Mozambique

The population of Mozambique is approximately 37M (2024).

The capital of Mozambique is Maputo.

Mozambique's GDP per capita is $685.3 (2024).

Life expectancy in Mozambique is 63.8 years (2024).

Mozambique covers 801,590 km² (309,496 sq mi).

Mozambique is sparsely populated, averaging 46 people per km², below the global average of 60.

Mozambique's population is growing rapidly at 2.9% per year — among the fastest in the world.

Based on GDP per capita, Mozambique falls in the low GDP-per-person tier at $685.3. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Mozambique's intentional homicide rate is 3.6 per 100,000 people, close to the global average.

The official language of Mozambique is Portuguese.

Mozambique uses the Mozambican metical (MT) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Mozambique are May, June, July, August, September, based on climate data for the capital.

Current estimates show the population of Mozambique is approximately 37 million people. This reflects a rapid annual growth rate of 2.92%, making it one of the faster-growing nations in the region. The population is relatively young, with a significant majority of residents living in rural areas rather than urban centers.

Mozambique ranks 204 of 212 globally in GDP per capita, with current estimates placing the figure at 685 USD. While the nation possesses significant natural resources like coal and natural gas, it remains among the lower-tier economies globally and ranks 48 of 54 within the African region.

The adult literacy rate in Mozambique is approximately 61.67%, which ranks the country 149 of 170 globally. Education remains a priority for development, though access varies significantly between urban and rural populations. Improving these figures is a central component of the national strategy for long-term social and economic growth.

Recent data indicates that life expectancy at birth in Mozambique is 63.8 years. This figure places the country 197 of 215 globally in health-related rankings. While health outcomes have improved significantly since the late 20th century, the nation continues to work toward expanding access to medical services and nutrition.

Approximately 20.5% of the population in Mozambique are internet users, which ranks the nation 194 of 212 globally. Connectivity is primarily concentrated in urban hubs like Maputo. Infrastructure development and mobile network expansion are essential factors currently driving the slow but steady increase in digital participation across the country.

The unemployment rate in Mozambique is currently estimated at 6.63%, which ranks the country 67 of 186 globally when ordered from lowest to highest. This relatively low figure reflects high participation in the informal economy and subsistence agriculture, which are the primary sources of livelihood for many citizens.

Portuguese is the official language of Mozambique, inherited from its history as a Portuguese colony until 1975. While it serves as the language of government, education, and media, numerous indigenous African languages, such as Makhuwa and Tsonga, are widely spoken across the country's diverse ethnic groups.

The latest ranking places Mozambique as the 46th most populous country globally out of 215 nations. Within Africa, it ranks 13th of 54 countries, and it is the 5th most populous nation in Eastern Africa. These rankings reflect its status as a major demographic weight in the southern part of the continent.

Recent data indicates a population density of approximately 46.6 people per km² (120.7 people per sq mi). This density ranks Mozambique 159th globally and 36th within Africa. While the national average is relatively low, population centers are concentrated heavily along the lengthy 2,470 km (1,535 mi) Indian Ocean coastline.

Mozambique maintains a high annual population growth rate of approximately 2.92%. This rapid increase is one of the highest in the world, resulting in a net population gain of about 2,770 people every day. This growth is sustained by a high crude birth rate of over 37 births per 1,000 people.

The latest official data shows a fertility rate of 4.69 births per woman in Mozambique. This places the country 10th globally for fertility, as large family sizes remain a cultural and economic norm, particularly in rural areas. While this rate has slowly declined from historical highs, it remains a primary driver of population expansion.

Approximately 36.4% of the population lives in urban centers, ranking Mozambique 179th globally for urbanization. The majority of residents still live in rural areas and engage in subsistence agriculture. However, cities like Maputo and Matola are expanding rapidly as migration from the countryside continues to transform the national demographic landscape.