Country Profile: Mozambique

Mozambique, located in southeastern Africa, is bordered by the Mozambique Channel and shares land boundaries with several countries, including South Africa and Tanzania. With a population of approximately 33 million, the country has a rich cultural tapestry and a diverse society primarily composed of various African ethnic groups. Economically, Mozambique is classified as a low-income nation where subsistence farming prevails, but it has seen a return to growth driven by agriculture and natural resources. The country operates as a presidential republic and is working towards stabilizing its governance structure after years of conflict and economic challenges.

Geography

Mozambique has a total area of 799,380 sq km, featuring a combination of coastal lowlands, uplands, and high plateaus. The Zambezi River, which flows through the north-central region, is pivotal to the country’s agriculture. The climate is predominantly tropical to subtropical, and the terrain varies from the coastal regions to mountainous areas.

Elevation: Highest point at 2,436 m (Monte Binga).
Coastline: Extends 2,470 km along the Indian Ocean.
Natural resources: Includes coal, titanium, natural gas, and hydropower.
Major rivers: The Zambezi River is one of the longest, at 2,740 km.
Population distribution: Concentrated along the southern coast and the Zambezi River corridor.

People and Society

The population of Mozambique is estimated at 33,350,954 as of 2024, with a youthful median age of 17.3 years. The major ethnic group comprises 99% African, with various languages spoken, including Portuguese, Makhuwa, and Tsonga. The society is characterized by a mix of religious beliefs, including Roman Catholicism and Islam.

Urban population: Approximately 38.8% of the total population live in urban areas as of 2023.
Birth rate: High at 36.5 births per 1,000 population (2024).
Life expectancy: Stands at 58.3 years at birth.
Literacy rate: Approximately 60% of the total population (2020).
Dependency ratio: Total dependency ratio is 90.7 (2024 est.).

Economy

Mozambique's economy is primarily low-income and dependent on subsistence farming. The country is undergoing a cautious recovery led by agriculture and extractive industries, despite challenges from an ongoing insurgency affecting gas projects in the north. The estimated GDP for 2024 is $51.786 billion (PPP), showing signs of gradual growth.

GDP per capita: Approximately $1,500 (2024 est.).
Unemployment rate: Stable at 3.6% (2024).
Agricultural contribution: Accounts for about 26.3% of GDP (2024).
Public debt: Estimated at 76.6% of GDP (2022).
Poverty rate: Over 62.8% of the population was below the poverty line (2019 est.).

Government

Mozambique is a presidential republic with a governance structure that has evolved since its independence from Portugal on June 25, 1975. The legal system is a mix of Portuguese civil law and customary law. The country has witnessed significant political transitions and is currently led by President Daniel CHAPO.

Capital: Maputo, located at 25.95° S, 32.58° E.
Legislature: The Assembly of the Republic consists of 250 directly elected members.
Recent election: The last general election was held on October 9, 2024.
Suffrage: Universal suffrage is granted to citizens at the age of 18.

Military and Security

Mozambique's military, known as the Armed Forces for the Defense of Mozambique (FADM), consists of the army, navy, and air force, supplemented by police and local militia forces. The military is engaged in efforts against Islamist insurgent groups, particularly in northern provinces.

Military expenditure: Approximately 2% of GDP (2024).
Personnel strength: Approximately 12,000 active members (2025).
Mandatory service age: All citizens must register for military service at 18.

Energy

Electricity access remains a challenge in Mozambique, with only 33.2% of the population having access as of 2022. The energy sector relies significantly on hydroelectric power, supplemented by other sources.

Installed capacity: Total installed electricity generation capacity is 2.86 million kW (2023).
Electricity consumption: Approximately 12.983 billion kWh (2023).
Electricity exports: Recorded at 11.483 billion kWh (2023).
Access in urban areas: About 79.4% of urban areas have electricity.

Environment

Mozambique faces several environmental challenges including desertification, deforestation, and pollution from artisanal mining. The country is a signatory to numerous international environmental agreements aimed at promoting sustainable practices.

Urban population growth: Estimated growth rate of 4.24% annually (2020-2025).
Total renewable water resources: Approximately 217.1 billion cubic meters (2020).
Air pollutants: Estimated particulate matter emissions at 16.45 micrograms per cubic meter (2019).

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure includes roads, railways, and ports, though challenges remain in accessibility and quality.

Railways: Total rail length of 4,787 km (2014).
Airports: Total of 92 airports (2025).
Ports: 11 ports, including key locations at Beira and Maputo.

Communications

Mozambique has made progress in communications but remains relatively undeveloped in broadband access and internet penetration.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: Approximately 15 million (2022).
Internet users: Around 20% of the population (2023).
Fixed-line subscriptions: Less than 1 subscription per 100 inhabitants (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	33,350,954	2024 estimate
Area	799,380 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$51.786 billion	2024 estimate
GDP per capita	$1,500	2024 estimate
Unemployment rate	3.6%	2024 estimate
Birth rate	36.5 births/1,000 people	2024 estimate
Life expectancy	58.3 years	2024 estimate
Urban population	38.8%	2023 estimate
Military expenditure	2% of GDP	2024 estimate
Electricity access	33.2%	2022 estimate