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Mozambique  Why children in Mozambique need your helpOver 15 years of civil war, natural disasters and famine have had a devastating impact on children and their families in Mozambique. Landmines still litter the countryside, and the widespread floods during 2001 destroyed what remained of local infrastructure.
Country factsBeautiful vistas of the Indian Ocean along the southern coast and mountainous grandeur along its western and northern borders belie the poverty, years of war and recurring famine that are characteristic of Mozambique. Following colonial rule by Portugal, Mozambique gained independence in 1975. Until 1992, civil war ravaged the country, leaving the infrastructure and economy severely damaged. The country remains divided by ethnic groups, although efforts to reunify have made progress. In recent years, Mozambique's economy has gradually improved, under the leadership of Armando Emilio Guebuza, who has also encouraged foreign investment.
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Mozambique is one of
the world's ten poorest countries, and 70 per cent of the
population live below the poverty line. Just 50 per cent of
school age children are enrolled in education, with many families
unable to afford the high cost of school fees. One in four
children dies before reaching their fifth birthday, largely as a
result of the effects of chronic malnourishment.
