A short history of Mozambique
Mozambique's first inhabitants are San hunter and gatherers, ancestors of the Khoisani peoples. Between the first and fourth centuries AD, waves of Bantu-speaking peoples migrate from the north through the Zambezi River valley and then gradually into the plateau and coastal areas. The Bantu are farmers and ironworkers.

Since the tenth century Present-day Mozambique is under control of Arab sultanates. The hinterland is ruled since the twelfth century by the Empire of the Shona. In 1498 de Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama visits the region and in 1505 Portugal claims the area as part of Portuguese India.

During the sixteenth-nineteenth century Portugal subjugates the inland. It establishes the captaincy-general of Mozambique. The Shona Empire collapses in 1629.

In 1752 Mozambique becomes a separate colony, since 1846 also called Portuguese East Africa. After World War II, while many European nations are granting independence to their colonies, Portugal clings to the concept that Mozambique and other Portuguese possessions are overseas provinces of the mother country: the colony is restyled in 1951 as the overseas province of Portuguese East Africa.

In 1962 resistance movements unite as the Frente da Libertação de Moçambique (Liberation Front of Mozambique, Frelimo) under Eduardo Mondlane, which initiated an armed campaign against colonial rule in 1964. After the death of Mondlane in 1969 Samora Moïses Machel becomes leader of Frelimo.

After a long liberation war and the revolution in Portugal in 1975 Mozambique becomes independent as the People's Republic of Mozambique. The leaders of FRELIMO's military campaign rapidly establish a one-party state allied to the Soviet bloc, eliminating political pluralism, religious educational institutions and the role of traditional authorities.

Mozambique becomes a dictatorship under president Samora Machel. During the 1980s a bitter civil war is going on between the government and rebels of the Resistencia Nacional Moçambicana (Mozambican National Resistance, Renamo).

After the death of Samora Machel in 1986, he is succeeded by Joaquim Alberto Chissanó. Chissanó continues the reforms that Samora Machel started and begins peace talks with Renamo.

The new constitution enacted in 1990 provides for a multi-party political system, market-based economy and free elections. The civil war ends in 1992 with the Rome General Peace Accords. In 1994 the country holds its first democratic elections. Joaquim Chissanó is elected president and Frelimo dominates parliament.

The second general elections are held 1999 with high voter turnout. International and domestic observers agree that the voting process is well organized and goes smoothly. Observers conclude that the close result of the vote reflects the will of the people. Chissanó is re-elected and Frelimo keeps its majority in parliament.

Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas. Malaria in Mozambique: prophylaxis is recommended for all travelers. Either mefloquine (Lariam), atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone)(PDF), or doxycycline may be given. Mefloquine is taken once weekly in a dosage of 250 mg, starting one-to-two weeks before arrival and continuing through the trip and for four weeks after departure. Mefloquine may cause mild neuropsychiatric symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, and nightmares. Rarely, severe reactions occur, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, hallucinations, and seizures. Mefloquine should not be given to anyone with a history of seizures, psychiatric illness, cardiac conduction disorders, or allergy to quinine or quinidine. Those taking mefloquine (Lariam) should read the Lariam Medication Guide (PDF). Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone) is a recently approved combination pill taken once daily with food starting two days before arrival and continuing through the trip and for seven days after departure. Side-effects, which are typically mild, may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, or dizziness. Serious adverse reactions are rare. Doxycycline is effective, but may cause an exaggerated sunburn reaction, which limits its usefulness in the tropics Long-term travelers who may not have access to medical care should bring along medications for emergency self-treatment should they develop symptoms suggestive of malaria, such as fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches, and cannot obtain medical care within 24 hours. See malaria for details. Symptoms of malaria sometimes do not occur for months or even years after exposure. Insect protection measures are essential.