Mozambique 

Introduction

The Republic of Mozambique (Republica de Moçambique) is a unitary state on the coast of south-east Africa; its location makes it a gateway to six hinterland countries. It has a population of 19,686,5051 and a land area of 799,380 sq km. Mozambique joined the Commonwealth in 1995, the first country to be admitted which was not a former British colony. The official language is Portuguese. 

Mozambique has 11 administrative provinces, one of which is the capital city, Maputo. The provinces are further divided into districts, administrative posts and localities.  

Only a portion of Mozambique presently has local government. There are 33 municipalities covering Mozambique’s 23 cities (cidades) and 10 of the 116 towns (vilas) in the districts. Over time more local authorities (autarquias locais) are to be established in the remaining towns and the rural areas. 

Summary

Local government exists in embryonic form in Mozambique. Since the first local government elections in 1998, there have been indications that popular perceptions are changing, and that local government can be effective. Although the number of municipalities was not increased for the November 2003 elections, greater party political involvement is expected. RENAMO, as the main opposition party, is campaigning under an agreement with a number of smaller parties.43 For the first time this will bring full multi-party democracy, together with civic participation, to the local level. Mozambique has completed the transition from war to peace, and has embarked on a long-term public-service reform programme. 

Download full profile of Mozambique (  321K PDF)