marketing

Mozambique

Cultural Analysis

Table of Contents

I. Executive summary ................................................................................................................................... 4

II. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 4

III. Brief discussion of the country’s relevant history................................................................................... 5

IV. Geographical setting ............................................................................................................................... 5

A. Location ................................................................................................................................................... 5

B. Climate ..................................................................................................................................................... 5

C. Topography .............................................................................................................................................. 5

V. Social institutions ..................................................................................................................................... 6

A. Family ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

1. Dynamics of the family ............................................................................................................................. 6

a. Parental roles ............................................................................................................................................. 6

b. Marriage .................................................................................................................................................... 6

2. Female/male roles ..................................................................................................................................... 6

B. Education .................................................................................................................................................. 7

1. The role of education in society ................................................................................................................ 7

a. Primary education ..................................................................................................................................... 7

b. Secondary education ................................................................................................................................. 7

c. Higher education ....................................................................................................................................... 7

2. Literacy rates ............................................................................................................................................. 8

C. Political system ........................................................................................................................................ 8

1. Political structure ...................................................................................................................................... 8

2. Political parties.......................................................................................................................................... 8

3. Stability of government ............................................................................................................................. 8

4. Special taxes.............................................................................................................................................. 9

5. Role of local government .......................................................................................................................... 9

D. Legal system ............................................................................................................................................ 9

1. Organization of the judiciary system ........................................................................................................ 9

2. Code, common, socialist, or Islamic-law country ..................................................................................... 9

3. Participation in patents, trademarks, and other conventions ..................................................................... 9

E. Social organizations ................................................................................................................................ 10

1. Social classes .......................................................................................................................................... 10

2. Race, ethnicity, and subcultures .............................................................................................................. 10

F. Business customs and practices .............................................................................................................. 10

V. Religion and aesthetics ........................................................................................................................... 11

A. Religion and other belief systems .......................................................................................................... 11

1. Orthodox doctrines and structures .......................................................................................................... 11

2. Relationship with the people ................................................................................................................... 11

3. Which religions are prominent? .............................................................................................................. 11

B. Aesthetics ............................................................................................................................................... 12

1. Visual arts ............................................................................................................................................... 12

2. Music ...................................................................................................................................................... 12

3. Drama, ballet, and other performing arts ................................................................................................ 12

4. Folklore and relevant symbols ................................................................................................................ 12

VI. Living conditions .................................................................................................................................. 13

A. Diet and nutrition ................................................................................................................................... 13

1. Meat and vegetable consumption rates ................................................................................................... 13

2. Typical meals .......................................................................................................................................... 13

3. Malnutrition rates .................................................................................................................................... 13

4. Foods available ....................................................................................................................................... 14

B. Housing .................................................................................................................................................. 14

1. Types of housing available ..................................................................................................................... 14

C. Clothing .................................................................................................................................................. 14

1. National dress.......................................................................................................................................... 14

2. Types of clothing worn at work .............................................................................................................. 14

D. Recreation, sports, and other leisure activities ....................................................................................... 15

1. Types available and in demand ............................................................................................................... 15

E. Social security ........................................................................................................................................ 15

F. Healthcare ............................................................................................................................................... 15

VII. Language ............................................................................................................................................. 16

A. Official language .................................................................................................................................... 16

B. Spoken versus written language(s) ......................................................................................................... 16

C. Dialects ................................................................................................................................................... 16

IX. Sources of information ......................................................................................................................... 17

X. Appendixes............................................................................................................................................. 18

I. Executive summary The Republic of Mozambique has greatly been affected by the civil war. Every major industry

has greatly suffered which ultimately had devastating effects on the economy as a whole. As a

result, the population was also severely impacted not only from an economic standpoint but also

from a health perspective. Mozambique consistently ranks among the poorest countries in the

world; therefore there are few and far between social classes. With little access to health care

services, the risks on contracting an infectious disease such as HIV/AIDS or malaria is extremely

high. The living conditions have proven to be difficult- especially in rural areas of the country.

Most Mozambique families rely on agriculture to survive, however their climate is one that is

extremely vulnerable to floods, and droughts. Living in rural areas also correlates with the

malnutrition rates because employment opportunities are far and in between. In addition, the

food production per capita has decreased; food is not readably available for consumers. Much

like the health care services, the education system lacks proper funding and adequate staff

training. The completion rate remains low as nearly half the primary school children leave before

grade five is complete. Currently, the growing tension between the two main political parties

FRELIMO and RENAMO have the potential to head towards political instability in the near

future. The legal system is based both on Portuguese civil law and customary law. The system is

made up of a Supreme Court and provincial, districts, and municipal courts. Mozambique is a

secular state where citizens have freedom of choice when practicing religion. The most common

religious groups found in the country are Roman Catholics, Protestants, and Muslims. As a prior

Portuguese colony, the official language of the country and business is Portuguese. However, a

vast majority of the country speak Bantu instead. The illiterate rate is very high as almost 50% of

the population cannot read or write. From a business perspective, it is crucial for foreigners to

understand the social customs that Mozambicans expect. Since Mozambicans highly value

relationships, it is important to be able to socialize and begin business meetings with small talk.

Typical dress in the business environment is conservative though lightweight suits are

recommended. In more urban areas, westernized clothing is becoming more and more common,

however traditional clothing such as capulanas and headscarves are still widely worn. Portuguese

is the language of choice when conducting business negotiation. The arts are highly influential

among the Mozambique population as they are highly centered on traditional cultures and

customs.

II. Introduction Eco-Biques is an Atlanta, Georgia based company that specializes in customizable eco-friendly

bikes founded by Kate Alderman in 2013. The company plans to export its bicycles to help

facilitate the transportation needs of the people of Mozambique. The bikes are all made of

recycled materials. Not only is the population among the poorest in the world making it difficult

to afford cars, but also the roads are difficult to navigate-especially in rural areas. Therefore,

there is a significant need for affordable bikes in Mozambique as most people do not have an

alternative solution for traveling many miles by foot every day. The bikes will allow

Mozambicans to have easier access to most establishments such as health care facilities and

schools.

III. Brief discussion of the country’s relevant history Mozambique was a colony of Portugal until it reached its independence in 1975. However, two

years after its independence a civil war emerged. Like most civil wars, the after math was

devastating as hundreds of thousands of people were killed while over a million people sought

refuge elsewhere and fled the country. Many migrated towards area of the country where the

government maintained most of its control. As a result of the war, the country suffered a severe

economic depression. The country was unable to sustain itself through agriculture-the people of

Mozambique were unable to feed themselves and were starving. The economy of the Republic of

Mozambique has improved since the lengthy Mozambican Civil war that ended in 1992.

However, the country still remains as one of the poorest countries in the world to this day.

IV. Geographical setting

A. Location The Republic of Mozambique is located in Southeast Africa. The country is bordered to the east

by the Indian Ocean, Tanzania to its north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, and Swaziland

and South Africa to the southwest. Maputo is both the country’s capital and the largest city. It is

located in the southern part of the city towards Swaziland.

B. Climate The tropical climate of Mozambique has two primary seasons: a wet seasons and a dry season.

October through March consists of the wet season while April through September consists of the

dry season. The rainfall varies among certain areas in the country, however it its heaviest along

the coast and decreases in the northern and southern region of Mozambique. Cyclones are also

prominent during the wet season. The warm tropical climate of Mozambique averages 28°

Celsius (82.4F). The summer months range from October to April and the Winter Months range

from April to September.

C. Topography Mozambique consists of primarily of coastal lowlands while is rises towards the west with

plateaus and mountains reaching nearly 8,000 ft.

V. Social institutions

A. Family

1. Dynamics of the family

a. Parental roles The parenting roles in Mozambique are parallel to those of traditional norms where the men are

responsible for means of security while the women tend to the children and the domestic duties.

Mothers are primarily responsible for their children’s needs and the children are rarely separate

from them. In addition for caring for children, the typical traditional family involves more than

one generation living under one roof. Therefore, it is not uncommon for the extended family to

share living quarters with their relatives.

b. Marriage Much different from western society, polygamy was traditionally practiced under Mozambican

customs. It was not until 1981, that a law replaced the common practices of polygamy with

monogamous marriages. This law entitled that both spouses have the right of property ownership

while also describing the specified responsibilities of both men and women.

2. Female/male roles There are few cultural differences separated by geographic locations in Mozambique. In southern

Mozambique, groups are patrilineal, where families trace their decent through male lines. While

in the northern areas of the country, many groups trace their decent through their mother. In

matrilineal groups, it is common for the men to live near their wives family. The Mozambique

constitution guarantees that all citizens have the right to work, however the Mozambican women

face numerous obstacles when seeking nontraditional employment and are considered inferior to

their male counterpart. The women have traditionally been responsible for the care of all

domestic tasks. In urban areas, it more common for women to work but many are still confined

to the four walls of their home, while those who live in more rural areas play an important role in

agriculture as a part of the labor force in addition to domestic tasks.

B. Education

1. The role of education in society The after math of the civil war left the education system in critical conditions as many of its

infrastructures were destroyed. However the challenge to overcome the destruction did allow for

a complete reform of the system. In 1992, the education transformed itself from a state-run,

socialist-oriented system to a new system that offers both government and private educational

systems. The goal of government was to provide quality education at the primary level. In 2005,

school fees for primary education were abolished. However, paying for education beyond

primary school is a burden among families below the poverty line. The poverty and AIDS level

has dramatically impacted the school systems. Many schools have a dual purpose and have taken

on the responsibility to provide health services for orphans or children in desperate need.

However, many schools are not equipped with the necessary means to cater to the children’s

needs. Some schools do not have access to adequate water and sanitation facilities while most

classrooms lack required learning materials and necessary miscellaneous items such as books,

and desks.

a. Primary education The five years of primary school is both free and compulsory. Though Mozambique has made

strides in the right direction; a majority of primary school teachers do not have adequate training

necessary for the task at hand while struggling to overcome the teacher to student ratio. There is

an average of one teacher for every 74 among the primary level. It is common for teachers to

double or even triple their shift in order to cope with the shortage. The completion rate remains

low as nearly half the primary school children leave before grade five is complete.

b. Secondary education The secondary level is organized into two cycles: first cycle of secondary school (grade 8 to 10)

and second cycle of secondary school (grade 11 to 12). The second cycle is considered to be the

pre-university level. Portuguese is the only language taught throughout the country; however

English is mandatory at the secondary level. Similar to the primary levels, the secondary level

copes with a shortage of qualified teachers and inadequate facilities.

c. Higher education Since most Mozambicans do not complete primary school, the number of people who attend

higher education is devastatingly low even compared to other countries in Africa with similar

demographic statistics. Mozambique has both private and public university level institutions

available. Completion rates at this level of education are also extremely low. Although, some

believe the low completion rates are a positive sign of success as students find work before they

complete their studies.

2. Literacy rates Due to quality of education most Mozambicans received the illiteracy rate is high. In 2013, only

48% of adults in Mozambique were able to read and write. Girls are extremely disadvantage in

Mozambique society as over a third of girls aged between 15 and 24 are unable to read and write.

The quality of education received to girls varies with cultural reasons. Many girls leave abandon

their studies around 14 years old since most of them marry young.

C. Political system

1. Political structure Mozambique is a multi-party democratic republic with a unicameral parliament known as the

Assembly of the Republic. Like the U.S structure, Mozambique has an executive branch, a

legislative branch, and a judicial branch. The president is tasked with appointing a prime minister

and a council of ministries (the cabinet). The president, Armando Guebuza is the chief of state

while the prime minister is the head of government. The members in the legislative branch serve

on five year terms, similar to that of the presidential term in the executive branch. Presidents are

elected by popular vote for five-year terms.

2. Political parties Mozambique has two dominant political parties. This two-party system makes it very difficult

for other parties to emerge. Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) is the current

political party in power under the president’s leadership. FRELIMO was a liberation movement

that was established in hopes of gaining Mozambique’s independence from Portugal. At that

time, it became the official Marxist-Leninist political party. FRELIMO struggled to keep its

dominance during the civil war as it faced massive opposition from an anti-communist group

known as the Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO). Once the civil war came to an end,

the poverty among the nation made it difficult for the government to achieve their goals and

improve the quality of life for its people. Therefore, FRELIMO moved away from its traditional

values towards a social democratic society putting an end of Marxist ideologies.

3. Stability of government There is growing tension between both parties as the RENAMO party brought the 1992 peace

deal to end. This caused the relationship between the two to deteriorate which could lead to a

potential civil war should the issues not be resolved. Now, the former rebel group and

government are at odds. As a result, the government political future is uncertain as elections are

soon to approach in October of 2014. Despite these issues and the armed conflicts, the

government remains confident in its stability

4. Special taxes The standard company tax rate in Mozambique is 32% and special taxes regimes apply to certain

investment projects where incentives are typically granted. A company that is a nonresident is

only subject to tax its Mozambique source of income while resident companies are taxed on its

worldwide income.

5. Role of local government The goal of the local authorities is to create an environment where the participation of citizens is

encouraged when solving problems within their own local communities. However, the

participation in local government initiatives is relatively low due to a lack of resources, services,

and information provided locally. Only certain parts of Mozambique have a local government.

There are a total of 33 municipalities that cover 23 cities and 20 out of a total of 128 towns in the

districts. The Minister of State Administration is responsible for delegating and the

administration of laws that oversee the local governments.

D. Legal system

1. Organization of the judiciary system The judiciary is made up of a Supreme Court and provincial, district and municipal courts. The

Supreme Court judges are appointed by the president while some are elected by the members of

the Assembly. The Supreme courts are at the apex followed by the provincial and districts courts.

2. Code, common, socialist, or Islamic-law country Mozambique’s judiciary system is primarily based on the Portuguese civil law and customary

law. However, the Islamic law may be applied in predominately Muslin villages without a formal

legal system.

3. Participation in patents, trademarks, and other conventions One can apply for patents by filling either to an ARIPO regional application or through the

Mozambique Patent and Design Offices.

Mozambique is a member of the following international/regional conventions agreements:

 Harare Protocol (ARIPO) as of 2000

 Lusaka Agreement (ARIPO) as of 2000

 Madrid Agreement on Marks as of 1998

 Madrid Protocol on Marks as on 1998

 Nice Agreement classification of Marks as of 2002

 Paris Convention since 1998

 Patent Cooperation Treaty as of 2000

 WIPO Convention since 1996

 WTO/TRIPS since 1995

E. Social organizations

1. Social classes Over 70% of the population lives below the poverty line, those of which survive on less than $2

a day. As a result, Mozambique it consistently ranks among the poorest countries in the world.

The Portuguese landowners formed the wealthiest class of citizens under Portugal’s rule. Below

them, were the mestizos, who were of mixed African and Portuguese descent; while despite its

vast majority in numbers, the Africans formed the bottom of the pyramid. Since the

independence, most of the Portuguese left the country. Nowadays, most of the population is poor

with an exception to a small minority of the ruling elite.

2. Race, ethnicity, and subcultures Mozambique has wide variety of ethnic groups that make up its population. In 1998, 99.66% of

the population was made up of indigenous tribal groups such as Makua, Sena, Manyika,

Chokwe, and Shangaan. The Makua-Lomwe is the largest ethnic group that is located in the

northern region of the Zambezi. This group alone accounts for 37% of the entire population.

Europeans amount to 0.06%, Euro-Africans make up 0.2%, and Indians account for the

remaining 0.08% of the population.

F. Business customs and practices Like in most countries, initial greeting are very important in Mozambique’s business etiquette.

Acknowledging everyone with a nod is customary- even people that have not been properly

introduced. Men typically shake hands when they meet using both hands at times with the left

hand placed on the upper arm of the other person. In addition, men holding hands in public is not

considered an sexuality indicator rather it is considered a sign of friendship. Meetings rarely

begin on time in Mozambique, however best business practices suggest that foreigner should be

punctual. Engaging in small talk about families and health are customary before getting to the

point of business. Usually, the person who initiated the meeting begins the discussion, while the

oldest person in room is responsible for ending the discussion. When negotiations are to be

involved, it is best that they be conducted in Portuguese as it is the official language. In addition,

negotiations in the month of January are to be avoided when holidays take precedence.

Mozambicans do not come to decisions without proper thought; therefore considerable

negotiations on both parties are to be expected. One must take note that socializing is considered

more important than the actual business aspects because Mozambicans place an importance

emphasis on relationships and getting to know one another on a personal level rather than strictly

business professional.

V. Religion and aesthetics

A. Religion and other belief systems

1. Orthodox doctrines and structures Local scholars believe that most of the Mozambique population has allegiances to traditional

indigenous customs and beliefs despite only half of the population claiming to have adherence to

any religion. Traditional healers or spiritualist known as the “curandeiros” are called upon in

times of need wither for health, luck, or to help solve problems.

2. Relationship with the people The FRELIMO presented conflicting messages regarding religion after the country’s

independence. FRELIMO claimed Mozambique was a secular state, however, the party was

actively involved with the prosecution of over 20,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, by the end

of the 1980s, FRELIMO abandoned its ways of prosecution and organizations of religious

groups began to reemerge. Mozambique is a now secular state. Therefore, every citizen has the

right to practice the religion of his or her choice due to freedom of conscience. Mozambique

does not have any official religious holidays like in western societies, however it is generally

accepted for individuals to have days off for based on their religious beliefs.

3. Which religions are prominent? The National Institute of Statistics state that half of the Mozambique population is not affiliated

or adheres to any religion or creed. However, out of the estimated 8 million who claim to have

religious affiliations, about 24% are Roman Catholic, 22% are Protestant, and 20% are Muslim.

Roman Catholics are predominantly located in the central provinces while the southern provinces

have a larger number of Protestant. The largest communities of Muslims are typically located in

the northern provincial regions and the coastal strip.

B. Aesthetics

1. Visual arts The artwork is used to convey spiritual messages, historical information, and other aspects of

society. Art is very important to the Mozambican culture. Unfortunately, the destruction during

the civil war destroyed many of the country’s museums, libraries, and other cultural

establishments. Despite the destruction, many of Mozambique’s visual art artists have achieved

international success due to their specialized talents. The government has now established a

National Institute of Culture that collects and preserves all traditional arts. The Makonde in the

north are especially known for their ebony sculptures and masks. The Makonde’s artwork are

known as “family tree” because they embody large various figures that tell stories of previous

generations. Woodcarvings and basket making are also an important aspect of Mozambique’s art

and culture. Talented woodcarving artists typical use their skill to make framed art, furniture,

African objects, and walking canes.

2. Music Music plays an important role for Mozambique’s culture and tradition as it still has elements of

old tribal influences. Music is one of the best representations of its heritage and culture as most

can serve of different purposes whether it is to express religion, love, or cultural events. It is

somewhat customary for musicians to fashion their own instruments by hand. Mozambique’s

most popular music combines both Western and African influences. Marrabenta is popular style

of music that first originated in the 1950s with lyrics that mimic subtle political queues.

Marrabenta was first performed through innovative craftsmanship as the guitars were constructed

out of oil or gasoline cans and fishing lines. Another popular and distinctive form of music is the

Mozambican jazz-fusion that also involved the traditional use of instruments.

3. Drama, ballet, and other performing arts In addition to music, dance plays an important role in many of the local customs and ceremonies

as they often have religious significance. For example, a local dance ceremony includes the

hunting dance of the Chopi. The dancers are dressed in lion skin while the Makua men move

around on tall stilts. In Tete, the nyanga is commonly danced where the participants sing and

play the panpipes. On a different note, Mozambique is invested in a small local film industry

where some have seen success on the international level.

4. Folklore and relevant symbols The native folk music and storytelling has been highly influenced by their colonial roots. The

nation’s culture is surrounded by proverbs, myths, and stores that have been told for generations

on end. Mozambique’s national emblem was designed with symbolism in mind. The corn stalk

and the sugar cane represent the country’s agricultural wealth while the cog reflects the

industry’s labor. The red star represents socialism but the Mozambican constitution states that is

symbolizes the “spirit of international solidarity of the Mozambican people”.

VI. Living conditions

A. Diet and nutrition

1. Meat and vegetable consumption rates In both urban and rural areas when income is available, meat and fish are extremely important in

their diet. Typically, consumption of green vegetables and beans tend to decrease while common

staples such as cassava, maizem millet remain the same when household income increases.

On average, families in rural areas eat two meals a day while families in urban areas are usually

a custom to three meals a day. In rural areas of the country, the consumption of dairy products-

including milk is very low. In more urban area, dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt

are common.

2. Typical meals A staple among Mozambicans is a thick porridge made from corn flour known as “ncima”.

Cassava and rice covered in “metapa”- a sauce made of cassava leaves or other vegetables, with

a side of either meat, beans, or fish is also fairly common. In addition, a number of local beers

(pombe) are very popular among Mozambicans. Palm wine (sura) tends to be more popular in

the southern regions of the country. Coca-Cola has managed to prove itself in Mozambique as

the globally recognized drink when it comes to soft drinks.

3. Malnutrition rates Most Mozambique families rely on agriculture to survive, however their climate is one that is

extremely vulnerable to floods, and droughts. Living in rural areas also correlates with the

malnutrition rates because employment opportunities are far and in between. In addition, other

factors play a significant role in the country’s malnutrition problem such as insufficient protein,

energy, and micronutrients, inadequate health care services, and frequent infections or disease.

Due to these reason, malnutrition is very prominent in Mozambique with one-fifth of children

below the age of five are underweight. Furthermore, 44% of children under the age of five are

stunted due to chronic illness and poor diet.

4. Foods available Over the past decade, food production per capita has decreased as food prices have increased. In

addition, less than 1% of all private investment has been allocated to basic food production for

the local domestic market while over 85% are allocated towards more lucrative ventures such as

minerals and forestry for export markets. Therefore, food is not readably available for consumers

and not many can afford the current market prices if it is available.

B. Housing

1. Types of housing available The traditional village houses are round huts. These huts are constructed primarily by poles

being held together with mud, and thatched roofs made of palm leaves. However, as world

becomes flat, most homes that are built today are made of cement blocks and tin roofs. These

modern designs borrowed from western cultures have also changed the pattern from circular to a

rectangle shape.

C. Clothing

1. National dress In more urban areas, westernized clothing is becoming more and more common- especially

among the younger population (except for the extremely poor). American and European fashion

is becoming increasing in style, but popular items in the west such as blue jeans and skirts have

not yet been adopted in Mozambique. Despite the western influence, traditional clothing such as

capulanas and headscarves are still being worn. Capulanas are squares of colorful fabrics that can

either be worn as a wraparound skirt or on the upper body. Muslims located in the northern part

of the country are known for wearing long white robes and head turbans. Asian men living in

Mozambique typically wear a two-piece white cotton suit. The climate and socio-economic

conditions are both important factors on the clothing choice of most Mozambicans. Mozambique

customs typically state that casual wear is more acceptable and formal dress is rarely worn

except during official hours.

2. Types of clothing worn at work Dressing conservatively is considered proper business etiquette- though lightweight suits are

recommended. Women should also dress conservatively and a modest behavior is also

encouraged.

D. Recreation, sports, and other leisure activities

1. Types available and in demand Soccer is the most popular organized sport in Mozambique, similar to most African countries.

Track and field, swimming, cricket and basketball are also favorable pastimes that the people of

Mozambique thoroughly enjoy. In urban areas, the theater and television are popular leisurely

activities. The many styles of woodcarvings have become enjoyable hobbies throughout the

country.

E. Social security Mozambique’s social security is organized based on three levels: non-contributory basic,

compulsory, and complementary social security. Under the non-contributory basic protection,

welfares services are offered to the poorest households, elderly, disabled, chronically ill, and

households with orphans or “vulnerable” children. The services offered under the compulsory

protection consists of social insurance, including pensions, cash sickness and maternity benefits,

hospitalization, cash death grants for burial expenses. The third level of complementary social

security simply adds to the benefits mentioned above at the compulsory level. Social security

coverage for the entire country is challenging, however the universalization of basic security is

an important goal for the government.

F. Healthcare Malaria is the primary cause of death among children under the age of five, while the HIV/AIDS

epidemic is expanding every year. In countries like Mozambique where dangerous and

prominent diseases are common, many people face extreme obstacles in regards with access to

health care services. It is estimated that only 30% to 50% of the population have access to

healthcare services as over 60% of the population live 30 minutes away from the nearest health

facility. Similar to shortage issue in the education system with teachers, in the province of Tete

alone has over two million residents whom only have access to 63 doctors. In Financing is

another dominant player that heavily correlates with the access and shortages issues in regards to

healthcare services. The quality of the healthcare services is also inadequate as most of these

facilities have limited supplies, drugs, and suitable sources of water. See appendix for trends in

the healthcare expenditures.

VII. Language

A. Official language As a former colony under Portuguese regulation, the official language of Mozambique is

Portuguese. As the official language, Portuguese is the language of choice for the government

and educational systems but it is usually spoken in the capital and other urban areas. However, a

vast majority of Mozambicans speak languages from the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo

language group. English is somewhat common because of the surrounding countries that are

former British colonies and in business surroundings. Swahili, Makua, Sena, Ndau, and

Shangaan are other common languages found in Mozambique

B. Spoken versus written language(s) The literacy rate of the country as of 2013 was 48% while over 50% of Mozambicans can speak

more than one language. Since Portuguese is taught primarily in education systems and since

school attendance records are extremely poor, less the half of the population can speak or write

Portuguese. The language of Makuwa is said to have no written literature.

C. Dialects Over 40 different dialects of Bantu languages are commonly found in Mozambique. Within the

Bantu dialect group, Makua, Lomwe, Tsonga, Sena are some of the most widespread languages

in the country. A number of different languages and dialects are found in Mozambique primarily

because it shares many borders with surrounding countries.

IX. Sources of information  http://www.everyculture.com/Ma-Ni/Mozambique.html

 http://www.ethnologue.com/country/MZ

 http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/395363/Mozambique/261027/Daily-life-

and-social-customs

 http://www.our-africa.org/mozambique/people-culture

 http://photos.state.gov/libraries/mozambique/164103/nguluvep/Edusys.pdf

 http://www.unicef.org/mozambique/education.html

 http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Mozambique.aspx

 http://www.irinnews.org/report/97586/malnutrition-persists-alongside-mozambique-apos-

s-economic-growth

 ftp://ftp.fao.org/ag/agn/nutrition/ncp/moz.pdf

 http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Mozambique/fact-gov-mozambique.html

 http://allafrica.com/stories/201308180350.html

 http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Politics/Concerns-grow-over-Mozambique-

violence-20131024

 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mz.html

 http://www.adamsadams.com/index.php/africa/africaniplaw/mozambique/

 http://work.chron.com/business-etiquette-mozambique-27707.html

 http://www.ilo.org/gimi/gess/ShowCountryProfile.do?cid=314

 http://www.afro.who.int/en/mozambique/country-programmes/health-systems/health-

financing.html

X. Appendixes

The table below illustrates trends in health expenditure from 2002-2010.

Indicator 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Gross Domestic Product/ per capita

(GDP, US$)

334.5 362.8 393.6 468.9 439.2 422.8

Total Health Expenditure (THE)

(million US$)

381,9 409,6 418.9 507.0 594.1 574.0

External resources on health as % of

THE

53 58 59.9 73.7 65.7 Na

General government expenditure on

heath (GGHE) as % THE

74.2 72.6 75.1 77.3 75.5 Na

Out of pocket expenditure as % of THE 25.8 27.4 24.9 22.7 24.5 24

Total expenditure on Health/capita at

exchange rate

19.6 20.6 19 23 23 21

Total health expenditure as % of GDP 6 5 5 4 5 5