Moving to Mozambique: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

30,098,197

Population - note

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS

this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected

Population Growth Rate

2.44%

Urban Population

31.200000

Population in Major Urban Areas

MAPUTO (capital) 1.15 million; Matola 790,000

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Age Structure

44.920000

Median Age

16.800000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

39

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

12.57

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

5.34

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

11.6%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

11.6%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

18.8

Mother's mean age at first birth

18.8

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.020000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-2.07

Ethnic Groups

indigenous tribal groups 99.66% (Shangaan, Chokwe, Manyika, Sena, Makua, and others), Europeans 0.06%, Euro-Africans 0.2%, Indians 0.08%

Nationality Noun

Mozambican(s)

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Literacy - total population

47.8%

Literacy - male

63.5%

Literacy - female

32.7%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

5%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

10.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

52.290000

Infant Mortality Rate

74.630000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

74.630000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

490

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.03

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

.7

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

6.6%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

very high

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

4.9%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

80.300000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

43.600000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

15.6%

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Economic Overview

The economy of Mozambique is characterized by its diversity, natural resource wealth, and significant potential for growth.

In recent years, the country's economy has been undergoing a period of transition and development, with key sectors including agriculture, mining, energy, tourism, and manufacturing.

Agriculture plays a crucial role in Mozambique's economy, employing a large portion of the population and contributing to both domestic food security and export earnings.

Cash crops such as cashew nuts, sugar, cotton, and tobacco are important for export, while subsistence farming remains prevalent in rural areas.

Mining is another important sector, with Mozambique being rich in natural resources such as coal, natural gas, titanium, and gemstones.

The discovery of vast natural gas reserves off the coast has attracted significant investment and has the potential to transform the country's economy in the coming years.

Energy infrastructure development is a priority for Mozambique, with efforts focused on expanding electricity access and harnessing renewable energy sources.

The construction of hydroelectric dams and investment in solar and wind power projects aim to address energy deficits and support economic growth.

Tourism is emerging as a promising sector, with Mozambique's stunning coastline, wildlife reserves, and cultural heritage attracting increasing visitors.

Infrastructure development and promoting ecotourism initiatives are key to realizing the sector's full potential.

The Mozambican economy faces challenges including limited infrastructure, high levels of poverty and unemployment, vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters, and governance issues.

Additionally, the country has faced setbacks such as debt distress and security concerns in certain regions.

Mozambique's economy holds significant potential for growth and development, driven by its rich natural resources, strategic location, and ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and attract investment.

Continued investment in key sectors, diversification of the economy, and sustainable development policies are essential for unlocking Mozambique's economic potential and improving the livelihoods of its people.

Industries

food, beverages, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), aluminum, petroleum products, textiles, cement, glass, asbestos, tobacco

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$1,300.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

7%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$38,420,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$1,300.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

7%

GDP - official exchange rate

$16,990,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 67.5% government
• consumption: 19.3% investment in fixed
• capital: 14.7% investment in
• inventories: 2% exports of goods and
• services: 20.7%& imports of goods and
• services: -24.2%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

28.1%

GDP by Sector- Industry

21.6%

GDP by Sector- services

50.2%

Industrial Growth Rate

8%

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Inflation Rate

13.5%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

metical (MZM)

Currency Name and Code

Mozambican Metical (MZM)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

15.6%

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Labor Force

9,870,000

Unemployment Rate

21%

Major Industries

food, beverages, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), aluminum, petroleum products, textiles, cement, glass, asbestos, tobacco

Agriculture Products

cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, cassava (tapioca), corn, coconuts, sisal, citrus and tropical fruits, potatoes, sunflowers; beef, poultry

Population Below Poverty Line

70%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

1,369,080

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

22%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

81%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

6%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

13%

Annual Budget

$2,346,000,000 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-8.8%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

32.8%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Mozambique

Country Name

Mozambique

Local - Long

Republica de Mocambique

Local - Short

Mocambique

Former Name

Portuguese East Africa, People's Republic of Mozambique

Etymology- history of name

named for the offshore island of Mozambique; the island was apparently named after Mussa al-BIK, an influential Arab slave trader who set himself up as sultan on the island in the 15th century

Independence

25 June 1975 (from Portugal)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 25 June (1975)

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Government Type

presidential republic

Constitution

• history: previous 1975, 1990; latest adopted 16 November 2004, effective 21 December 2004
• amendments: 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; amended 2007, 2018

Legal System:

mixed legal system of Portuguese civil law and customary law

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)
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president 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); election last held on 9 October 2024 (next to be held by October 2029); prime minister appointed by the president most recent election
• date: 9 October 2024
• 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%

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da Republica (250 seats; 248 members elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote and 2 members representing Mozambicans abroad directly elected by simple majority vote; members serve 5-year terms)
• Elections: last held on 15 October 2019 (next to be held on 15 October 2024)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party - FRELIMO 71%, RENAMO 23%, MDM 4%; seats by party - FRELIMO 184, RENAMO 60, MDM 6; composition as of July 2022 - men 144, women 106, percent of women 42.4%

Judicial Branch:

• 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
• 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

Regions or States:

10 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), 1 city (cidade)*; Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Maputo, Cidade de Maputo*, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Democratic Movement of Mozambique (Movimento Democratico de Mocambique) or MDM [vacant]
• Liberation Front of Mozambique (Frente de Liberatacao de Mocambique) or FRELIMO [Filipe NYUSI]
• Mozambican National Resistance (Resistencia Nacional Mocambicana) or RENAMO [Ossufo MOMADE]
• Note: only parties with seats in the legislature listed

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Mozambique dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

Capital Name

Maputo

Capital - geographic coordinate

25 57 S, 32 35 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• AfDB
• AU
• 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
• UNCDF
• UNCTAD
• UNDP
• UNDSS
• UNECA
• UNEP
• UNESCO
• UNFPA
• UNHCR
• UNIDO
• UNODC
• UNOPS
• UNV
• UNWTO
• Union Latina
• UPU
• WCO
• WFP
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Peter Hendrick VROOMAN (since 3 March 2022)
• Embassy: Avenida Marginal 5467, Maputo
• Mailing Address: 2330 Maputo Place, Washington DC 20521-2330
• Telephone: [258] (84) 095-8000
• Email: MaputaConsular@state.gov
• Website: https://mz.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Alfredo Fabaio NUVUNGA (since 19 April 2023)
• Chancery: 1525 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
• Telephone: [1] (202) 293-7147
• FAX: [1] (202) 835-0245
• Email: washington.dc@embamoc.gov.mz
• Website: https://usa.embamoc.gov.mz/

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Geographic Location

Africa

Geographic Coordinates

18 15 S, 35 00 E

Total Area

308,641 Square Miles 799,380 Square Kilometers

Land Area

303,621 Square Miles 786,380 Square Kilometers

Water Area

5,019 Square Miles 13,000 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

2,840 Miles 4,571 Kilometers

Border Countries

Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland 105 km, Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 km

Coastline

1,535 Miles 2,470 Kilometers

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Terrain

mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west

Highest Point

2,436 Meters

Highest Point Location

Monte Binga 2,436 m

Lowest Point Location

Indian Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum, graphite

Irrigated Land

456 Square Miles 1,181 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

The climate in the plains and along the coast is warm and humid; the mountainous areas are cooler, although at times, equally wet.

A hot, rainy season lasts from October to April.

The rest of the year has a more moderate climate, with the coolest months in June and July.

Rainfall is uneven and unpredictable; periodic droughts and floods occur.

Mozambique experienced devastating floods in February and March 2000, causing loss of life and much destruction.

Terrain

mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west

Location

South-eastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between South Africa and Tanzania

Total Area

308,641 Square Miles 799,380 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland 105 km, Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 km

Environment - Current Issues

• a long civil war and recurrent drought in the hinterlands have resulted in increased migration of the population to urban and coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences
• desertification
• pollution of surface and coastal waters
• elephant poaching for ivory is a problem

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$2,517,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$3,527,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

aluminum, prawns, cashews, cotton, sugar, citrus, timber; bulk electricity

Major Imports

machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, chemicals, metal products, foodstuffs, textiles

Top Export Partners

Belgium 42.4%, South Africa 17.6%, Zimbabwe 5.7%, Spain 5.4%, Portugal 4.4%

Top Import Partners

South Africa 30.4%, Portugal 6.1%, US 5.2%, India 4.2%, Australia 4.1%

Export Partners

Belgium 42.4%, South Africa 17.6%, Zimbabwe 5.7%, Spain 5.4%, Portugal 4.4%

Import Partners

South Africa 30.4%, Portugal 6.1%, US 5.2%, India 4.2%, Australia 4.1%

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Country Description

Mozambique is a developing country in southern Africa that has been steadily rebuilding its economy and civic institutions since ending a 16-year civil war in 1992.

The country stabilized following Mozambique's first multi-party elections in October 1994, and the current president was reelected in October 2009.

The next presidential elections will be held in 2014.

Despite high economic growth rates in recent years, Mozambique remains among the world's poorest countries, with a GDP per capita of under $400.

Facilities for tourism in Maputo, the capital city, are steadily improving but remain limited in other areas.

Many goods and services have extremely limited availability.

The official language is Portuguese, although English is spoken in many tourist areas, and in some rural areas only local languages are widely spoken.

Safety & Security

Overland travel after dark is extremely dangerous due to the increased potential for vehicle hijacking.

Visitors should be particularly vigilant when driving on the main thoroughfares connecting Mozambique and South Africa as incidents of vehicle theft, including assault and robbery, have been reported.

U.S. government personnel who work at the U.S.

Embassy in Mozambique are strongly discouraged from overland travel outside Maputo city limits after dark, and are encouraged to travel in convoys of two or more vehicles when outside of the city.

They are prohibited from using “chapas” (local minibuses) due to frequent accidents involving these vehicles.

Due to residual landmines, overland travelers are advised to remain on well-traveled roads or seek local information before going off-road outside of Maputo and other provincial capitals.

Although demonstrations do occur in Mozambique, they are infrequent and there have been no recent demonstrations against U.S. interests.

If any demonstrations do occur, they should be avoided.

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Crime

Although the vast majority of visitors complete their travels in Mozambique without incident, the most serious threat facing U.S. citizens visiting Mozambique is crime.

Street crimes, including mugging, purse-snatching, and pick-pocketing are common, both in Maputo and in secondary cities.

Carjackings have become rare, but still do happen.

Visitors must be vigilant when out in public areas and should not display jewelry or other items —even those of low value, like cell phones and personal music devices.

Avoid isolated areas.

Joggers and pedestrians have frequently been mugged, even during daylight hours.

Visitors should take caution when walking at night, even in well-known tourist areas.

Due to an increase in violent crime, pedestrian activity is discouraged on Maputo's Avenida Marginal between the Southern Sun hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn) and the Waterfront Restaurant.

Mozambican police do not operate at the standard that U.S. citizens are accustomed to in the United States.

Visitors should not expect the same level of police service.

Many airline trips from Mozambique to the United States, Europe, or African destinations transit Johannesburg, South Africa.

Baggage pilferage is an ongoing problem at Johannesburg's Oliver Tambo International Airport.

Travelers are encouraged to secure their luggage, use an airport plastic wrapping service, and avoid placing currency, electronics, jewelry, cameras, cosmetics, running shoes, or other valuables in checked luggage.

Having a complete inventory of items placed in checked baggage can aid in processing a claim if theft does occur.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Mozambique, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Mozambique, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

Persons violating Mozambican laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Mozambique are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Arrest notifications in Mozambique: While some countries will automatically notify the U.S. embassy if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the U.S. embassy as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

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Medical Facilities

Medical facilities are rudimentary, and most medical providers do not speak fluent English.

Medicines are not always consistently available.

There are both public and private medical facilities in the city of Maputo and most provincial capitals.

All health care institutions and providers require payment at the time of service, and may even require payment before providing service.

While some private clinics accept credit cards, many medical facilities do not.

Doctors and hospitals outside Maputo generally expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Outside of Maputo, available medical care ranges from very basic to nonexistent.

Traffic Safety

While in Mozambique, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Mozambique is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Serious traffic accidents, one of the greatest threats to U.S. citizens in Mozambique, occur regularly throughout the country.

Accidents involving drivers and pedestrians are common, sometimes resulting in pedestrian casualty.

Pedestrians often walk in the road and may not be visible to motorists, especially at night.

If a serious accident occurs, or if a driver hits a pedestrian, crowds quickly gather.

Some drivers involved in accidents of this nature have felt threatened by the crowds and fled the accident scene.

We urge any driver involved in an accident to report the accident to the nearest police station immediately and to contact the

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Airports - total

98

Airports with Paved Runways

21

Railways

2,975 Miles 4,787 Kilometers

Roadways- total

18,847 Miles 30,331 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

3,917 Miles 6,303 Kilometers

Waterways

286 Miles 460 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Beira, Inhambane, Maputo, Nacala, Pemba, Quelimane

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Pipelines: Gas

604 Miles 972 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

173 Miles 278 Kilometers

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Telephones

82,400

Cell Phones

3,300,000

Internet Users

200,000

Internet Country Code

.mz

Internet Hosts

21,172

Broadcast Media

• 1 state-run TV station supplemented by 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

Telephone System

• assessment: a fair telecommunications system that is shackled with a heavy state presence, lack of competition, and high operating costs and charges
• domestic: stagnation in the fixed-line network contrasts with rapid growth in the mobile-cellular network; mobile-cellular coverage now includes all the main cities and key roads, including those from Maputo to the South African and Swaziland borders, the national highway through Gaza and Inhambane provinces, the Beira corridor, and from Nampula to Nacala; extremely low fixed-line teledensity; despite significant growth in mobile-cellular services, teledensity remains low at about 35 per 100 persons
• international: country code - 258; landing point for the EASSy and SEACOM fiber-optic submarine cable systems; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean)

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

10,160,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

11,820,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

8,278,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

15,910,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

80,000,000

Natural Gas Exports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

3,300,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

3,820,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

127,400,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

19,580

Anthem History

On April 30, 2002, Mozambique adopted a new national anthem to reflect their new multi-party political system. Words and music by Justino Sigaulane Chemane

Anthem Lyrics

Patria Amada Na memória de África e do mundo Pátria bela dos que ousaram lutar! Moçambique o teu nome é liberdade O Sol de Junho para sempre brilhará!

CHORUS: Moçambique nossa terra gloriosa! Pedra a pedra construindo o novo dia!

Milhões de braços, uma só força! Ó pátria amada vamos vencer!

Povo unido do Rovuma ao Maputo Colhe os frutos do combate pela Paz! Cresce o sonho ondulando na Bandeira E vai lavrando na certeza do amanhã!

Flores brotando do chão do teu suor Pelos montes, pelos rios, pelo mar! Nós juramos por ti, ó Moçambique Nenhum tirano nos irá escravizar!