
The indigenous tribal groups of Mozambique make up about 99% of the population. There are 16 major ethnic groups, the largest being the Makua of the northern region. The Makonde, another northern group, are famous for their traditional carved figures and also their lupembe (wind instruments). Other major groups include the Sena, found in the centre of Mozambique, and the Shangaan of the south. Europeans including native Portuguese, and Asian residents make up less than 1% of the population.
The traditions, stories and arts of Mozambique’s people have survived colonial corruption and years of civil war. Since Mozambique gained independence, these are emerging and Mozambican sculptors, painters and writers are becoming known worldwide.
Religion
Traditional African faiths are the religions of most religious people in Mozambique, while those that don't follow exclusively traditional African belief systems tend to be either Christian (especially in urban centres) or Muslim (especially in the North). The three dominant belief systems influence one another, so that one finds African traditional elements incorporated