Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of green (top), black,
and yellow with a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the
black band is edged in white; centered in the triangle is a yellow
five-pointed star bearing a crossed rifle and hoe in black superimposed
on an open white book; green represents the riches of the land, white
peace, black the African continent, yellow the country's minerals, and
red the struggle for independence; the rifle symbolizes defense and
vigilance, the hoe refers to the country's agriculture, the open book
stresses the importance of education, and the star represents Marxism
and internationalism
Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with
independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration, economic dependence on
South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the
country's development until the mid 1990s. The ruling Front for the
Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) party formally abandoned Marxism in
1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty
elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement
between Frelimo and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (Renamo) forces
ended the fighting in 1992. In December 2004, Mozambique underwent a
delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in
office. His elected successor, Armando Emilio GUEBUZA, promised to
continue the sound economic policies that have encouraged foreign
investment. President GUEBUZA was reelected to a second term in October
2009. However, the elections were flawed by voter fraud, questionable
disqualification of candidates, and Frelimo use of government resources
during the campaign. As a result, Freedom House removed Mozambique from
its list of electoral democracies. Source: CIA
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