Mozambique is considered an "up and coming" African country since a 15-year civil war that ended in 1992. After being controlled by Portugal for centuries, Mozambique gained independence in 1975, but the civil war erupted between conflicting political parties. The country currently has a democratic political system with a free-market economy, and is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. While now peaceful and recovering from its tumultuous past, it still remains one of the poorest countries in the world.
The climate ranges from tropical to subtropical, with coastal lowlands and high plateaus and mountains. The average temperature is 82 degrees. The country has gorgeous beaches and resorts along its 1,534 miles of coastline on the Indian Ocean and is slowly re-introducing animals into its national parks (hint, hint, come visit us!!! Click here for more info on Mozambique tourism).
The official language of Mozambique is Portuguese, but only about 25% of the population speaks it while most speak a native language.
About the Peace Corps in Mozambique:
Over 633 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in Mozambique since the program was established in 1998. Currently, 203 Volunteers are serving in Mozambique. Volunteers in this Southern African nation work in the areas of education, health, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Many Volunteers working on HIV/AIDS prevention and care receive support from the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program. Volunteers are trained and work in AAjaua, Bitonga, Chope, Changane, Elomwe, Emacua,Hiyau , Nhungwe, Nianja, Portuguese, Swahili, Xitswa, Xindau,Xisena, Xichona, Ximanica, Xichuabo, Ximaconde, and Xironga.*
*Provided by www.peacecorps.gov
For more information, check out the following links:
Peace Corps Mozambique
Lonely Planet Mozambique
Wikipedia Mozambique
