Officially the Republic of Mozambique, Mozambique is located in East Africa and bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest. It is separated from Madagascar by the Mozambique Channel to the east. The capital and largest city is Maputo.
Mozambique's major ethnic groups encompass numerous subgroups with diverse languages, dialects, cultures, and histories. Music and art are significant to Mozambican culture. Wood carvings and elaborate masks are commonly used in traditional dances. Mozambique also hosts several festivals celebrating traditional and contemporary art, dance and music, including the Quelimane Carnaval, AZGO Festival and the CHOPI Music Festival.
Mozambique's natural beauty, beaches, national parks, wildlife reserves, and cultural heritage provide excellent eco-tourism opportunities and beckon the adventurous traveler. With a 1,600-mile (2,500 km) coastline, it has many spectacular beaches to choose from, including Tofo Beach, Ponto do Ouro, Bilene, Xai Xai, Vilanculos, Pemba, Bazaruto Archipelago, and the Quirimbas Archipelago. Other popular attractions include the Maputo Special Elephant Reserve, Gorongosa National Park, Niassa Reserve, and Ilha de Mozambique, the former Portuguese colonial capital.
