There are seventeen ethnic languages currently being spoken but Portuguese is the official language. Seafood is the highlight of local cuisine, most notably prawns, which is usually served with a deliciously hot peri-peri sauce.

Mozambique embraces a cultural mix of Brazilian, Indian, Arabian and African influences and although desperately poor by Western standards, the people are proud and courteous.

Two major factors influence the climate of Mozambique - the warm Indian Ocean current flowing South from the Equator and the altitude of the Mozambican Plateau. The highest rainfall takes place from November to April and August is the driest month of the year.

Wildlife tourism is on the increase due to conservation initiatives such as peace parks. Mozambique's birdlife is exceptional with more than 900 species recorded south of the Zambezi River. Over 1 200 species of fish have been identified in the coastal waters, most of which inhabit the coral reefs, particularly in Inhambane and the Bazaruto Archipelago, as well as along the Quirimbas Archipelago.

Africa's version of the famed Galapagos Islands - the Bazaruto Archipelago and surrounding marine environment - is a complex and unique ecosystem, well protected by its isolation. This national park harbours one of the last viable dugong populations along the East African coast and commands some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world, including the Great Barrier Reef. The recently opened Quirimbas Archipelago is popular for spectacular snorkelling and scuba diving.

Pemba, known as the 'papaya paradise', is typical of Africa's original colonial towns. Ibo Island offers Arabic and Portuguese ruins, whilst Mozambique can be considered one of the United Nations' success stories.