mozambique

• republic in southeastern africa
the republic of mozambique is a country in south-eastern africa. mozambique became a portuguese colony in the 19th century, and became independent in 1974. samora machel, leader of frelimo (front for the liberation of mozambique), became the first president of independent mozambique in 1975. frelimo was opposed by renamo, also known as the mnr (mozambique national resistance), which was initially supported by rhodesia and subsequently by south africa. the economy was disrupted by the civil war and over one million refugees fled to malawi or south africa. samora machel died in 1986 in a plane crash and joaquim alberto chissano became president. frelimo was the only party until 1990, when other political parties were legalized. in 1992 the government and renamo signed a peace treaty. mozambique exports shrimps and prawns, cashew nuts, and sugar. large foreign debts and high inflation are major economic problems. it is a member of the organization of african unity.