Mozambique

A long and bitter war finally gained Mozambique its independence in 1975 after 470 years as Portuguese colony. It was then one of the world’s poorest countries. Reforms have since stabilized the country; however, approximately 70 percent the population remains below the poverty level.

The Marxist-Leninist state that gained power at Mozambique’s independence tried to stamp out all influence of religion. A brutal civil war and international pressure led to the introduction of a multi-party democracy in 1990.  The Mozambican people now have religious freedom.