In the first millennium the Bantu speakers migrated to Mozambique, and Arab and Swahili traders settled the region thereafter. It was explored by Vasco da Gama in 1498 and first colonized by Portugal in 1505. By 1510, the Portuguese had control of all of the former Arab sultanates on the east African coast. Portuguese colonial rule was repressive.

After having been under Portuguese colonial rule for 470 years, Mozambique became independent on June 25, 1975.

In 2000 a cyclone swept across southern Africa leading to three weeks of severe floods which devastated Mozambique. These floods have left more than one million people homeless. Hundreds died, crops and cattle have been washed away and roads, bridges, schools and clinics have been destroyed.

Population: 21,397,000

Capital: Maputo

Official language: Portuguese

Currency: Metical (MZM)

GDP per capita: US $1,389

Updated April 2008

Contact YFC Mozambique

Mozambique YFC is becoming a catalyst to develop young people intellectually, socially, spiritually, and physically. Our current ministries include camps and rallies, community programs, sports, music and drama team ministries in schools. We also do teacher training, orphan care, community Bible Study, prayer concerts, life skills training, youth leadership development, and True Love Waits campaigns.

• For a new national strategy which will impact every young people and values their relationship with God.
• The national youth mobilization project for involvement in the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
• Godly leadership in the church and the nation.
• For God's provision of financial support for the ministry and staff needs.
• Continued breaking of bonds of ancestral worship that holds this nation in bondage.
• Increased effectiveness of partnerships with churches as more youth are reached through community programs.