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Mozambique

With a long coastline of 2,470 km facing the Indian Ocean, Mozambique lies above South Africa and borders five other countries. Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe rely on access to Mozambique's ports which are also used by South Africa. Following independence from Portugal in 1975, Mozambique subsequently suffered a protracted civil war that ended in 1992.

Since 2001, Mozambique's annual average GDP growth has been among the highest in the world although this has come off a very low base following the long civil war. This economic success has been based largely on resources, agriculture, manufacturing and a growing tourism sector.

Mozambique is a member of the Commonwealth, the Southern African Development Community and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. Although Portuguese is the official language, it is the first language for less than 10 per cent of the population of 30.5 million (2018).

Australia's diplomatic representation to Mozambique is from the High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, assisted by an Honorary Consul in Maputo. Mozambique is represented in Australia by two Honorary Consuls in Sydney and Melbourne.

Economic and trade information

Mozambique country/economy fact sheet [PDF]
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