Mozambique is a country located in the southeastern portion of Africa. Its neighbors include the countries of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, South Africa and Swaziland. On its eastern border lies the Indian Ocean. The peoples within this country fall within the Bantu language group. The biggest population within this group are the Makua-Lomwe, with other groups such as the Nguni, Maravi, Yao, Malawi, Makonde and Sena. In its past, the area was colonized by both the Portuguese and the Arabs. The official language spoken in Mozambique is Portuguese, which goes back to the original colonization of the country by Portugal. There are also several Bantu languages spoken in the region along with Swahili.

Religions in the country include Islam, traditional practices and the dominant religion of Christianity. Their cultural characteristics vary from those in other areas of Africa. Polygamy is practiced within the country and families are often extended for several generations. The traditional roles for men and women are very different. Women are put into a more domestic role within the family. Cultural values are passed down through the generations by word-of-mouth. The area attracted much attention in its history, including the Arabs and the Portuguese for its key trade location. Christianity was spread mostly by the Portuguese who removed the Arab power base in the country’s early history.

Mozambique’s economy is primarily based on agriculture. Farmers grow such crops as various fruit, bananas, corn, peanuts and cassava. Fishing is also a part of the economy, most of which is carried out on the River Zambezi. Trade and mining are two other major portions of the economy. In regards to mining, coal, beryllium, copper, diamonds and gold are pulled from the ground. Industry also has a place in Mozambique, where the production of various textiles, asbestos, cement and glass are created. They can also draw on natural resources such as coal and gas.