Mozambique Geography

What is the terrain and geography like in Mozambique?

Overview

The Republic of Mozambique, 1,737-mile coastline stretches from the Rovuma River in the north, to Ponta de Ouro in the south. The country is mostly coastal lowlands, with uplands in the center, high plateaus (rising to 800 to 2,000 feet) in the northwest, and mountains (6,000 to 8,000 feet) in the west. The northern part of Mozambique is rugged, where mountains may reach a height of more than 8,000 feet. Africa’s fourth longest river, the Zambezi, divides Mozambique in half.

Geography - note

the Zambezi flows through the north-central and most fertile part of the country

Climate

The climate in the plains and along the coast is warm and humid; the mountainous areas are cooler, although at times, equally wet. A hot, rainy season lasts from October to April. The rest of the year has a more moderate climate, with the coolest months in June and July. Rainfall is uneven and unpredictable; periodic droughts and floods occur. Mozambique experienced devastating floods in February and March 2000, causing loss of life and much destruction.

Mozambique Use of Natural Resources

Mozambique Environment

Climate:

The climate in the plains and along the coast is warm and humid; the mountainous areas are cooler, although at times, equally wet. A hot, rainy season lasts from October to April. The rest of the year has a more moderate climate, with the coolest months in June and July. Rainfall is uneven and unpredictable; periodic droughts and floods occur. Mozambique experienced devastating floods in February and March 2000, causing loss of life and much destruction.

Terrain:

mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west

Natural Resources:

coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum, graphite

Natural Hazards:

severe droughts; devastating cyclones and floods occur in central and southern provinces

Irrigated Land:

456 Square Miles
1,181 Square Kilometers

Environmental Issues:

a long civil war and recurrent drought in the hinterlands have resulted in increased migration of the population to urban and coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences; desertification; pollution of surface and coastal waters; elephant poaching for ivory is a problem

Environment - International Agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Mozambique Geography

Geographic Location Africa
Total Area 308,641 Square Miles
799,380 Square Kilometers
Land Area 303,621 Square Miles
786,380 Square Kilometers
Water Area 5,019 Square Miles
13,000 Square Kilometers
Land Boundaries 2,840 Miles
4,571 Kilometers
Irrigated Land 456 Square Miles
1,181 Square Kilometers
Border Countries Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland 105 km, Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 km
Coastline 1,535 Miles
2,470 Kilometers
Geographic Coordinates 18 15 S, 35 00 E
Terrain mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west
Highest Point 2,436 Meters
Highest Point Location Monte Binga 2,436 m
Lowest Point Location Indian Ocean 0 m
Natural Resources coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum, graphite
Time Zone UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
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