Mozambique, Scott 516, 1975, Litho, 22mm x 31mm
One with a red overprint, one without. This issue in an attractive combination of Gray, Light Blue, Blue, Carmine, and Black shows the southeastern African nation of Mozambique, former colony of Portugal. The map shows it all: political boundaries, cities and towns, waterways, neighboring countries, and roadways. These are somewhat obliterated by the overprint proclaming the date of independence and a nicely ornamental flourish.
Independence came in the middle of an extended period of political strife. Even after political reforms came, the country has had trouble developing economically. Some hope, however, to bring the beauty of the long Indian Ocean coastline and the attractions of the country’s wildlife reserves to higher prominence among the international tourist trade.
