Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration by whites, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development. The ruling party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement with rebel forces ended the fighting in 1992.

PEOPLE

Mozambique's major ethnic groups encompass numerous subgroups with diverse languages, dialects, cultures, and histories. Many are linked to similar ethnic groups living in inland countries. The north-central provinces of Zambezia and Nampula are the most populous, with about 45% of the population.

HISTORY

Mozambique's first inhabitants were San hunter and gatherers, ancestors of the Khoisani peoples. Between the first and fourth centuries AD, waves of Bantu-speaking peoples migrated from the north through the Zambezi River valley and then gradually into the plateau and coastal areas. The Bantu were farmers and ironworkers.

U.S.-MOZAMBICAN RELATIONS

Relations between the United States and Mozambique are good and steadily improving. This state of comity, spurred by the end of the superpower confrontation on the continent, South Africa's democratic transition, and Mozambique's own internal changes, bodes well for continued strong ties. By 1993, U.S. aid to Mozambique was prominent, due in part to significant emergency food assistance in the wake of the 1991-93 southern African drought, but more importantly in support of the peace and reconciliation process.

Full country name: Republic of Mozambique
Area: 801,600 sq km
Population: 17 million
People: African (99%, including Shangaan, Chokwe, Manyika, Sena and Makua)
Language: Portuguese
Religion: Indigenous (50%), Christian (30%), Muslim (20%)
Government: Republic
Head of State: President Joaquim Alberto Chissano
Head of Government: Prime Minister Pascoal Mocumbi
GDP: US$12.2 billion
GDP per capita: US$670
Annual Growth: 3%
Inflation: 22%
Major Industries: Food, beverages, textiles, chemicals, petroleum
Major Trading Partners: South Africa, Spain, US, UK, Portugal, France, Japan