Mozambique - Travel Report

Mozambique, a developing country in southern Africa, has steadily rebuilt its economy and civic institutions since ending a 16-year civil war in 1992. The capital is Maputo. Despite high economic growth rates in recent years, Mozambique remains among the world's poorest countries. The average GDP is $21.23 billion (2003 est.). The main export commodities are aluminum, prawns, cashews, cotton, sugar, citrus, timber; bulk electricity. The major trade partners are Belgium, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Spain, and Portugal. There are several religious denominations in Mozambic: indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20%. Currency can be converted only at locations authorized by the Mozambican government. It is against the law to destroy Mozambican currency; offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Outside of the major hotels, credit cards are not widely accepted in Mozambique. Many merchants prefer to be paid in U.S. dollars or South African rand.