Mozambique Geography, Mozambique

Mozambique has a coastline that stretches out for 2470km. It is a total area of 801590 sq km, and countries that border it are Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Its terrain is mainly coastal lowland, uplands in the centre and high plateaus in the northwest part of Mozambique; the mountains are in the west. Climate is tropical to subtropical so expect lots of sunshine and sandy beaches.

The highest point is Monte Binga, which are 2436m above sea level.

Natural hazards: severe droughts, devastating cyclones and floods in central and southern Provinces, especially in the months of January and February. Most lodges on the island are closed during these months.

Environment and current issues: A long civil war and recurrent drought in the hinterlands have resulted in increased migration of the population to urban and coastal areas with adverse environmental

Geography note: the Zambezi river flows through the north central and most fertile part of the Country.

Africa’s largest hydroelectric power dam, the Cabora Bassa, lies in the northwest. Although there’s plenty of water, drought is common in the south of the country.

Mozambique has vast areas of fertile land, which can produce enough food for the nation, as well as exports. Maize, sugar cane, tobacco, rice, tea, and citrus fruits are all grown. But the country’s natural wealth is not fully exploited. Mineral resources such as gold, gemstones and bauxite are still to be tapped. The 2,500km coastline produces marine products, especially prawns, which are the country’s largest single export.

Mozambique has a tropical climate, which is hot and humid. The wet season is from November to March, when about 80 per cent of annual rainfall falls.