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The Mozambique Channel separates the country from the island of Madagascar. Mozambique's c.1,600 mi (2,575 km) coastline is interrupted by the mouths of numerous rivers, notably the Rovuma (which forms part of the boundary with Tanzania), LUrio, Incomati (Komati), Lugela, Zambezi (which is navigable for c.290 mi/465 km within the territory), RevUe, Save (Sabi), and Limpopo. South of the Zambezi estuary the coastal belt is very narrow, and in the far north the coastline is made up of rocky cliffs. Along the northern coast are numerous islets and lagoons; in the far south is Maputo Bay. The northern and central interior is mountainous; Monte Binga (7,992 ft/2,436 m), the country's loftiest point, is situated at the Zimbabwean border W of Beira. About one third of Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) falls within Mozambique's boundaries; Lake Chilwa (Lago Chirua) is at the border with Malawi. Much of the country is covered with savanna; there are also extensive hardwood forests, and palms grow widely along the coast and near rivers.
Mozambique is divided into ten provinces. In addition to the capital, other cities include Beira, MoCambique, Nampula, Pemba, Quelimane, Tete, Angoche, and Xai-Xai. The principal ethnic groups are, in the north, the Yao, Makonde, and Makua; in the center, the Thonga, Chewa, Nyanja, and Sena; and in the south, the Shona and Tonga. Small numbers of Swahili live along the coast. The population also includes small numbers of Europeans and those of mixed African and European descent, as well as some Asian Indians and Chinese.
About 50% of the inhabitants of Mozambique follow traditional religious beliefs, and 30% are Roman Catholics and 20% Muslims (most of whom live in the north). Although Bantu languages are widely spoken, Portuguese is the official language.
Mozambique's executive branch is headed by a president who is elected by popular vote for a five-year term. The unicameral legislature consists of a 250-seat assembly whose members are also popularly elected for five-year terms.
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