The Republic of Mozambique celebrates its Independence Day on June 25. On this day in 1975, the country gained its independence from Portugal.

The first Europeans to set foot in the region were the Portuguese in the late 15th century. It happened during Vasco da Gama’s voyage around the Cape of Good Hope in 1498. In the early 16th century, the Portuguese gained control over the small Island of Mozambique and started to set up trading posts and garrisons in the interior regions, gradually expanding their influence. Eventually, the colony was named Mozambique after the island that had served as its starting point.

As the world’s colonial system began to collapse after the Second World War, an independence movement emerged in Mozambique. In 1962, several anti-colonial political groups founded the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) to fight for independence. What began as an insurgency grew into a full-scale independence war that lasted for over a decade.

On September 7, 1974, the Portuguese government and FRELIMO signed the Lusaka Accord that recognized Mozambique’s right for independence. The independence was formally proclaimed on June 25, 1975. The independence of Mozambique is featured on several banknotes of the country.

The 100 Meticais issued in the year 1983 depicts the effigy of Eduardo Chivambo Mondlane on the right. The left flan depicts Chivambo Mondlane Flag hoisting ceremony in Machava sports stadium in the outskirts of Lourenço Marques by FRELIMO soldiers on the 25th of June 1975 as part of the ceremony of proclamation of independence from Portugal and the coat of arms in the center. The reverse depicts People demonstrating and soldiers marching with a flag at the monument to the heroes of the Mozambican revolution.

Image Courtesy: mlstatic.com