chapter 2 2. BACKGROUND 63. Mozambique has had a traumatic past. Its complex history includes a prolonged period of colonisation by Portugal, which lasted for 490 years – one of the longest in Africa – as well as an unsuccessful socialist experience and, above all, the ubiquitous and fratricidal civil war (1976–92) that plunged the country into political instability, massive social dislocation, economic ruin and mass poverty. 64. At the dawn of independence in 1975, which was achieved largely through a violent armed struggle, there were great hopes for building a united, peaceful and egalitarian society. However, this was not to be. Shortly afterwards, Mozambique was engulfed in a vicious and brutal civil war, which left a trail of destruction across the country and caused great suffering and considerable human misery. Experiencing very high levels of poverty and a negative economic growth rate, Mozambicans were caught up in the worst possible conditions with regard to their quality of life. 65. Nevertheless, although it is still one of the “poorest” countries in the world, Mozambique has, like the legendary phoenix, risen from its own ashes and has had a remarkable renaissance in the face of persistent natural and manmade adversity. Since the mid-1990s, the country has reinvented itself as a highly successful post-conflict country in transition, with impressive levels of economic growth and sustained macroeconomic and political stability. 66. Since the devastating civil war ended in 1992, the country has enjoyed a remarkable recovery, achieving an average annual economic growth rate of 8 per cent between 1996 and 2007 – this was among the highest growth rates in the world. As a result, the poverty headcount index fell by 15 percentage points between 1997 and 2003, bringing almost three million people out of extreme poverty to above the poverty line (out of a total population of 20 million). From a human development perspective, this has meant a 35 per cent decrease in infant and under-five mortality, and a 65 per cent increase in net primary school enrolment. Inequality has remained relatively low by regional standards, and progress has been made towards achieving the key Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for infant mortality and primary enrolment. 67. The country has also made notable progress with regard to democracy. Democratic principles are respected and elections have been held consistently, albeit 57