Mozambique gained independence from Portuguese rule in 1975, after nearly 5 centuries of colonization. Economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, a prolonged civil war and mass scale emigration has slowed the development of the country. Marxism was officially abandoned in 1989, with a new constitution put into place in 1990 providing multi-party election and an open market economy. In 1992 the UN negotiated a peace agreement with rebel forces ending the civil war. 1999 and 2000 the economy was severely hurt by heavy flooding. Mozambique is now working towards stability and a strong economy and with all the country has to offer, the future looks bright.