The name of the African country, "Republic Of Mozambique," is spelled phonetically as rɪˈpʌblɪk əv məˈzæmbiːk. The spelling includes the use of the letter "z" in place of the more common "s" because the language used in Mozambique, Portuguese, distinguishes between the two sounds. Additionally, the use of the letter "q" in "Mozambique" is an indication of the country's colonial history, as the current spelling reflects the way the Portuguese spelled the word when they colonized the region in the 16th century.
The Republic of Mozambique is a southeastern African country located on the eastern coast of the continent. It is bordered by several countries, including Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest, and the Indian Ocean to the east. The country covers an area of approximately 801,590 square kilometers and has a diverse landscape encompassing coastal plains, plateaus, mountains, and rivers.
Mozambique gained independence from Portuguese colonial rule in 1975 and established itself as a republic. The country adopted a democratic multi-party system, with a president serving as the head of state and government. The capital and largest city of Mozambique is Maputo.
Rich in natural resources, Mozambique's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, mining, and tourism. Major exports include aluminum, coal, natural gas, and agricultural products such as cotton, sugar, and cashew nuts. The country has made significant improvements in various sectors since the end of a bloody civil war in 1992, focusing on infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and poverty reduction.
Mozambique has a diverse cultural heritage, with the population comprising diverse ethnic groups, including the Makua, Tsonga, Shona, and many others. Its cultural expressions encompass a variety of art, music, dance, and cuisine. The official language is Portuguese, inherited from the country's colonial past, while indigenous languages are widely spoken.