Country exposure · MZ
Mozambique
Africa · Maputo · presidential republic
What Mozambique means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.
$162M
U.S. imports, 2025
-24.8%
change in one year
$134M
U.S. exports, 2025
34M
Population
$22.4B
GDP
In your house
What you buy that Mozambique makes
America bought $162M in goods from Mozambique in 2025 — down 24.8% in a single year. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.
Steelmaking materials
$61M37.3%
Gem stones, other
$58M35.4%
U.s. goods returned, and reimports
$15M9.5%
Cane and beet sugar
cane and beet sugar
$9M5.7%
Sulfur, nonmetallic minerals
$9M5.5%
Tobacco, waxes, etc.
$7M4.2%
Tea, spices, etc.
tea and spices
$1M0.7%
Other parts and accessories of vehicles
car parts and accessories
$524K0.3%
Nuts
nuts
$510K0.3%
Fish and shellfish
fish, shrimp, shellfish
$311K0.2%
2026 so far (through April): $34M in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).
The other direction
What America sells to Mozambique
$134M in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.
Petroleum products, other
$46MTelecommunications equipment
$11Mphones, routers, networking gear
Industrial engines
$11MPulpwood and woodpulp
$9MMeat, poultry, etc.
$8MWheat
$7Mgreen coffee for roasters
Excavating machinery
$5MFinished metal shapes
$4MIndustrial machines, other
$3MWhere you stand
U.S. tariff posture toward Mozambique
Mozambique — a low-income economy heavily reliant on AGOA duty-free access — was assigned 16% in April 2025, reduced to 15% in August, eroding the preferences that had supported its exports. AGOA lapsed in September 2025 and was later extended to include Mozambique. Executive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions, Feb 20, 2026) terminated the IEEPA reciprocal duties, and Proclamation 11012 replaced it with a 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge effective February 24, 2026. Mozambique has no distinct Section 232 steel/aluminum posture in the tariff schedule.
Reciprocal tariff (assigned — terminated)
16%
The rate this country was assigned under the EO 14257 reciprocal Annex — no longer in force. The Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs and they were terminated February 24, 2026 (EO 14389), replaced by a universal ~10% Section 122 surcharge. See the timeline below for the current effective rate.
Policy in motion
Tariff status: a moving target
U.S. tariff policy toward Mozambique has changed 4 times since 2025. This page tracks it.
2026-02-24
IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122
In effectExecutive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties effective February 24, 2026, replacing Mozambique's 15% reciprocal rate with a 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge under Proclamation 11012 (capped at 150 days).
91 FR 9437 →2025-08-07
Rate reduced to 15%
In effectExecutive Order 14326 set the post-pause Annex I reciprocal rates; Mozambique's rate was lowered from 16% to 15% effective August 7, 2025, with AGOA preferences lapsing the following month.
90 FR 37963 →2025-04-10
Elevated reciprocal rates paused to 10% for 90 days
In effectExecutive Order 14266 suspended the higher country-specific reciprocal rates — including Mozambique's 16% — back to the 10% baseline for 90 days.
90 FR 15625 →2025-04-05
Reciprocal tariff regime begins — Mozambique assigned 16%
In effectExecutive Order 14257 imposed a 10% universal reciprocal duty effective April 5 and a 16% country-specific rate for Mozambique scheduled to take effect April 9, eroding the AGOA duty-free access many of its exports had relied on.
90 FR 15041 →
Made for America
What Mozambique makes for America
Mozambique is a direct U.S. source of 1 essential good Americans rely on — the items themselves, shipped finished off the line.
Go deeper
The supply chain view
Mozambique sits upstream of 5 essential American goods through 5 tracked inputs.
mineral
14%Titanium mineral concentrates (ilmenite/rutile)
mineral
7%Natural graphite (flake)
mineral
3%Conductive Graphite / Carbon Black
mineral
2%Synthetic Graphite Anode Material
energy
1%Electricity (electrolytic refining)
Reference
The country itself
Africa · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.
In the first half of the second millennium A.D., northern Mozambican port towns were frequented by traders from Somalia, Ethiopia, Egypt, Arabia, Persia, and India. The Portuguese were able to wrest much of the coastal trade from Arab Muslims in the centuries after 1500, and they set up their own colonies. Portugal did not relinquish Mozambique until 1975. Large-scale emigration, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development until the mid-1990s. The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free-market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in 1992. In 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in office. His elected successor, Armando GUEBUZA, served two terms and then passed executive power to Filipe NYUSI in 2015. RENAMO’s residual armed forces intermittently engaged in a low-level insurgency after 2012, but a 2016 cease-fire eventually led to the two sides signing a comprehensive peace deal in 2019. Since 2017, violent extremists -- who an official ISIS media outlet recognized as ISIS's network in Mozambique for the first time in 2019 -- have been conducting attacks against civilians and security services in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. In 2021, Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community deployed forces to support Mozambique’s efforts to counter the extremist group.
Geography
- Location
- Southeastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between South Africa and Tanzania
- Area
- 799,380 sq km
- Climate
- tropical to subtropical
- Terrain
- mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west
- Natural resources
- coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum, graphite
- Coastline
- 2,470 km
- Natural hazards
- severe droughts; devastating cyclones and floods in central and southern provinces
People & society
- Population
- 34,206,144 (2025 est.)
- Nationality
- Mozambican(s)
- Ethnic groups
- African 99% (Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, and others), Mestizo 0.8%, other (includes European, Indian, Pakistani, Chinese) 0.2% (2017 est.)
- 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 est.)
- Religions
- Catholic 27.3%, Islam 19.1%, Pentecostal 16.7%, Saio/Zione 16.3%, no religion 13.5%, other 4.3%, Anglican 1.7%, unknown 1.2% (2017 est.)
- Median age
- 17.4 years (2025 est.)
- Life expectancy at birth
- 58.3 years (2024 est.)
- Literacy
- 61.7% (2022 est.)
Economy
- Economic overview
- low-income East African economy; subsistence farming dominates labor force; return to growth led by agriculture and extractive industries; Islamist insurgency threatens natural gas projects in north; ongoing foreign debt restructuring and resolution under IMF Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative
- Industries
- aluminum, petroleum products, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), textiles, cement, glass, asbestos, tobacco, food, beverages
- Agricultural products
- cassava, maize, sugarcane, tomatoes, beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, coconuts, onions (2023)
- Exports - partners
- India 18%, China 13%, South Africa 9%, UAE 6%, Thailand 4% (2023)
- Imports - partners
- South Africa 34%, China 14%, India 13%, UAE 6%, Singapore 3% (2023)
Government
- Government type
- presidential republic
- Capital
- Maputo
- Independence
- 25 June 1975 (from Portugal)
- Constitution
- previous 1975, 1990; latest adopted 16 November 2004, effective 21 December 2004
- Executive branch
- President Daniel Francisco CHAPO (since 15 January 2025)
- Legislative branch
- Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica)
Full reference data
Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.
Introduction
Background
In the first half of the second millennium A.D., northern Mozambican port towns were frequented by traders from Somalia, Ethiopia, Egypt, Arabia, Persia, and India. The Portuguese were able to wrest much of the coastal trade from Arab Muslims in the centuries after 1500, and they set up their own colonies. Portugal did not relinquish Mozambique until 1975. Large-scale emigration, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development until the mid-1990s. The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free-market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in 1992. In 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in office. His elected successor, Armando GUEBUZA, served two terms and then passed executive power to Filipe NYUSI in 2015. RENAMO’s residual armed forces intermittently engaged in a low-level insurgency after 2012, but a 2016 cease-fire eventually led to the two sides signing a comprehensive peace deal in 2019. Since 2017, violent extremists -- who an official ISIS media outlet recognized as ISIS's network in Mozambique for the first time in 2019 -- have been conducting attacks against civilians and security services in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. In 2021, Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community deployed forces to support Mozambique’s efforts to counter the extremist group.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Mozambique due to crime, terrorism, and health issues. Some areas have greater risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 3 blank pages in their passport for each entry and exit stamp/visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
+(258) 21-49-2797; EMER: +(258) 21-49-0723; US Embassy Maputo, Avenida Kenneth Kaunda, 193, Caixa Postal, 783, Maputo, Mozambique; consularmaputos@state.gov; https://mz.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
258
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 117; Fire: 198; Police: 119
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. On 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Mozambique is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine. http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical to subtropical
Currency (Code)
Meticais (MZM)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F, M
Major Languages
Emakhuwa, Portuguese, Xichangana, Cinyanja, Cisena, Elomwe, Echuwabo, Cindau, Xitswa, other Mozambican languages
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 27.2%, Muslim 18.9%, Zionist Christian 15.6%, Evangelical/Pentecostal 15.3%, Anglican 1.7%
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Gorongosa National Park; Maputo (includes Tunduru Botanical Gardens, Cathedral, Fortress, National Money Museum), Maputo Elephant Reserve; Macuti Lighthouse & Shipwreck
Major Sports
Soccer, basketball, volleyball
Cultural Practices
Covering a fist with one's open hand signals "that's enough."
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is standard practice in Mozambique. Tipping 10% in restaurants and bars is common. Round up taxi fares. Tip bellhops $1 (USD) per bag and hotel housekeeping $1-2 (USD) per day.
Souvenirs
Ritual masks, seashell and bead jewelry, hand woven and dyed fabric goods, carved wooden items, pottery
Traditional Cuisine
Peri peri chicken — grilled or roasted chicken marinated in cumin, garlic, paprika, lemon juice, and bird's eye chilis grilled or roasted and served with a creamy and spicy coconut sauce
CIA source last updated
Wednesday, October 05, 2022
Travel resources
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022
Geography
Location
Southeastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between South Africa and Tanzania
Geographic coordinates
18 15 S, 35 00 E
Map references
Africa
Area - total
799,380 sq km
Area - land
786,380 sq km
Area - water
13,000 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly more than five times the size of Georgia; slightly less than twice the size of California
Land boundaries - total
4,783 km
Land boundaries - border countries
Malawi 1498 km; South Africa 496 km; Eswatini 108 km; Tanzania 840 km; Zambia 439 km; Zimbabwe 1,402 km
Coastline
2,470 km
Maritime claims - territorial sea
12 nm
Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Climate
tropical to subtropical
Terrain
mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west
Elevation - highest point
Monte Binga 2,436 m
Elevation - lowest point
Indian Ocean 0 m
Elevation - mean elevation
345 m
Natural resources
coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum, graphite
Land use - agricultural land
52.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 7.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.5% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 45.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
41.7% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
5.5% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
1,180 sq km (2012)
Major lakes (area sq km) - fresh water lake(s)
Lake Malawi (shared with Malawi and Tanzania) - 22,490
Major rivers (by length in km)
Rio Zambeze (Zambezi) river mouth (shared with Zambia [s]), Angola, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe) - 2,740 km; Rio Limpopo river mouth (shared with South Africa [s], Botswana, and Zimbabwe) - 1,800 km note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km) - Indian Ocean drainage
Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km)
Population distribution
three large population clusters are found along the southern coast between Maputo and Inhambane, in the central area between Beira and Chimoio along the Zambezi River, and in and around the northern cities of Nampula, Cidade de Nacala, and Pemba; the northwest and southwest are the least populated areas, as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
severe droughts; devastating cyclones and floods in central and southern provinces
Geography - note
the Zambezi River flows through the north-central and most fertile part of the country
People and Society
Population - total
34,206,144 (2025 est.)
Population - male
16,880,529
Population - female
17,325,615
Nationality - noun
Mozambican(s)
Nationality - adjective
Mozambican
Ethnic groups
African 99% (Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, and others), Mestizo 0.8%, other (includes European, Indian, Pakistani, Chinese) 0.2% (2017 est.)
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 est.)
Religions
Catholic 27.3%, Islam 19.1%, Pentecostal 16.7%, Saio/Zione 16.3%, no religion 13.5%, other 4.3%, Anglican 1.7%, unknown 1.2% (2017 est.)
Age structure - 0-14 years
44.7% (male 7,548,247/female 7,350,012)
Age structure - 15-64 years
52.4% (male 8,428,457/female 9,061,065)
Age structure - 65 years and over
2.9% (2024 est.) (male 473,030/female 490,143)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
89.2 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
83.7 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
5.5 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
18.3 (2025 est.)
Median age - total
17.4 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
16.7 years
Median age - female
17.9 years
Population growth rate
2.53% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
36.07 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
9.34 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-1.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
three large population clusters are found along the southern coast between Maputo and Inhambane, in the central area between Beira and Chimoio along the Zambezi River, and in and around the northern cities of Nampula, Cidade de Nacala, and Pemba; the northwest and southwest are the least populated areas, as shown in this population distribution map
Urbanization - urban population
38.8% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
4.24% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1.852 million Matola, 1.163 million MAPUTO (capital), 969,000 Nampula (2023)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.03 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.03 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
0.93 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.97 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
19.2 years (2011 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth - note
note: data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
Maternal mortality ratio
82 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
56.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
60.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
56.2 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
58.3 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
57.1 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
59.6 years
Total fertility rate
4.58 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
2.26 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: urban
urban: 87.3% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: rural
rural: 48.3% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 63.2% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: urban
urban: 12.7% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: rural
rural: 51.7% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 36.8% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
9.1% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.18 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
0.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: urban
urban: 71.8% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: rural
rural: 24.3% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 42.4% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban
urban: 28.2% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural
rural: 75.7% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 57.6% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
7.2% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
1.46 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
1.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
0.22 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
0.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use - total
14.3% (2020 est.)
Tobacco use - male
23% (2020 est.)
Tobacco use - female
5.6% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
15.4% (2022 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
64.8% (2023 est.)
Child marriage - women married by age 15
16.8% (2015)
Child marriage - women married by age 18
52.9% (2015)
Child marriage - men married by age 18
9.7% (2015)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
20.4% national budget (2021 est.)
Literacy - total population
61.7% (2022 est.)
Literacy - male
74.1% (2022 est.)
Literacy - female
50.9% (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total
10 years (2017 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male
11 years (2017 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female
10 years (2017 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
Republic of Mozambique
Country name - conventional short form
Mozambique
Country name - local long form
Republica de Mocambique
Country name - local short form
Mocambique
Country name - former
Portuguese East Africa, People's Republic of Mozambique
Country name - etymology
named for an offshore island; the island was named after Mussa bin BIQUE (or Mussa Ibn MALIK), an influential Arab slave trader who set himself up as sultan on the island in the 15th century
Government type
presidential republic
Capital - name
Maputo
Capital - geographic coordinates
25 57 S, 32 35 E
Capital - time difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - etymology
named after the Maputo River, which drains into Maputo Bay south of the city; the river is said to be named after the son of Muagobe, a local chief in the 18th century
Administrative divisions
10 provinces ( provincias , singular - provincia ), 1 city ( cidade )*; Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Maputo, Cidade de Maputo*, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia
Legal system
mixed system of Portuguese civil law and customary law
Constitution - history
previous 1975, 1990; latest adopted 16 November 2004, effective 21 December 2004
Constitution - amendment process
proposed by the president of the republic or supported by at least one third of the Assembly of the Republic membership; passage of amendments affecting constitutional provisions, including the independence and sovereignty of the state, the republican form of government, basic rights and freedoms, and universal suffrage, requires at least a two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly and approval in a referendum; referenda not required for passage of other amendments
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
no
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
at least one parent must be a citizen of Mozambique
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
no
Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization
5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch - chief of state
President Daniel Francisco CHAPO (since 15 January 2025)
Executive branch - head of government
Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Delfina LEVI (since 17 January 2025)
Executive branch - cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the president
Executive branch - election/appointment process
president elected directly by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for 2 consecutive terms); prime minister appointed by the president
Executive branch - most recent election date
9 October 2024
Executive branch - election results
2024 : Daniel CHAPO elected president in first round; percent of vote - Daniel CHAPO (FRELIMO) 65.2%, Venâncio MONDLANE (PODEMOS) 24.2%, Ossufo MOMADE (RENAMO) 6.6%
Executive branch - expected date of next election
October 2029
Legislative branch - legislature name
Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica)
Legislative branch - legislative structure
unicameral
Legislative branch - number of seats
250 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - electoral system
proportional representation
Legislative branch - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - term in office
5 years
Legislative branch - most recent election date
10/9/2024
Legislative branch - parties elected and seats per party
Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) (171); Optimist Party for the Development of Mozambique (PODEMOS) (43); Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO) (28); Other (8)
Legislative branch - percentage of women in chamber
38.3%
Legislative branch - expected date of next election
October 2029
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
Supreme Court (consists of the court president, vice president, and 5 judges); Constitutional Council (consists of 7 judges)
Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office
Supreme Court president appointed by the president of the republic; vice president appointed by the president in consultation with the Higher Council of the Judiciary (CSMJ) and ratified by the Assembly of the Republic; other judges elected by the Assembly; judges serve 5-year renewable terms; Constitutional Council judges appointed - 1 by the president, 5 by the Assembly, and 1 by the CSMJ; judges serve 5-year nonrenewable terms
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
Administrative Court (capital city only); provincial courts or Tribunais Judicias de Provincia; District Courts or Tribunais Judicias de Districto; customs courts; maritime courts; courts marshal; labor courts; community courts
Political parties
Democratic Movement of Mozambique (Movimento Democratico de Mocambique) or MDM Liberation Front of Mozambique (Frente de Liberatacao de Mocambique) or FRELIMO Mozambican National Resistance (Resistencia Nacional Mocambicana) or RENAMO
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Alfredo Fabião NUVUNGA (since 19 April 2023)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
1525 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 293-7147
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 835-0245
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Abigail L. DRESSEL (since 11 August 2025)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
Avenida Marginal 5467, Maputo
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
2330 Maputo Place, Washington DC 20521-2330
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
[258] (84) 095-8000
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, CPLP, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF (observer), OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, Union Latina, UPU, WCO, WFP, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
25 June 1975 (from Portugal)
National holiday
Independence Day, 25 June (1975)
Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), black, and yellow, with a red isosceles triangle based on the left side; the black band is edged in white; centered in the triangle is a five-pointed yellow star with a crossed black-and-white rifle and hoe, on top of an open white book meaning: green stands for the riches of the land, white for peace, black for the African continent, yellow for the country's minerals, and red for the fight for independence; the rifle stands for defense and vigilance, the hoe for agriculture, the open book for the importance of education, and the star for Marxism and internationalism
Flag - note
note: one of two national flags featuring a firearm; the other is Guatemala
National symbol(s)
rifle, hoe, and book
National color(s)
green, black, yellow, white, red
National anthem(s) - title
“Pátria Amada” (Lovely Fatherland)
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
Salomão J. MANHICA/unkown
National anthem(s) - history
adopted 2002; the new anthem reflects the new multi-party political system
National heritage - total World Heritage Sites
1 (cultural)
National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales
Island of Mozambique
Economy
Economic overview
low-income East African economy; subsistence farming dominates labor force; return to growth led by agriculture and extractive industries; Islamist insurgency threatens natural gas projects in north; ongoing foreign debt restructuring and resolution under IMF Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$51.786 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$50.844 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$48.222 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
1.9% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
5.4% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
4.4% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$1,500 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$1,500 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$1,500 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$22.417 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
4.1% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
7.1% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
10.3% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
26.3% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
24.6% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
38.4% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption
69% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption
17.1% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital
24.1% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories
0% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services
42.7% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services
-52.9% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
cassava, maize, sugarcane, tomatoes, beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, coconuts, onions (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
aluminum, petroleum products, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), textiles, cement, glass, asbestos, tobacco, food, beverages
Industrial production growth rate
2.9% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
15.173 million (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
3.6% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
3.6% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
3.6% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
7.4% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
7.5% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
7.2% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
62.8% (2019 est.)
Population below poverty line - note
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2019
50.3 (2019 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - note
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%
1.7% (2019 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - highest 10%
41.1% (2019 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - note
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances - Remittances 2024
1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2023
1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
0.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$6.243 billion (2024 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$7.223 billion (2024 est.)
Budget - note
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt - Public debt 2022
76.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Public debt - note
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
22.7% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
Taxes and other revenues - note
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance - Current account balance 2024
-$2.498 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2023
-$2.207 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2022
-$6.367 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2024
$9.358 billion (2024 est.)
Exports - Exports 2023
$9.405 billion (2023 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$9.409 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
India 18%, China 13%, South Africa 9%, UAE 6%, Thailand 4% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
coal, natural gas, aluminum, gold, precious stones (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2024
$10.488 billion (2024 est.)
Imports - Imports 2023
$11.18 billion (2023 est.)
Imports - Imports 2022
$15.932 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
South Africa 34%, China 14%, India 13%, UAE 6%, Singapore 3% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, chromium ore, iron alloys, iron ore, palm oil (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$3.843 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$3.637 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$2.939 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external - Debt - external 2023
$8.274 billion (2023 est.)
Debt - external - note
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
meticais (MZM) per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024
63.905 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
63.886 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
63.851 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
65.465 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
69.465 (2020 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
33.2% (2022 est.)
Electricity access - electrification - urban areas
79.4%
Electricity access - electrification - rural areas
5%
Electricity - installed generating capacity
2.86 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
12.983 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - exports
11.483 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - imports
8.287 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
3.38 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels
16.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - solar
0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity
82.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - biomass and waste
0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal - production
10.583 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - consumption
13,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - exports
10.658 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
900 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - proven reserves
1.792 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
42,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural gas - production
8.873 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - consumption
1.625 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - exports
7.09 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - proven reserves
2.832 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023
5.789 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
29,000 (2022 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
(2022 est.) less than 1
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
17.1 million (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
50 (2024 est.)
Broadcast media
1 state-run TV station supplemented by a private TV station; Portuguese state TV's African service, RTP Africa, and Brazilian-owned TV Miramar are available; state-run radio provides nearly 100% territorial coverage and broadcasts in multiple languages; a number of privately owned and community-operated stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2019)
Internet country code
.mz
Internet users - percent of population
20% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
65,000 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
(2022 est.) less than 1
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
C9
Airports
92 (2025)
Railways - total
4,787 km (2014)
Railways - narrow gauge
4,787 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge
Merchant marine - total
36 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
general cargo 9, other 27
Ports - total ports
11 (2024)
Ports - large
0
Ports - medium
2
Ports - small
5
Ports - very small
4
Ports - ports with oil terminals
3
Ports - key ports
Beira, Chinde, Inhambane, Maputo, Mocambique, Pebane, Porto Belo
Military and Security
Military and security forces
Armed Forces for the Defense of Mozambique (Forcas Armadas de Defesa de Mocambique, FADM): Army, Mozambique Navy, Mozambique Air Force Ministry of Interior: Mozambique National Police (PRM; includes the Rapid Intervention Unit, UIR), the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), Border Security Force; other security forces include the Presidential Guard and the Force for the Protection of High-Level Individuals (2025)
Military and security forces - note
note 1: the FADM and other security forces are referred to collectively as the Mozambican Defense and Security Forces (FDS) note 2: the PRM, SERNIC, and the UIR are responsible for law enforcement and internal security; the Border Security Force is responsible for protecting the country’s international borders and for carrying out police duties within 24 miles of borders note 3: in 2023, the Mozambique Government legalized local militias that have been assisting security forces operating in Cabo Delgado against Islamic militants since 2020; this Local Force is comprised of ex-combatants and other civilians and receives training, uniforms, weapons, and logistical support from the FADM
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024
2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023
2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022
2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021
2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2020
1.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 12,000 active FADM (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the FADM's inventory consists primarily of Soviet-era armaments, although in recent years it has received some secondhand equipment from a number of countries, including India, South Africa, and the UAE, mostly as donations (2025)
Military service age and obligation
registration for military service is mandatory for all men and women at 18 years of age; 18-35 years of age for selective compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary service for men and women; initial 60-month service obligation (2025)
Military - note
the FADM is responsible for external security, cooperating with police on internal security, and responding to natural disasters and other emergencies; the primary focus of the FADM is countering an insurgency in the northern province of Cabo Delgado by militants affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham terrorist group (ISIS-Mozambique; known locally as Ahl al-Sunna wal-Jama‘a); since 2017, the conflict has claimed an estimated 6,000 lives and displaced an estimated one million persons; at Mozambique's request, Rwanda and several southern African countries under the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) deployed forces to Mozambique to combat the insurgency in 2021; the SADC forces departed in 2024; as of 2025, Rwanda continued to provide approximately 3,000 military and police personnel to assist Mozambican Defense and Security Forces, along with several hundred Tanzanian troops; the EU has also provided training assistance (2025)
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham - Mozambique (ISIS-M)
Terrorist group(s) - note
note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
24,250 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - IDPs
718,154 (2024 est.)
Environment
Environmental issues
increased population migration to urban and coastal areas; desertification; soil erosion; deforestation; water pollution from artisanal mining; pollution of surface and coastal waters; wildlife preservation (elephant poaching for ivory)
International environmental agreements - party to
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands
International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified
none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical to subtropical
Land use - agricultural land
52.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 7.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.5% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 45.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
41.7% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
5.5% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
38.8% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
4.24% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
9.549 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke
-68,287 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
6.244 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from consumed natural gas
3.373 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
17.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Methane emissions - energy
320.1 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Methane emissions - agriculture
169.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - waste
117.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - other
101.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
2.5 million tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
5.2% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
372 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - industrial
25 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - agricultural
1.076 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
217.1 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)