Mozambique

World Book Index

Introduction

Mozambique, a nation rich in cultural diversity and natural beauty, emerged from nearly five centuries of Portuguese colonial rule to gain its independence in 1975. The journey towards nationhood has been fraught with challenges, including significant emigration, economic reliance on neighboring South Africa, and the impacts of a severe drought. The prolonged civil war that followed independence stunted development for decades, but since the mid-1990s, Mozambique has been on a path of recovery and growth, striving to overcome its historical adversities and build a brighter future for its citizens.

Neighboring countries

Eswatini - Malawi - South Africa - Tanzania - Zambia - Zimbabwe

Geography

Area
Total: 799,380 sq km
Land: 786,380 sq km
Water: 13,000 sq km

Mozambique is strategically located along the southeastern coast of Africa, bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east. The country's geography is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes coastal plains, plateaus, and mountain ranges. The climate ranges from tropical in the north to subtropical in the south, which influences the rich biodiversity and agricultural potential of the region. Mozambique is endowed with significant natural resources, including coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum, and graphite, which play a crucial role in its economic development and energy production.

People and Society

Population
Total: 33,350,954 (2024 estimated)

Ethnic groups
African 99% (Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, and others), Mestizo 0.8%, other (includes European, Indian, Pakistani, Chinese) 0.2% (2017 estimated)

Languages
Makhuwa 26.1%, Portuguese (official) 16.6%, Tsonga 8.6%, Nyanja 8.1, Sena 7.1%, Lomwe 7.1%, Chuwabo 4.7%, Ndau 3.8%, Tswa 3.8%, other Mozambican languages 11.8%, other 0.5%, unspecified 1.8% (2017 estimated)

Religions
Roman Catholic 27.2%, Muslim 18.9%, Zionist Christian 15.6%, Evangelical/Pentecostal 15.3%, Anglican 1.7%, other 4.8%, none 13.9%, unspecified 2.5% (2017 estimated)

Population growth rate
2.54% (2024 estimated)

Mozambique's population is predominantly African, with a rich tapestry of ethnic groups contributing to its cultural heritage. The major ethnic groups include the Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, and Sena, among others. Portuguese, the official language, coexists with numerous indigenous languages, reflecting the country's colonial history and cultural diversity. The religious landscape is equally varied, with significant populations of Roman Catholics and Muslims, alongside various Christian denominations. The population growth rate of 2.54% indicates a youthful demographic, which presents both opportunities and challenges for the nation's development and social services.

Government

Government type
Presidential republic

Capital
Name: Maputo

Executive branch
Chief of state: President Daniel Francisco CHAPO (since 15 January 2025)
Head of government: Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Delfina LEVI (since 17 January 2025)

Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Alfredo Fabião NUVUNGA (since 19 April 2023)

Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Abigail L. DRESSEL (since 11 August 2025)

Mozambique operates as a presidential republic, where the President serves as both the head of state and government. The capital city, Maputo, is the political and administrative center of the country. The current leadership, with President Daniel Francisco CHAPO and Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Delfina LEVI, reflects a commitment to governance and reform. Mozambique maintains diplomatic relations with various countries, including representation in the United States, which is crucial for fostering international partnerships and economic development.

Economy

Economic overview
Mozambique is classified as a low-income East African economy, where subsistence farming remains a dominant aspect of the labor force. The country has been experiencing a return to growth, primarily driven by advancements in agriculture and the extractive industries. However, the ongoing Islamist insurgency poses a significant threat to natural gas projects in the northern regions, complicating the economic landscape. Additionally, Mozambique is engaged in a process of foreign debt restructuring under the IMF's Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, which aims to stabilize its economy and promote sustainable development.

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$51.786 billion (2024 estimated)
$50.844 billion (2023 estimated)
$48.222 billion (2022 estimated)

Real GDP per capita
$1,500 (2024 estimated)
$1,500 (2023 estimated)
$1,500 (2022 estimated)

Exports
$9.358 billion (2024 estimated)
$9.405 billion (2023 estimated)
$9.409 billion (2022 estimated)

Exports - partners
India 18%, China 13%, South Africa 9%, UAE 6%, Thailand 4% (2023)

Exports - commodities
coal, natural gas, aluminum, gold, precious stones (2023)

Imports
$10.488 billion (2024 estimated)
$11.18 billion (2023 estimated)
$15.932 billion (2022 estimated)

Imports - partners
South Africa 34%, China 14%, India 13%, UAE 6%, Singapore 3% (2023)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, chromium ore, iron alloys, iron ore, palm oil (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.493, ranking it 182th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 103rd out of 158 countries tested with a score of 5.08. (more information)