About Mozambique

Description of People: Many customs in Mozambique are rooted in the culture of local groups, passed down by the generations. Local culture affects how people practise their religious beliefs, healing methods, rites of passage for young men and women, and how they deal with their community leaders. Song and dance play an important part in many local customs and ceremonies.

Current Issues: One problem here is pollution. Tankers carrying crude oil from the Arabian Gulf have resulted in contamination of the sea from spills and discharge of wastes. In urban settings, rural sewage treatment exposes people to potential outbreaks of disease.

Geography: Mozambique is divided into two topographical regions:
To the north of the Zambezi river, a narrow coastline and bordering plateau slope upward into hills and a series of rugged highlands punctuated by scattered mountains.
South of the Zambezi River, the lowlands are much wider with scattered hills and mountains along its borders with South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia.
Monte Binga, peaking at 7,988 ft. is the highest point of Mozambique; the Indian Ocean is the lowest.The country is drained by several significant rivers, with the Zambezi being the largest and most important.