Difference between revisions of "Mozambique"
(New page: Mozambique is a nation in south-east Africa. The area of Mozambique is 304,496 square miles (801,590 sq km) and its population is 19.8 million (2005 est). The capital city is [[Maputo]...) |
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Mozambique has since developed democratic institutions and in 1996 joined the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] (the former [[British Commonwealth]]); it is the only nation never under British rule to have joined. | Mozambique has since developed democratic institutions and in 1996 joined the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] (the former [[British Commonwealth]]); it is the only nation never under British rule to have joined. | ||
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Revision as of 16:44, June 29, 2007
Mozambique is a nation in south-east Africa. The area of Mozambique is 304,496 square miles (801,590 sq km) and its population is 19.8 million (2005 est). The capital city is Maputo (formerly Laurenco Marques).
Mozambique was colonised by Portugal in the early sixteenth century and became an independent state in 1975, following an eleven year long guerilla war by the Marxist FRELIMO (Front for the Liberation of Mozambique) organisation; Portugal announced its intention to grant independence to its imperial possessions after the revolution of 1974.
Independent Mozambique was a haven for Zimbabwean rebels and for the ANC, and to cause unrest in the country the government of South Africa created and supported the Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO). The ensuing civil war lasted until 1995.
Mozambique has since developed democratic institutions and in 1996 joined the Commonwealth of Nations (the former British Commonwealth); it is the only nation never under British rule to have joined.