Mozambique

Mozambican Culture

Mozambique is nearly twice the size of California with a tropical climate and one of the world’s largest gas fields. Its population is young with approximately 45 percent of its people under the age of 15. The capital, Maputo, has over one million residents. Most Mozambicans live in rural areas and are of African origin. The people of Mozambique are often described as calm and outgoing. Mozambican culture tends to be relaxed, favoring a slower paced way of living. Most Mozambicans place tremendous value in spending time together.

Host a Mozambican Student in the U.S.

Family Dynamic

Family dynamics in the north of Mozambique are predominately matriarchal. Women make most major family decisions and are perceived as the head of the family. Children in these families are seen as belonging to the mother and her side of the family.

In southern and central Mozambique, families are typically patriarchal. Men make most major family decisions and are perceived as the head of the family. Children are seen as belonging to the father and his side of the family. Once a father passes away, the oldest son becomes head of the family and responsible for the family’s well-being. This family structure is more common in rural areas than in cities.

Teenage Life in Mozambique

Children are greatly valued in Mozambican families and often referred to by parents as “my first fortune,” “my second fortune,” and so forth. A large emphasis is placed on children respecting their elders and it is acceptable for children to be disciplined by any adult family member. From a young age, children are given household responsibilities and expected to care for their younger siblings. Elderly parents are supported by their grown children. Traditionally, the elderly are perceived as beacons of wisdom.

Holidays in Mozambique

Official Language

Portuguese is Mozambique’s official language, but only about ten percent of Mozambicans speak it fluently. The majority of Mozambicans communicate in their native languages, most of which are in the Bantu family. Some of the more commonly spoken languages in Mozambique are Emakhuwa, Xichangana, Cinyanja, Cisena, Elomwe, Echuwabo, Cindau, and Xitswa.

Communication Styles

Mozambicans demonstrate a more collectivist approach to society, wherein the needs of the group are prioritized over the needs of the individual. Most people are willing to share with others, and express themselves respectfully, aiming for unity rather than disharmony. It is considered polite to properly greet everyone in a group by showing interest in each other’s’ health and families. In Mozambican culture, maintaining eye contact is not generally important. Out of respect, a person of lower rank may avert their gaze to avoid looking a higher-ranking person in the eyes. Generally, Mozambicans use a more indirect style of communication by not communicating their true feelings to each other. It is considered well-mannered to provide an affirmative answer to avoid conflict.

Mozambican Diet

Staple foods in Mozambique include rice and a paste (xima) made from sun-dried cereals, usually cornmeal. Some eat manioc (cassava) meal as well, particularly in northern Mozambique. In the north, beef and fish are often consumed dried. In rural areas of Mozambique, bushmeat (wildlife such as gazelles, monkeys, baboons, and hippopotamuses) are often eaten. Tropical fruits are abundant and are eaten as snacks or desserts. Mozambique has a wealth of vegetables like cacana mboa (pumpkin leaves), nhangana (leaves of nhemba beans), and cassava leaves.

Additional Resources

Learn More About Mozambique

Extensive coastline and turquoise waters