A country with unique nature and one of the oldest countries in the world, Mozambique only starts drawing the attention of tourists. The prolonged postwar crisis had a negative impact on the development of different spheres of economy, and tourism is no exception. Despite many sad events in its history, one of the oldest countries in the world managed to retain its unique culture and traditions. Modern travelers visit it to see amazing natural landmarks.
Bushmen tribes were the first settlers in the territory of modern Mozambique. Already in the 5th century, Bantu people started appearing here. In the 8th century, Arabs had big impact on the culture of indigenous people – the area not far from the coast was an important trading area for Arabs. They founded dozens of factories (trading posts) here. For centuries, the coast of the Indian Ocean was a popular place to trade ivory, gold, and animal skins. During the Middle Ages, the Kingdom of Mutapa was located in the territory of modern Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Later, the kingdom stopped existing due to actions of Portuguese colonizers.
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama is considered the first European who discovered Mozambique. He reached the shore of the country in 1498. Colonizers started building a system of forts at the coast already at the beginning of the 16th century. Gold and silver mines attracted European colonizers. Mozambique got its current name in the middle of the 18th century when it yet was an official colony of Portugal. The republic obtained its independence only in 1975 after a long civil war and political unrest.
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