Country Profile - MOZAMBIQUE

General Information

Area: 799,380 sq km (308,641 sq miles).

Population: 17,242,240 (official estimate 2000).

Population Density: 21.6 per sq km.

Capital: Maputo. Population: 1,018,938 (2000).

GEOGRAPHY: Mozambique borders Tanzania to the north, Zambia and Malawi to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and South Africa and Swaziland to the southwest. To the east lies the Indian Ocean and a coastline of nearly 2500km (1550 miles) with beaches bordered by lagoons, coral reefs and strings of islands. Behind the coastline, a vast low plateau rising towards mountains in the west and north accounts for nearly half the area of Mozambique. The landscape of the plateau is savannah – more or less dry and open woodlands with tracts of short grass steppe. The western and northern highlands are patched with forest. The Zambezi is the largest and most important of the 25 main rivers which flow through Mozambique into the Indian Ocean. The major concentrations of population (comprising many different ethnic groups) are along the coast and in the fertile and relatively productive river valleys, notably in Zambezia and Gaza provinces. The Makua-Lomwe, who belong to the Central Bantu, live mainly in the area north of Zambezia, Nampula, Niassa and Cabo Delgado provinces. The Tsonga, who are the predominant race in the southern lowlands, provide a great deal of the labour for the South African mines. In the Inhambane coastal district are the Chopi and Tsonga, while in the central area are the Shona. The Makonde inhabit the far north. Mestizos and Asians live in the main populated area along the coast and in the more fertile river valleys.

Government: Republic since 1990. Gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Head of State: President Joaquím Alberto Chissano since 1986. Head of Government: Prime Minister Pascoal Manuel Mocumbi since 1994.

Language: Portuguese is the official language. Many local African languages, such as Tsonga, Sena Nyanja, Makonde and Macua, are also spoken.

Religion: Christian (mainly Roman Catholic), Muslim and Hindu. Many also follow traditional beliefs.

Time: GMT + 2.

Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Communications:

Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 258. Outgoing international calls must go through the operator, although direct dialling is available to South Africa and Swaziland; there may be some delay.

Mobile telephone: GSM 900/1800 networks with limited roaming agreements. Coverage is expanding to all main cities in most provinces. Network operators include Mcel (website: www.mcel.co.mz) and Vodacom (website: www.vodacom.co.mz). Handsets cannot be hired for short periods. Internet: ISPs include Teledata (website: www.teledata.mz). There are at least two Internet cafes in Maputo (one in Avenida Julius Nyerere).

Telegram: Connections are via South Africa to international telecommunications network. Internal communications exist between most major towns.

Post: Postal services are available in main centres. Airmail to Europe usually takes 5 to 7 days, but sometimes longer.

Press: There are no English-language newspapers published in Mozambique. The daily papers are Correio da Manha, Diário de Moçambique and Notícias. Imparcial Fax and Mediafax are news sheets available by fax.

Radio: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.

Passport/Visa

Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes Yes Yes Australian Yes Yes Yes Canadian Yes Yes Yes USA Yes Yes Yes OtherEU Yes Yes Yes Japanese Yes Yes Yes

PASSPORTS: Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond intended date of departure required by all.

VISAS: Required by all.

Types of visa and cost: Tourist and Business: £40-£60 (single-entry); £70-110 (multiple-entry). Transit: £40. Prices vary according to the desired processing time.

Validity: Single-entry: 1 day to 1 month from date of entry, renewable to a maximum of 3 months. Multiple-entry: 1 to 6 months from date of issue. Transit: 5 days from date of issue.

Application to: Mozambique Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates; or Empresa Nacional de Turismo (see Contact Addresses section).

Note: A visa can sometimes be obtained through a contact living in Mozambique or at the airport although processing is often subject to delay. Apply to nearest High Commission for more information.

Application requirements: (a) Official application form. (b) Two passport-size photos. (c) Valid passport. (d) Return or onward ticket or flight confirmation slip. (e) For Business visas, a letter of invitation to Mozambique and/or introduction from an official or business institution. (f) Fee payable in cash or by cheque (made payable to the Mozambique High Commission). (g) Stamped, self-addressed registered envelope for postal applications.

Working days required: 3. Visas can be processed on the same day or within 24 hours for an additional fee.

Temporary residence: Apply to the Embassy or High Commission (see Contact Addresses section).

Money

Currency: Mozambique Metical (MT) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of MT100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000 and 1000. Coins are in denominations of MT5000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.

Currency exchange: There are bureaux de change at the airports. Money can also be changed at banks. It is advisable to take US Dollars or South African Rand.

Credit & debit cards: These are rarely used in shops. However, money can be obtained from some ATMs using Visa credit or debit cards.

Travellers cheques: High rates of commission are often charged on these. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Pounds sterling, US Dollars or South African Rand.

Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on import.

Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Metical against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Date Aug ’03 Nov ’03 Feb ’04 May '04 £1.00= 37399.22 40226.20 42515.6 41763.5 $1.00= 23443.41 23705.00 23357.0 23382.5

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1530.

Duty Free

Duty-Free: The following goods may be imported into Mozambique, by persons irrespective of age, without incurring customs duty:

200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco; 0.75l of spirits; a reasonable quantity of perfume (opened).

Prohibited/restricted items: Narcotics are prohibited. Firearms require a permit.

Public Holidays

Public Holidays: Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Feb 3 Heroes’ Day. Apr 7 Day of the Mozambican Woman. May 1 Workers’ Day. Jun 25 Independence Day. Sep 7 Lusaka Agreement Day. Sep 25 Armed Forces Day. Dec 25 National Family Day/Christmas Day. Jan 1 2005 New Year’s Day. Feb 3 Heroes’ Day. Apr 7 Day of the Mozambican Woman. May 1 Workers’ Day. Jun 25 Independence Day. Sep 7 Lusaka Agreement Day. Sep 25 Armed Forces Day. Dec 25 National Family Day/Christmas Day.

Health

Special Precautions Certificate Required? Yellow Fever No 1 Cholera Yes 2 Typhoid and Polio 3 N/A Malaria 4 N/A

1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required of travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with infected areas.

2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Mozambique. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Renewed outbreaks of cholera have been reported; Maputo and Beira are among the infected areas. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. For more information, see the Health appendix.

3: Immunisation against typhoid and poliomyelitis is often advised.

4: Malaria risk exists throughout the year, particularly in the north. The predominant falciparum strain is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine and resistant to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Travellers should bring a mosquito net.

Food & drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Some milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: Diarrhoeal diseases, giardiasis, dysentery and typhoid fever are all common. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Hepatitis A, B and E are present. Meningococcal meningitis may occur. Human trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) has been reported. Plague has been reported in remote areas. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, see the Health appendix.

Health care: Full health insurance, preferably including Medevac, is essential. Medical facilities are scarce. Many rural health centres were forced to close during the conflict with the MNR rebels. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies including medications and sterile syringes.

Travel – International

AIR: Mozambique’s national airline is LAM-Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (TM). Other airlines serving Mozambique include Air France, Air Mauritius, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways and TAP Air Portugal.

Approximate flight times: From Maputo to London is 14 hours, including stopover in Johannesburg.

International airports: Maputo International (MPM) (Maputo) is 3km (1.8 miles) northwest of the city. Bus and taxi services run to the centre (travel time – 15 minutes). Airport facilities include bank, restaurant, bar, snack bar, car hire (Avis, Hertz and Imperial) and post office. Beira (BEW) is 13km (8 miles) from the city (travel time – 15 minutes). Beira receives flights from Continental Europe, other African countries and America. Airport facilities include restaurant, shops and a post office.

Departure tax: US$20 if destination is outside Africa; US$10 if destination is within Africa. Infants under 2 years of age and transit passengers are exempt.

SEA: British, European, American, Japanese and South African cargo vessels call at Maputo and Beira, but there are no regular passenger services.

RAIL: A train runs six times a week from Johannesburg to the Mozambique border at Komatipoort where there is a connection to Maputo (travel time – 15 hours). An overnight train runs regularly from Durban to Maputo. There is a service from Harare to Beira. There are connections from Malawi to Beira (although the border still has to be crossed on foot). Note: Rail services are sometimes sporadic and unreliable.

ROAD: There are good road links with all neighbouring countries except Tanzania. However, road travel can be dangerous and should only be undertaken in daylight. Highjacking and robberies are rife and travellers should be aware of the possiblilty of unexploded landmines on the lesser-used roads. Bus: There is a daily bus service from Maputo to Johannesburg, and there are good bus links to other South African cities. Minibuses run between Maputo and towns in Swaziland, crossing the border at Namaacha. For further information about entry requirements and routes for border crossing, contact the High Commission (see Contact Addresses section).

Travel – Internal

AIR: There are flights linking Maputo with Beira, Blantyre (Malawi), Inhambane, Lichinga, Nampula, Pemba, Quelimane and Tete. Flights depart from Maputo between 0500 and 0730 and are subject to seasonal alterations. Flights are frequently delayed or cancelled and baggage is often lost or tampered with. Air-taxi services are also available, and are the safest means of transport outside the main cities.

Departure tax: US$7.

RAIL: There is no rail connection between Maputo and Beira. There is a rail link between Beira and Tete and lines from the towns of Moçambique and Nacala, via the junction at Monapo, to Nampula and Lichinga. Trains also run from Maputo to Goba and Ressano Garcia, and northwards on the line to Zimbabwe. Most trains have three classes, but there are few sleepers and no dining or air-conditioned cars. For seats and sleepers, it is necessary to book in advance. All train services are subject to disruption.

ROAD: There are an estimated 29,810km (18,631 miles) of roads in Mozambique. Tarred roads connect Maputo with Beira and Beira with Tete. It is now possible to travel by road in southern Mozambique though flood damage can still cause serious delays. Traffic drives on the left. Bus: There are regular services covering most of the country. In more rural areas, road passage can only be undertaken by converted passenger trucks known as chapas. It is advisable to carry food and water on long journeys. There are occasional controls on the roads to check papers, especially in the north and near the border with Zimbabwe. Bus travel is the cheapest form of transport in the country and is, on the whole, fairly reliable. Taxi: Rarely available outside large towns. Car hire: Cars can be hired from international and national agencies in Maputo and Beira. Only hard currency is accepted. Documentation: International Driving Permit is recommended.

Note: Landmines may make travel by road outside the capital risky, and up-to-date travel advice should be sought. Driving after dark can be hazardous owing to vehicles travelling without headlights. Hijacking occurs.

URBAN: Bus services in Maputo have been improved with the introduction of new vehicles, and there are now fairly extensive services. Taxis are metered. Taxi drivers expect a tip.

Accommodation

HOTELS: Hotels of international standard are found mainly in the cities of Maputo and Beira. Accommodation in smaller towns is generally of a lower standard. More information is available online (website: www.mozambique.mz).

GUEST HOUSES: It is possible to rent holiday cottages, bungalows and rondavels cheaply.

CAMPING/CARAVANNING: There are campsites along the beaches, and a rest camp with a restaurant in Gorongosa Game Park. Camping is also permitted at various Catholic and Protestant missions in the country.

Sport & Activities

Watersports: There is good fishing for marlin, barracuda, sailfish and swordfish. Notable resorts are Inhaca Island near Maputo, the Bazaruto Archipelago and Mozambique Island. There are many beaches and lagoons with safe bathing; however, there is a danger of occasional sharks in the warm Indian Ocean. Many hotels have pools. Some resorts have facilities and excellent clear waters full of underwater sights for divers or snorkellers to explore. Zavora’s coral reef is outstanding.

There is also good hiking but advice and extreme caution should be taken due to the large amount of leftover landmines in the country. Birdwatching is excellent.

Social Profile

Food & Drink: The cuisine is mainly Portuguese with Far Eastern influences. Specialities are piri-piri chicken, Zambesi chicken, shellfish, including Delagoa Bay prawns (which are grilled and served with piri-piri sauce), matapa (sauce of ground peanuts and cassava leaves) with rice or wusa (stiff maize porridge). Restaurants are to be found in main towns, as well as hotel dining rooms.

Nightlife: Maputo has a lively nightlife, particularly on weekends. Feira Popular is the main forum of evening activity with various bars and discos, some with live music. The style of music in clubs varies from typical Mozambican rhythms to Western pop music. The National Company of Song & Dance has rehearsals which are open to the public. Most major towns have cinemas.

Shopping: Special purchases include basketwork, reed mats, woodcarvings, masks, printed cloth and leather articles. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1230 and 1400-1730, Sat 0800-1800.

Special Events: For details of special events in 2004, contact the Mozambique National Tourism Company (see Contact Addresses section).

Social Conventions: Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. The courtesies and modes of address customary in Portugal and other Latin countries are still observed. Casual wear is acceptable. Formal dress is seldom required. Photography: Visitors should not take photographs of soldiers, airports, bridges or government buildings. Tipping: Not generally expected outside Maputo. In Maputo and other tourist-exposed areas, 5-15 per cent of the bill is normal (depending on standards of service and the place itself).

Business Profile

Economy: Agriculture, which employs 80 per cent of the working population, is the mainstay of the economy. Cash crops include cashew nuts (see below), tea, sugar, sisal, maize, cotton, copra, oil seeds and some citrus fruit. Forestry is increasing in importance. Fishing is both an important source of food and a vital export earner. Manufacturing industry produces one quarter of GDP: products include processed foods, textiles, drinks, cement and fertiliser. Mining operations produce coal, salt, bauxite, gemstones and marble. In addition, natural gas is extracted from onshore fields and piped to South Africa.

Following the end of the debilitating civil war in 1994, the Mozambican economy picked up strongly over the next 5 years, recording annual growth of around 10 per cent (13 per cent in 2001), although at the price of high inflation (around 35 per cent) at times. Mozambique was also deemed eligible for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, which was agreed by major donors in 1999 and lifted some of the country’s substantial debt burden. However, much of Mozambique’s fragile economic progress was undone by the devastating floods of 2000. Since then the economy has been further undermined by drought and trade-related disputes over the issue of subsidies to farmers. A number of African countries complain of the international financial community’s insistence that they remove subsidies while Western countries continue to support their own agricultural sector. (Mozambique points to the near-collapse of its once thriving cashew-nut industry). In 2002, Mozambique was once again obliged to call upon its aid donors for emergency food aid. Mozambique is a member of the Southern African Development Conference. South Africa, the USA and Portugal are Mozambique’s most important trading partners.

Business: Safari suits are advised for the hot season, while lightweight suits or jackets should be worn for the rest of the year. Prior appointments are recommended. A knowledge of Portuguese is normally necessary for business dealings, although there are translation facilities available in Maputo. January is the main holiday month, so this should be avoided for business trips. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1230 and 1400-1730.

Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Câmara de Comércio de Moçambique, CP 1836, Rua Mateus Sansão Mutemba 452, Maputo (tel: (1) 491 970; fax: (1) 490 428).

Climate

Climate: Climate varies according to area. Inland is cooler than the coast and rainfall higher as the land rises, with most rain between January and March. Hottest and wettest season is October to March. From April to September the coast has warm, mainly dry weather tempered by sea breezes.

Required clothing: Tropical lightweights, with warmer clothing for evenings. Rainwear advisable all year round.