MOZAMBIQUE

Mozambique is a wild land where nature is still unspoiled by mass tourism. Crossroads of cultures, the former Portuguese colony is home to exceptional sites: sandy beaches, mangrove forests and landscapes of dunes and lagoons. Original and enchanting destination, Mozambique appeal to lovers of seaside tourism and diving, as well as travelers looking for adventure and scenery.

Identity card

• Capital : Maputo.
• Currency : Metical.
• National day : June 25th.
• Jet lag: winter, add 1 hour compared toFrance in winter. No jet lag in summer.
• Official language : Portuguese.
• Main cities : Beira, Nampula, Nacala, Chibuto, Chimoio, Quelimane, Tete, Pemba.
• Religion : animists 60 % ; christians 30 % ; others 10 %.

Population

Population: 22,000,000 inhabitants.

Climate

Mozambique’s climate is subtropical. In Mozambique, the dry season, which lasts from May to mid-October, is characterized by warm weather and cool nights. From November to March, the climate is much more difficult to bear, with heavy rainfall and high temperatures, especially in the Zambezi Valley, in the western part of Mozambique.

Geography

Located in southern Africa, facing Madagascar, Mozambique is bounded on the north by Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia. The western border is backed Zimbabwe, South Africa and Swaziland. To the east, the coast along more than 2500 km, overlooking the Indian Ocean. A wide coastal plain rises gently towards the interior of the country, largely covered by forest.

Surface

801 590 km².

Highest peak

Mont Binga, 2 436 m.

Coastline

2 470 km.

Landscape types

The plains cover much of the East. Crossed by rivers Zambezi and Limpopo, Mozambique is covered with dunes, lagoons and sandy beaches. The North is designed by trays of several hundred meters.

When to go

The best time of year to explore Mozambique is the dry season, which extends from May to mid-October. During the winter, temperatures are more difficult to bear.