Country Profile: Mozambique

Mozambique, located in southeastern Africa along the Mozambique Channel, shares borders with South Africa, Tanzania, and several other countries. With a population of over 34 million, it is characterized by its rich cultural diversity and an economy primarily driven by agriculture and extractive industries. The country has undergone significant political transformations since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, evolving into a presidential republic facing challenges from both economic instability and security threats, particularly from insurgent activities in the northern Cabo Delgado province.

Geography

Mozambique has an area of approximately 799,380 sq km, making it slightly larger than California. The country features a tropical to subtropical climate with coastal lowlands, high plateaus, and mountain ranges. Major rivers, including the Zambezi, play a crucial role in the nation's agricultural landscape while the coastline stretches for 2,470 km, facilitating maritime trade.

Elevation: Highest point is Monte Binga at 2,436 m.
Natural resources: Rich in coal, titanium, natural gas, and hydropower.
Land use: 52.8% dedicated to agriculture (2023 est.).
Natural hazards: Vulnerable to severe droughts, cyclones, and floods.

People and Society

As of 2025, Mozambique's population is estimated at 34,206,144, with a median age of just 17.4 years. The country boasts a rich tapestry of ethnic groups, primarily African (99%), with Portuguese as the official language. Major urban areas are concentrated along the coast, while rural regions face significant challenges in access to education and healthcare.

Urban population: 38.8% of total population (2023).
Literacy rate: 61.7% (2022 est.).
Life expectancy: 58.3 years (2024 est.).
Total fertility rate: 4.58 children born/woman (2025 est.).

Economy

Mozambique's economy is classified as low-income, with significant portions of the population engaged in subsistence farming. The nation is currently experiencing a return to growth, driven by agricultural output and its rich natural resources, despite challenges posed by an insurgency in the north.

Real GDP (PPP): $51.786 billion (2024 est.).
GDP per capita: $1,500 (2024 est.).
Unemployment rate: 3.6% (2024 est.).
Population below poverty line: 62.8% (2019 est.).

Government

Mozambique operates as a presidential republic, with a unicameral legislature called the Assembly of the Republic. The country has experienced political stability following a lengthy civil war, with its latest constitution adopted in 2004 allowing for multiparty elections. The current president is Daniel Francisco CHAPO, who took office in 2025.

Independence: Achieved on 25 June 1975 from Portugal.
Administrative divisions: Organized into 10 provinces.
Voting age: Universal suffrage at 18 years.
Constitution amendments: Require a two-thirds majority in the Assembly.

Military and Security

Mozambique's Armed Forces, known as FADM, comprise the army, navy, and air force, focusing primarily on external security and counter-terrorism operations against groups like ISIS-M. The country has also developed local militias to bolster its security capabilities.

Military personnel: Approximately 12,000 active FADM (2025).
Military spending: 2% of GDP (2024 est.).
Mandatory service: Registration for military service begins at 18 years.
Insurgency impact: The conflict in Cabo Delgado has led to approximately 6,000 deaths and 1 million displaced persons since 2017.

Energy

Mozambique's energy landscape is primarily reliant on hydroelectricity, representing 82.7% of total installed capacity. However, access to electricity remains a significant challenge, especially in rural areas.

Electricity access: Total population electrification at 33.2% (2022).
Natural gas production: 8.873 billion cubic meters (2023).
Coal production: 10.583 million metric tons (2023).
Energy consumption per capita: 5.789 million Btu/person (2023).

Environment

Environmental issues in Mozambique include deforestation, pollution, and desertification, exacerbated by urban migration and agricultural practices. The country is a party to numerous international environmental agreements.

Total renewable water resources: 217.1 billion cubic meters (2022).
Carbon dioxide emissions: 9.549 million metric tonnes (2023).
Municipal solid waste generation: 2.5 million tons (2024 est.).
Urbanization rate: 4.24% annual change (2020-25 est.).

Transportation

Mozambique's transportation infrastructure consists of extensive railway systems and numerous airports, though improvements are needed to support economic growth.

Total railways: 4,787 km (2014).
Airports: 92 (2025).
Merchant marine vessels: 36 (2023).
Ports: 11 (2024).

Communications

The communications sector in Mozambique is growing, with an increasing number of mobile subscriptions and internet users, though fixed-line service remains limited.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: 17.1 million (2024).
Internet penetration: 20% of the population (2023).
Fixed-line subscriptions: 29,000 (2022).
Broadband fixed subscriptions: 65,000 (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	34,206,144	2025 est.
Area	799,380 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$51.786 billion	2024 est.
Unemployment Rate	3.6%	2024 est.
Birth Rate	36.07 births/1,000	2025 est.
Life Expectancy	58.3 years	2024 est.
Military Expenditures	2% of GDP	2024 est.
Urban Population	38.8%	2023
Total Fertility Rate	4.58 children/woman	2025 est.
Total Energy Consumption	5.789 million Btu/person	2023 est.