Around The World
Mozambique Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in Mozambique's history.
1-1000
Bantu-speaking people settle in Mozambique.800
Arab traders set up outposts for selling ivory, gold and slaves.1498
English and Dutch fleets fight the Portuguese settlers for control of the area. Treaties are signed in the 1630’s, which strengthen Portugal's authority in East Africa.1752
Mozambique becomes a Portuguese colony.1878
Portugal bans slavery. Until this time, the slave trade had been a large part of the economy.1891
Portugal hands over the administration of the region to the Mozambique Company, a private business.1907
Maputo becomes the capital of Mozambique.1962-1974
Rebels fight for independence from Portugal. The fight becomes more organized in the 1960s, when the Mozambicans form the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique, shortened to Frelimo.1975
Severe floods are followed by four years of extreme drought. Mozambique's economy suffers because farmers are unable to produce agricultural products.1977
Rebels and the government are locked in a destructive civil war.1990
A new constitution is drafted. It calls for three branches of government and affirms civil liberties.1992
The government and rebels sign a peace treaty.
ALAMY
1994
Mozambique holds its first multiparty elections. Joaquim Chissano wins.1990-1995
More than 1.7 million Mozambicans return to their homes in Mozambique. They had fled the country during the civil war.
TOM STODDART—GETTY IMAGES
2000-2001
Terrible floods devastate Mozambique, slowing down the government's attempts to rebuild the economy after the war.
ALEXANDER JOE—AFP/GETTY IMAGES