Mozambique

Bordering Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini, Mozambique occupies roughly 801,590 km² in southeastern Africa. The capital, Maputo, sits in the far south and serves as the country's economic and administrative centre. Portuguese is the official language; the metical (MZN) is the currency. Mozambique's cultural identity blends Bantu traditions, centuries of Indian Ocean trade, and a Portuguese colonial legacy that shaped its architecture, cuisine, and legal institutions.

Many nationalities — including citizens of several African Union and SADC states — enter Mozambique visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival at major entry points. Others must apply in advance through a Mozambican embassy or consulate. Requirements and fees vary by nationality, so travellers should verify current conditions through official government channels before departure.

The Bazaruto Archipelago, a national park of coral islands off the central coast, shelters dugongs and manta rays in shallow turquoise waters. Gorongosa National Park in Sofala Province has undergone one of Africa's notable wildlife recovery projects, now home to lion, elephant, and hippo. The Island of Mozambique, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves a historic Swahili-Portuguese trading port with 16th-century Fort São Sebastião still standing. Tofo Beach near Inhambane is a recognised site for whale shark encounters.

Mozambique has a tropical climate with a wet season running roughly November to April and a dry season from May to October. Coastal temperatures typically range from 25°C to 35°C in summer, while the dry season brings cooler, more comfortable conditions between 18°C and 28°C. The highlands of Manica and Zambezia provinces are noticeably cooler. The dry season — May through September — is generally considered the best time to visit; pack a light layer for evenings.

• Independence from Portugal was achieved in 1975.
• Home to Africa's fourth-longest river, the Zambezi.
• The flag depicts an AK-47, unique among national flags.
• Cashew nuts were once Mozambique's top export crop.
• Maputo's iron house was designed by Gustave Eiffel.

• mozambique.travel — official national tourism website
• visas.gov.mz — government visa and entry information portal
• inam.gov.mz — Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia, national weather service
• portaldogoverno.gov.mz — official Mozambique government portal