: Maputo

Location: Southeast coast of Africa, Indian Ocean coastline

Area: 799,390 sq. Km

Population: Estimate 16.6 million (1994), 18 million (1997) Projected 19.6 million by the Approximately 40% of the population lives in two provinces, Nampula and Zambezia Appox. 33% lives in urban areas. Census was held in August 1997. Information is still being compiled.

Languages: The official language is Portuguese. There are 13 national languages and numerous dialects spoken by 11 ethnic groups, and most are shared across boundaries with neighboring countries. English is taught in secondary schools and is spoken by many young professionals as well as senior government officials and political leaders.

Governance: Executive president, unicameral legislature, unitary republic.

National Assembly: 250 seats, including 70 women (28%) (Parliament)

Administrative: Ten provinces plus Maputo city, 128 districts, 23 cities, Division 387 administrative posts, 68 towns.

Last Elections: 27-29 October 1994

Membership: SADC (Southern African Development Community), Organization of African Unity (OAU), Non-Aligned Movement, G 77, Commonwealth, Organization of the Islamic Conference, Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), Indian Ocean Rim, African-Caribbean-Pacific (ACP) group of signatories to Lome Convention with EU.