Country Profile
Mozambique |
Capital: |
Maputo |
2004 Population: |
19,178,990
|
Pop. Growth Rate: |
1.22% |
Life Expectancy: |
37.1 yrs |
Literacy: |
47.8%
|
Area – Sq. KM: |
801,590 |
Languages: |
39 Total - Portuguese (official), Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, numerous African languages |
Languages with Scriptures: |
9 Bible, 5 New Testament |
Ethnic Groups: |
61 Total – Major groups: Makhuwa; Makhuwa-Meetto; Tsonga; Sena; Lomwe |
Major Religions: |
Christian 57.7%, Animist 22%, Muslim 18.1%, non-religious 2.2, Hindu .05% |
|
Mozambique is located in southeastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between South Africa and Tanzania. Slightly less than twice the size of California, the terrain is mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in the center, high plateaus in the northwest and mountains in the west.
Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony ended with independence in 1975. At its independence, Mozambique was one of the world’s poorest nations. Large-scale emigration by whites, economic dependence on South Africa, severe drought, socialist mismanagement and a prolonged civil war hindered the country’s development. In 1987, the government embarked on a series of macroeconomic reforms designed to stabilize the economy. Despite the many steps of economic reform, Mozambique remains dependent upon foreign assistance and the majority of the population (70%) remains below the poverty line. Subsistence agriculture continues to employ approximately 81% of the country’s workforce.
Of the 61 people groups, only two are more than 3% evangelical. Government policy between 1975 and 1982 was the exclusive propagation of Marxism, "all-out-war on the churches" and "destruction of religious superstitions". However, during the 1990’s Mozambique has seen the fastest church growth of any African country. Mozambique is truly “ripe unto harvest” and Operation Harvest is sending labors into the harvest field.
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