Mozambique Population 2026
Mozambique, a country in Sub-Saharan Africa classified as low income, has an estimated population of 34,631,766 in 2025. This positions it as the 46th most populous nation globally. The country continues to experience rapid demographic expansion, driven by high fertility rates and a young age structure.
Population Trend (Mozambique)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How Mozambique's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
Mozambique's population is growing at a robust pace, with a 1-year growth rate of 2.96% and a 10-year average growth rate of 2.99% as of 2025. This sustained growth reflects patterns common across many low-income Sub-Saharan African nations, where declining mortality rates remain ahead of significant fertility declines. The country's demographic profile is marked by a high proportion of children and young adults, resulting in a pronounced population momentum that will drive continued increases for decades even as fertility gradually declines.
Within the regional context, Mozambique is part of the East African subregion, which collectively has one of the fastest-growing populations in the world. The country's low-income status correlates with higher fertility rates and lower life expectancy compared to global averages, though improvements in healthcare and education are gradually influencing demographic trends. The 2.96% annual growth rate implies a doubling time of roughly 24 years if current trends persist, putting pressure on infrastructure, food systems, and social services.
The 10-year average growth of 2.99% indicates that Mozambique's population has been expanding at a remarkably consistent pace over the past decade, with little sign of a sharp slowdown. Urbanization is accelerating, particularly in the capital Maputo and secondary cities such as Beira and Nampula, as rural populations seek economic opportunities. Despite this urban shift, a substantial majority of Mozambicans still reside in rural areas, where agriculture employs most of the labor force.
Mozambique's global rank of 46th places it among the more populous countries in Africa, ahead of nations like Madagascar and Cameroon. The combination of a large base population and high growth rate means that Mozambique will likely rise several positions in global rankings over the coming years, presenting both demographic opportunities—such as a growing workforce—and challenges related to education, employment, and sustainable development.
Key Facts
- Mozambique’s estimated population in 2025 is 34,631,766 people.
- The country has a 1-year growth rate of 2.96% as of 2025.
- Over the past decade, Mozambique has maintained an average annual growth rate of 2.99%.
- Mozambique is ranked 46th in the world by population size.
- The country is classified as low income and is located in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
- At the current growth rate, the population doubles approximately every 24 years.