Country Profile: Mozambique

Mozambique is a southeastern African nation located along the coastline of the Mozambique Channel, bordered by South Africa and Tanzania. With a population of over 34 million, it faces challenges such as urban migration, a high dependency ratio, and ongoing threats from insurgent groups in the north. The economy is primarily low-income, relying heavily on subsistence farming and the extractive industry, particularly coal and natural gas, while governance has transitioned to a multiparty system since the civil war ended in the early 1990s.

Geography

Mozambique spans an area of 799,380 sq km, featuring mostly coastal lowlands intermixed with uplands and high plateaus. The country boasts a 2,470 km coastline and shares land borders with six countries: Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. Its climate varies from tropical to subtropical, conducive for both agriculture and natural resource extraction.

Highest point: Monte Binga at 2,436 m.
Natural resources include coal, natural gas, and hydropower.
52.8% of land is used for agriculture (2023).
The Zambezi River flows through the fertile northern region.
Natural hazards: Severe droughts and cyclones.

People and Society

As of 2025, Mozambique has an estimated population of 34,206,144, with a youthful median age of 17.4 years. Ethnic groups are predominantly African (99%), and Portuguese is the official language. The nation is characterized by diverse religious beliefs, with 27.3% identifying as Catholic and 19.1% as Muslim.

Urban population accounts for 38.8% (2023).
Birth rate: 36.07 births/1,000 population (2025).
Literacy rate: 61.7% (2022).
Life expectancy: 58.3 years (2024).
Total fertility rate: 4.58 children/woman (2025).
Population growth rate: 2.53% (2025).
Maternal mortality ratio: 82 deaths/100,000 live births (2023).

Economy

Mozambique has a low-income economy with a GDP of $22.417 billion (2024) and relies on subsistence farming, agriculture, and extractive industries. The economy has shown signs of recovery post-civil war, although it still faces risks such as conflict in Cabo Delgado that threatens investment in natural gas.

Real GDP growth rate: 1.9% (2024).
Unemployment rate: 3.6% (2024).
62.8% of the population lives below the poverty line (2019).
Public debt: 76.6% of GDP (2022).
Exports: $9.358 billion (2024).
Imports: $10.488 billion (2024).
Gini Index: 50.3 indicating high income inequality (2019).

Government

Mozambique is a presidential republic with a recent transition in leadership. The government operates under a mixed legal system that combines Portuguese civil law with customary laws. The most recent presidential election occurred on October 9, 2024.

President: Daniel CHAPO (since January 2025).
Legislature: Assembly of the Republic with 250 seats.
Universal suffrage at 18 years.
National independence: June 25, 1975.
Current constitution adopted on November 16, 2004.

Military and Security

The Armed Forces for the Defense of Mozambique (FADM) are responsible for national defense, while internal security is managed by the Mozambique National Police. The country faces ongoing security challenges from insurgent groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham - Mozambique (ISIS-M).

Military personnel: Estimated 12,000 active members (2025).
Military expenditures: 2% of GDP (2024).
Registration for military service is mandatory at age 18.
The military focuses primarily on counterinsurgency operations.

Energy

Mozambique's energy sector is predominantly reliant on hydroelectric power, making up 82.7% of its generating capacity. However, access to electricity remains limited, especially in rural areas.

Electrification rate: 33.2% of the total population (2022).
Installed generating capacity: 2.86 million kW (2023).
Natural gas production: 8.873 billion cubic meters (2023).
Coal production: 10.583 million metric tons (2023).
Electricity consumption: 12.983 billion kWh (2023).

Environment

Mozambique faces environmental challenges including desertification, deforestation, and pollution. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements focused on biodiversity and climate change.

Forest cover: 41.7% of land (2023).
Carbon dioxide emissions: 9.549 million metric tons (2023).
Water withdrawal: 1.076 billion cubic meters for agriculture (2022).
Major environmental concern: wildlife preservation against poaching.

Transportation

Mozambique has an extensive transportation network, including 4,787 km of railways and 92 airports. The maritime infrastructure includes several ports, facilitating trade and transportation within the region.

Total ports: 11 (2024).
Civil aircraft registration prefix: C9.
Rail network: Entirely narrow gauge.
Merchant marine: 36 vessels (2023).

Communications

Communications infrastructure in Mozambique is developing, with an increase in mobile cellular subscriptions and internet usage.

Mobile subscriptions: 17.1 million (2024).
Internet users: 20% of the population (2023).
Fixed-line subscriptions: Limited with less than 1 subscription per 100 inhabitants.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Total Population	34,206,144 (2025 est.)
Area	799,380 sq km
GDP (official exchange rate)	$22.417 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	3.6% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	36.07 births/1,000 people (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	58.3 years (2024 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	4.58 children/woman (2025 est.)
Literacy Rate	61.7% (2022 est.)
Electricity Access	33.2% (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures	2% of GDP (2024 est.)