Country Profile: Mozambique

Mozambique, located in southeastern Africa, is bordered by the Mozambique Channel and has a diverse landscape that includes coastal lowlands, uplands, and mountain ranges. The country has a population of approximately 34 million people, with a rich cultural tapestry shaped by various ethnic groups and languages. Economically, Mozambique has transitioned from Marxism to a multi-party democracy since the 1990s, focusing on agriculture and extraction industries despite challenges like an ongoing insurgency in the north. Governance is structured as a presidential republic, with significant efforts to improve security and development in recent years.

Geography

Mozambique is situated in southeastern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Tanzania, and has a vast coastline along the Indian Ocean. The total area is 799,380 sq km, which makes it slightly larger than California. The terrain varies from coastal lowlands to uplands and high plateaus, with the Zambezi River playing a crucial role in agriculture and irrigation.

4,783 km: Total land borders, shared with six countries.
2,470 km: Length of coastline.
Highest point: Monte Binga at 2,436 m.
Climate: Ranges from tropical to subtropical.
Natural resources: Includes coal, titanium, and natural gas.

People and Society

Mozambique has a diverse population of 34,206,144 (2025 est.), primarily composed of various African ethnic groups, with Portuguese as the official language. The society is predominantly young, with 44.7% of the population under the age of 15 years. Urbanization is on the rise, with 38.8% of citizens living in urban areas by 2023.

Median age: 17.4 years (2025 est.).
Total fertility rate: 4.58 children per woman (2025 est.).
Literacy rate: 61.7% (2022 est.).
Life expectancy: 58.3 years (2024 est.).
Population growth rate: 2.53% (2025 est.).

Economy

Mozambique has a low-income economy heavily reliant on subsistence farming and natural resources, with a real GDP growth rate of 5.4% in 2023. The economic landscape is hampered by high public debt and an ongoing insurgency that affects investment in critical areas such as natural gas.

Real GDP (PPP): Estimated at $51.786 billion (2024 est.).
Unemployment rate: Stands at 3.6% (2024 est.).
Poverty rate: Approximately 62.8% live below the national poverty line (2019 est.).
Major exports: Coal, natural gas, and aluminum.
Public debt: 76.6% of GDP (2022 est.).

Government

Mozambique is a presidential republic with a legal system that combines Portuguese civil law and customary law. The most recent president, Daniel Francisco CHAPO, took office in January 2025 following elections in October 2024. The country has 10 provinces and a unicameral Assembly of the Republic.

Constitution adopted: 21 December 2004.
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age.
Legislature: 250 members elected through proportional representation.
National Independence: Achieved on 25 June 1975.

Military and Security

The Armed Forces for the Defense of Mozambique (FADM) includes the army, navy, and air force, tasked with external and internal security. The country faces challenges from an insurgency linked to the Islamic State, prompting international support for stabilization efforts.

Military expenditures: Approximately 2% of GDP (2024 est.).
Estimated personnel strength: 12,000 active FADM (2025).
Military service age: Mandatory registration at 18 years.
Insurgency impact: Ongoing violence has claimed around 6,000 lives since 2017.

Energy

Mozambique's energy sector is primarily reliant on hydroelectric power, accounting for 82.7% of its installed capacity. However, electricity access remains limited, especially in rural areas.

Electricity access: Only 33.2% of the total population (2022 est.).
Total energy consumption per capita: 5.789 million Btu/person (2023 est.).
Natural gas production: Approximately 8.873 billion cubic meters (2023 est.).
Coal production: Estimated at 10.583 million metric tons (2023 est.).

Environment

Mozambique faces various environmental issues, including deforestation, soil erosion, and the impact of climate change on natural resources. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at sustainability and conservation efforts.

Urban population: 38.8% (2023).
Total water withdrawal: 1.076 billion cubic meters for agriculture (2022 est.).
Municipal solid waste generated annually: Estimated at 2.5 million tons (2024 est.).
Air quality issue: Particulate matter emissions at 17.5 µg/m³ (2019 est.).

Transportation

Mozambique's transportation infrastructure includes an extensive rail network and various ports facilitating trade. The country has 92 airports and 4,787 km of railways, primarily narrow gauge.

Total ports: 11 (2024).
Merchant marine: Comprises 36 vessels (2023).
Airports: 92 by 2025.
Civil aircraft registration prefix: C9.

Communications

The communications sector in Mozambique is developing, with 17.1 million mobile cellular subscriptions by 2024, though internet access remains limited to 20% of the population.

Fixed-line subscriptions: Approximately 29,000 (2022 est.).
Broadcast media: Includes state-run and private stations with broad territorial coverage.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	34,206,144 (2025 est.)
Area	799,380 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$51.786 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	3.6% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	36.07 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	58.3 years (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	5.789 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Rural Electrification Rate	5% (2022 est.)
Major Urban Areas Population	1.163 million Maputo (2023)
Total Debt as % of GDP	76.6% (2022 est.)