• Size: Approximately 800,000 sq km's
• Coastline: 2500km of coastline onto the Indian Ocean with amazing coral reefs off shore many of which are still largely unexplored
• Highest Peak: Mt Binga in the Chimanimani mountains
• Largest Rivers: The Zambezi and the Limpopo, these are two of the largest in southern Africa
• Bordering Countries: (From north to south) Tanzania; Malawi; Zambia; Zimbabwe; South Africa; Swaziland
• Population: Around 16 million, 80% in rural areas
• Ethnic groups: There are 19 main groups of which the Makua are the largest group; This group has many distinct subgroups
• Temperatures: Temperatures vary around the country and depending on the season but as a guide daytime temperatures vary between 24 °C and 31 °C. The highest temperatures and humidity year round can generally be found in the north of Mozambique near Pemba and inland in the Zambezi Valley
• Inland temperatures in Mozambique are generally higher than those indicated above
• Rainfall: Average annual rainfall along the coast of Mozambique is 800 to 900 mm.  Although there are regional differences in climate throughout Moz, the highest temperature are during the rainy season.
• Currency: Metical (Mts, Meticais in plural, pronounced Meticash but often abbreviated to Mets); Most Businesses quote in South African Rand (ZAR) or US Dollars (US$) and both are widely, but not exclusively, accepted around the country

SHORT HISTORY

The earliest inhabitants of Mozambique are believed to be related to the San people (Bushman) around 1000 BC.

In 1498, the Portuguese Vasco de Gama landed in Mozambique en route to India and the Portuguese quickly established control of the Swahili-Arab trading posts. Portugal pulled out almost overnight after the independent Peoples Republic of Mozambique was proclaimed on 25th June 1975 and many years of civil unrest followed.

A formal peace agreement was signed in 1992 and Mozambique is now a peaceful country.

Inhambane

Inhambane is one of Mozambique's historical and charming towns with a number of good beaches nearby including Barra and Tofo. Barra point is also known for its reef, and Tofo is good for game fishing, both are popular holiday destinations.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Mozambique offers unique opportunities to explore land and ocean previously untouched by tourism.

While visiting there are a number of things you can do as a responsible tourist to help maintain this untouched feel.

Three basic rules:

·   Do not buy shells or coral

·   Do not litter

·   Do not give cash to beggars

Do Not Buy Shells or Coral

The shells you may see for sale have been "harvested" while still alive from the ocean. Please do not encourage the sellers to "harvest" more marine life by buying these shells. There are a number of places where you may come across small and beautiful shells while beach combing, we would encourage visitors to leave as many of these as possible for the next visitor to appreciate. Remember that some areas (Quirimbas and Bazaruto in particular) are protected and shells should not be removed from these areas. Coral should never be removed from any area, this supports a diverse and sensitive ecosystem, just touching the coral causes irreversible damage and vast areas of coral reefs have been killed in this way.

Do not Litter

This may seem obvious, but still it seems a concept which is widely accepted and yet little put into practice. Litter is a problem in most African countries with "fields" of plastic bags and burning rubbish to be found near most large populations. Set a good example while visiting and don't add to the problems.

Do not give cash to beggars

               While on holiday you may encounter a number of beggars, particularly at airports and around bus stations.

               Although it seems like a charitable act to give to these beggars it does in fact encourage unnecessary     

               begging and in many areas of Africa has become more and more persistent and threatening, in some

               cases leading to violent encounters. Begging is often used as a distraction technique for pickpockets and

               thieves, so be alert and make sure you walk or drive away with all that you started with! If you want to make

               a real difference we can recommend well run and worthwhile charities where the money will go to those

               who need it most.

Traffic and Officials

            When towing always have a blue triangle on the front right of the vehicle and the right
               rear of the trailer, this is a favorite fine by traffic officers on tourists.

               MOZAMBIQUE TOURISM BUREAU – BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION INCIDENT REPORT FORM
               Download and print this TRAFFIC form. You can help in our Fight Against Corruption