Time and tide have not been kind to Mozambique. A long, horrific civil war has scarred the country, shattered its infrastructure and left a million land mines scattered about the countryside. Much of its wildlife, including big game such as elephants and rhinos, has been decimated by war, and cyclones have ravaged its coastline. Droughts and floods take turns rubbing salt in Mozambique s wounds.
Mozambicans are putting the past behind them and are rebuilding their country at a remarkable pace. Discussions between the government and the opposition have resulted in an easing of tension. It s now possible to travel in relative safety, though getting around does require keeping your wits about you. And there are a fair number of things to see, including world-renowned beaches, World Heritage sites, funky colonial architecture and colorful local culture.

Warning
It has been estimated that more than one million land mines - laid by both sides during the war - remain unexploded in Mozambique. Some minefields have warning signs, but most are unmarked and often only get discovered when someone gets blown to bits. For this reason it is simply not safe to go wandering off into the bush anywhere without first seeking local advice - and even then your safety isn t guaranteed. Stay on roads and well-worn tracks where other people have obviously gone before.
There are also a lot of guns in Mozambique, and a lot of desperately poor people. Armed robberies and drive-by theft at gunpoint in Maputo was once completely unknown, but since 1996 several incidents have been reported. Women are advised not to walk alone along any beach in Mozambique, and travel by convoy is recommended throughout the country, due to the risk of banditry. 
 
Full country name: Republic of Mozambique
Area: 801,600 sq km (309,500 sq mi)
Population: 15.7 million
Capitals: Maputo (pop 1.3 million)
People: African (99%, including Shangaan, Chokwe, Manyika, Sena and Makua)
Languages: Portuguese (official), indigenous languages
Religion: Indigenous beliefs (50%), Christian (30%), Muslim (20%)
Government: Republic
President: Joaquim Alberto Chissano
GDP: US$12.2 billion
GDP per head: 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