FAQ - Mozambique Culture and Customs

What languages are spoken in Mozambique?

The official language in Mozambique is Portuguese, which is used for business, educations and government purposes. A number of tribal languages are also widely spoken.

Many people in the capital of Maputo and other tourist areas speak English. The further north you travel, the less likely you are to encounter English, or even Portuguese speakers. Swahili is also spoken in the far north, as you get closer to Tanzania.

What basic words should I learn ?

What are the people like in Mozambique?

Mozambique is a country with a diverse and rich cultural heritage. The cultures and traditions of Islam, Swahili and Bantu speakers co-exist harmoniously in the country. The ethnic groups makes up a large percentage of the population, and include Shangaan, Chokwe, Manyoka, Sena and Makua.

Other cultures include Europeans, Euro-Africans and Indians. Even through the country boasts a variety of languages, social relationships, artistic traditions, Mozambicans share a common culture in their love and expression of song, poetry, dynamic dance and performance.

Another common interest is their love or soccer (football), with this sport being the nation’s favourite sporting activity. The Mozambique soccer team competes regularly with other African nations and within the Portuguese speaking Soccer League, including Angola, Portugal and Brazil.

What type of religions are there?

The majority of the population in Mozambique, around 48%, follows local native tribal beliefs, around 39% are Christian and 13% are Muslim.