Mozambique Facts and Figures

Mozambique, situated in southeastern Africa, shares borders with Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and South Africa to the southwest, and the Indian Ocean to the east. It is known for its diverse geography, ranging from the coastal lowlands to the highlands and plateaus inland. Major cities include Maputo, the capital and largest city, Beira, and Nampula. Notable international affiliations include joining the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in 1980 and becoming a member of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1995, highlighting its diplomatic engagement on the global stage.

Key Historical Events
Mozambique has been shaped by significant historical events, with one of the most impactful being its struggle for independence from Portuguese colonial rule, achieved in 1975. Following independence, the country faced a brutal civil war that lasted from 1977 to 1992, destabilizing its socio-economic fabric and infrastructure. However, the most transformative event in Mozambique's recent history was the peace agreement signed in 1992, ending the civil war and paving the way for reconstruction and development efforts. This pivotal moment allowed Mozambique to focus on economic reforms and international partnerships, leading to substantial growth in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and energy. Today, Mozambique continues to navigate challenges such as political stability and climate resilience while capitalizing on its rich natural resources to foster sustainable development and regional cooperation.

Demographics Overview
Mozambique, with a total population of approximately 33.9 million people, maintains a population density of about 41 individuals per square kilometer. The country's demographic landscape shows a relatively young population, with a median age of 17 years, indicative of a burgeoning youth demographic poised for future economic contributions. Life expectancy stands at 60 years, reflecting challenges in healthcare and development. Mozambique has a high fertility rate of 4.6 births per woman, highlighting ongoing demographic growth. The country's urbanization rate is significant at 38.8%, underscoring rapid urban development and its implications for infrastructure and economic planning. The annual population growth rate as of 2023 is 2.8%, indicating sustained demographic expansion. The crude death rate is 10.3 per 1,000 persons, indicating health challenges, while the infant mortality rate is notably high at 48.7 per 1,000 live births, reflecting healthcare disparities and the need for targeted interventions.

Economic Landscape
Mozambique's economy, valued at a GDP of $20.6 billion in 2023, ranks 118th globally. With a GDP growth rate of 5.0% in the same year, the country shows moderate economic expansion. Inflation rates have stabilized, recording 6.1% in 2023 and 4.4% in 2024, indicating efforts to control price levels. The trade balance remains a concern, with imports totaling $10.1 billion and exports at $8.3 billion in 2023, resulting in a deficit of $1.8 billion. Agriculture contributes significantly, constituting 26.7% of GDP, underscoring its role in the economy despite challenges. The industrial sector contributes 22.8% to GDP, with manufacturing at 8.5%, reflecting efforts to diversify economic activities. Services dominate, contributing 40.6% to GDP, emphasizing the growing importance of this sector. Market research in Mozambique can assist businesses in navigating these economic sectors and understanding the evolving economic landscape.

Fiscal Management
Mozambique's fiscal landscape reveals significant reliance on international aid, with Net ODA constituting 16.9% of Gross National Income (GNI) in 2022. The country faced a deficit in net lending, equivalent to -5.24% of GDP in 2022, improving to -2.67% in 2023. This shift suggests efforts to stabilize finances amid economic fluctuations. Central government debt surged from 37.44% of GDP in 2012 to 104.52% in 2022, indicating mounting debt burdens.

National Defense
Mozambique's military, with approximately 11,000 personnel as of 2016, accounts for 0.038% of the total population, underscoring its role in national security. Military expenditure was reduced to 1.5% of GDP in 2022 from 1.9% in 2021, reflecting fiscal adjustments amidst evolving priorities. This allocation supports defense readiness and infrastructure development, crucial for protecting national interests.

Conclusion
Understanding Mozambique's diverse landscape across economy, demographics, digital usage, military, and politics is crucial for businesses looking to enter or expand in this dynamic market. With local knowledge and data-driven approaches, a market research agency in Mozambique can help businesses gain insights into consumer behavior, market trends, and political dynamics.