Mozambique History

Mozambique's history mirrors the experience of many southern African countries: displacement of indigenous hunter-gathers by Bantu tribes, establishment of various cultures and kingdoms, and the arrival of Portuguese colonisers and an exploitative relationship.

A painful period of rebellion, independence struggle and post-colonial mismanagement followed. Testament to the Mozambican people is the persistence of art, culture and religious beliefs in the face of the country's many historical and current challenges.

Early History

The area now known as Mozambique began as a collection of tribal kingdoms scattered between the Zambezi and the Limpopo rivers, with Arab trading settlements spread along the coastline.

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Colonisation and War

Vasco da Gama first arrived in Mozambique in 1498, Portugal extended their control during the 17th century, and Mozambique became a Portuguese colony in 1752.

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Independence and War

Mozambique gained independence in 1975, but shortly thereafter the country was plunged into yet another war, as the new government was violently opposed by the Mozambique Resistance Movement (RENAMO).

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Peace

Mozambique's first democratic elections were held in 1994, and the country is now rebuilding its economy after decades of war.

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