Mozambique, officially Republic of Mozambique, country located on the southeastern coast of Africa. An ethnically and linguistically diverse nation bisected by the powerful Zambezi River, Mozambique was colonized by Portugal during the 16th and 17th centuries. As a Portuguese colony, Mozambique was a major source of slaves for European colonies in the Americas. After achieving independence in 1975, Mozambique suffered a devastating civil war between the socialist government and an anticommunist rebel movement, in which more than 1 million people died. After a peace agreement ended the war in 1992, Mozambique experienced rapid economic growth.