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Places in News: Mozambique
Context: India, the world’s largest pulses producer, has faced challenges in meeting its domestic demand despite its production capacity. One crucial source of pulses is Mozambique, which supplies Tur/Pigeon peas to India.
- Disruptions caused by an “anti-India” group at Nacala Port in Mozambique had halted the import of Tur/Pigeon peas for months.
About Mozambique:
- It is located in Southeastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between South Africa and Tanzania.
- Official Name: Republic of Mozambique
- Form of Government: Semi-presidential republic
- Capital: Maputo
- Official Languages are Portuguese, and other languages include Makhuwa, Changana, Nyanja, Ndau, Sena, Chwabo, and Tswa.
- Money: Mozambican Metical
- Location: It is bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, South Africa, and the Indian Ocean.
- Major Mountain Ranges: Angonia Highlands, Lichinga Highlands.
- Highest and Lowest Point: Monte Binga (2,435 metres), and Indian Ocean (0 metres).
- Major Rivers: Zambezi (the fourth-longest river in Africa), Limpopo, Licungo, Lurio, Rovuma.
- Major Lakes: Lake Malawi (Nyasa), Cahora Bassa (fourth-largest artificial lake in Africa), and a small part of Lake Chiuta.
- Natural Resources: Coal, titanium, graphite, iron ore, natural gas, hydropower, bauxite, kaolin, copper, gold, rubies, and tantalum.
- Climate: It has a tropical to sub-tropical climate.
- Wildlife:
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- Mammals: Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippopotamuses, antelopes, tortoises, and monkeys.
- Birds: A diverse range of bird species can be found across various habitats.
- Marine Life: Includes dolphins, marine turtles, dugongs, and vibrant coral reefs in the Bazaruto Archipelago.
- History: The country gained independence from Portugal in 1975 after a protracted civil war.