PEOPLE
Mozambique's
major ethnic groups encompass numerous subgroups with diverse
languages, dialects, cultures, and histories. Many are linked
to similar ethnic groups living in neighboring countries. The
north-central provinces of Zambezia and Nampula are the most populous,
with about 45% of the population. The estimated 4 million Makua
are the dominant group in the northern part of the country--the
Sena and Ndau are prominent in the Zambezi valley, and the Tsonga
and Shangaan dominate in southern Mozambique.
Despite
the influence of Islamic coastal traders and European colonizers,
the people of Mozambique have largely retained an indigenous culture
based on small-scale agriculture. Mozambique's most highly developed
art forms have been wood sculpture, for which the Makonde in northern
Mozambique are particularly renowned, and dance. The middle and
upper classes continue to be heavily influenced by the Portuguese
colonial and linguistic heritage.
During the colonial era, Christian missionaries were active in Mozambique, and many foreign clergy remain in the country. According to the national census, about 40% of the population is Christian, at least 20% is Muslim, and the remainder adheres to traditional beliefs.
Under
the colonial regime, educational opportunities for black Mozambicans
were limited, and 93% of that population was illiterate. In fact,
most of today's political leaders were educated in missionary
schools. After independence, the government placed a high priority
on expanding education, which reduced the illiteracy rate to about
two-thirds as primary school enrollment increased. Unfortunately,
in recent years school construction and teacher training enrollments
have not kept up with population increases. With post-war enrollments
reaching all-time highs, the quality of education has suffered.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Mozambican(s).
Population (2006 est.): 19.7 million; 48.2% male and 51.8% female.
Population annual growth rate (2006): 1.3%.
Ethnic groups: Makua, Tsonga, Makonde, Shangaan, Shona, Sena, Ndau, and other indigenous groups, and approximately 10,000 Europeans, 35,000 Euro-Africans, and 15,000 South Asians.
Religions: Christian 45%, Muslim 20%, indigenous African and other beliefs 35%.
Languages: Portuguese (official), various indigenous languages.
Education: Mean years of schooling (adults over 25): men 2.1, women 1.2. Primary net enrolment rate (2003)--61%. Adult illiteracy rate (2003)--53.6%.
Health: Infant mortality rate (2006)--129/1,000. Life expectancy (2006)--40 years.
Work force (9.4 million est. 2006): Agriculture--81%; industry--6%; services--13% (1997 estimate).
