Being a first of its kind, this volume comprises a multi-disciplinary exploration of Mozambique’s contemporary and historical dynamics, bringing together scholars from across the globe. Focusing on the country’s vibrant cultural, political, economic and social world – including the transition from the colonial to the postcolonial era – the book argues that Mozambique is a country still emergent, still unfolding, still on the move. Drawing on the disciplines of history, literature studies, anthropology, political science, economy and art history, the book serves not only as a generous introduction to Mozambique but also as a case study of a southern African country. Contributors are: Signe Arnfred, Bjørn Enge Bertelsen, José Luís Cabaço, Ana Bénard da Costa, Anna Maria Gentili, Ana Margarida Fonseca, Randi Kaarhus, Sheila Pereira Khan, Maria Paula Meneses, Lia Quartapelle, Amy Schwartzott, Leonor Simas-Almeida, Anne Sletsjøe, Sandra Sousa, Linda van de Kamp.

This comprehensive overview traces the evolution of modern Mozambique, from its early modern origins in the Indian Ocean trading system and the Portuguese maritime empire to the fifteen-year civil war that followed independence and its continued after-effects. Though peace was achieved in 1992 through international mediation, Mozambique's remarkable recovery has shown signs of stalling. Malyn Newitt explores the historical roots of Mozambican disunity and hampered development, beginning with the divisive effects of the slave trade, the drawing of colonial frontiers in the 1890s and the lasting particularities of the north, centre and south, inherited from the compartmentalized approach of concession companies. Following the nationalist guerrillas' victory against the Portuguese in 1975, these regional divisions resurfaced in a civil war pitting the south against the north and centre, over attempts at far-reaching socioeconomic change. The settlement of the early 1990s is now under threat from a revived insurgency, and the ghosts of the past remain. This book seeks to distill this complex history, and to understand why, twenty-five years after the Peace Accord, Mozambicans still remain among the poorest people in the world.

The book focuses on an area called Maúa, not because I believe Maúa represents the whole of Mozambique as such, but because highlighting a specific area and people helps to understand the Mozambican history more deeply and comprehensively. In any case, it would be impossible to study the experience of all Mozambicans. I am not attempting to write a history textbook of Mozambique, or a glorious history of the liberation struggle, but rather trying to fill a gap in the descriptions of contemporary Mozambican history by delving into matters that have not been written about before.

In 1498 Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama became the first European to set foot on the shores of Mozambique. By the next century, this region along the southeastern edge of Africa had become a colony of Portugal. For almost 500 years the region remained under Portuguese rule, until years of armed conflict and struggle brought independence in 1975. The warfare did not end, however, as the brutal civil war that followed lasted until the early 1990s. Although peace has come to Mozambique, its people continue to face many challenges, including severe droughts and devastating cyclones. However, the fledgling democracy has made economic progress. Today, the government is working to alleviate poverty and increase the standard of living for the people of Mozambique.

Mozambique is a country located in the southeastern part of Africa, and it is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to the west, and South Africa and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) to the south. The country has a population of approximately 30 million, and its economy is largely dominated by agriculture, industrial production, and mining. Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975, and since then, the country has undergone a series of challenges, including armed conflicts, natural disasters, poverty, and lack of development. However, Mozambique has made significant progress over the past few years, and it is currently considered one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. Mozambique's official language is Portuguese, which is spoken by a significant proportion of the population. However, there are also several local languages spoken throughout the country, including Swahili, Makhuwa, Sena, and Tswa. Mozambique is known for its rich culture, which is influenced by its history, religion, and traditions. The country is also home to several national parks, including the Bazaruto Archipelago, Gorongosa National Park, and Niassa Reserve, which attract tourists from all over the world. Despite its recent progress, Mozambique still faces several challenges related to poverty, inequality, and infrastructure development. However, the government and its international partners are working together to address these issues and promote sustainable economic growth and social development in the country.

The new edition of Historical Dictionary of Mozambique covers the Bantu expansion; the arrival of the Portuguese navigators and their str competition with local African power centers and coastal Arab-Swahili trading towns; the trade cycles of gold, ivory, and slaves; the establishment of the semi-Africanized prazos along the Zambezi Valley; “pacification” campaigns; and the period of Portuguese weakness in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when vast tracts of land were rented to concessionary companies. In the late colonial period the Salazar dictatorship tried to reassert Portuguese power, but after ten years of armed struggle for national liberation, Mozambique gained its independence in 1975. The book contains a chronology, an introduction, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 600 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Mozambique.