June 25: Independence Day in Mozambique
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people and government of Mozambique.
Map by Peter Hermes Furian / Shutterstock.com.
History Note
The country of Mozambique is located in southeastern Africa. Around 1000 AD, people in the region of modern Mozambique and Zimbabwe began building communities with stone enclosures that are known as zimbabwes.
The natural harbors in Mozambique played an important role in trade across the Indian Ocean with the Middle East and South Asia. Zheng He, who led several Chinese naval expeditions in the 1400s, may have reached the Mozambique Channel, which separates Mozambique from the island of Madagascar.
Portuguese explorers and traders began exercising influence in the region in the 1500s. For centuries they participated in the transportation of enslaved people from Mozambique to South America, to the Middle East, and to islands in the Indian Ocean.
By the middle of the 20th century, leaders in Mozambique began to organize their resistance to Portuguese colonial authorities. After about 10 years of conflict, Mozambique became an independent country on June 25, 1975. Today people celebrate with parades and music in the capital of Maputo and in other communities throughout the country.
The country has a population of over 33 million. About 60% belong to one of several Christian denominations. Almost 20% are Muslim. Portuguese is the official language, though a large majority of people speak one of several indigenous languages.
This 2010 photo shows people in a village in the Metarica district of Mozambique celebrating Independence Day. Photo by Old Man River / Shutterstock.com.
Learn More
This video provides a look at the scenery of Mozambique.
Find other resources at Homeschool History.
