The Country Got Its Name From an Arab Sheikh
The name “Mozambique” is thought to come from the Swahili Musa al Big, the name of an Arab sheikh who lived on the northern Ilha de Moçambique when the Portuguese arrived in the area.
The Meaning of The Flag
On the Mozambique flag is a yellow star overlaid with a book, symbolizing education; a hoe, symbolizing agriculture; and a rifle, for defense and vigilance.
The Country Influences Mega-Stars, Including Beyonce
Mozambique’s dance customs have influenced pop culture. In 2011, superstar Beyoncé flew a group of Tofu dancers from Mozambique to the U.S. to teach her dance team their unique moves.
The Country’s Independence Was Built on The Foundation of Pan-Africanism
Pan-Africanism and the independence movement helped to form the liberation party, Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), made up of anti-colonial political groups. Leaders of the independence movement used cultural solidarity to gain support from the common people, which made them successful in the fight against colonialism.
It’s a Popular Film Location
Some of the scenes from the 2006 movie Blood Diamond were shot in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.
It’s Produced Footballers as Legendary as Pele
Mozambican-born athlete Eusebio — also known as the “Black Panther” — was one of the 20th century’s most popular footballers, joining Diego Armando Maradona of Argentina and Brazil’s Pele.
It Holds a Rare Olympic Record
Maria de Lurdes Mutola was nicknamed the “The Maputo Express,” a moniker that refers to her birthplace and domination in track and field as the fourth athlete to compete in six Olympic Games.
The History Is Rich With Influential Writers and Artists
Mozambique has produced some of Africa’s most important writers and artists, who were influenced by the Frelimo movement.
Some of Frelimo’s leading figures, including Marcelino dos Santos and Sérgio Vieira, wrote poetry and encouraged poetic expression as a form of resistance.
Its Coastlines Are Critical to the Survival of an Endangered Species
Mozambique’s coastline is home to five of seven endangered species of sea turtles.
It Has a Railway Station That Rivals Grand Central in NYC
The CFM railway station in Mozambique is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, according to travelandleisure.com
