Nigeria vs Mozambique
Nigeria has a population of 223.8M, compared to Mozambique's 34.1M. Nigeria is 6.6 times more populous than Mozambique. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 11.1 times larger than Mozambique's ($22.7B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 1.2 times larger than Mozambique's 801,590 km². Life expectancy in Mozambique stands at 63.6 years, 9.1 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
NigeriaMozambique| Population | +556.5%223.8M | -84.8%34.1M |
| Area | +15.2%923,768 km² | -13.2%801,590 km² |
| GDP | +1009.1%$252.3B | -91.0%$22.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | +65.1%$1,084.16 | -39.4%$656.777 |
| Life Expectancy | -14.4%54.5 yrs | +16.8%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +32.4%60.1 | -24.5%45.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -53.8%3.1% | +116.3%6.6% |
| Capital | Abuja | Maputo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English | Portuguese |
| Currencies | NGN (₦) | MZN (MT) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Nigeria is 6.6 times more populous than Mozambique, with 223.8M residents compared to 34.1M. Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Mozambique is a nation of 34.1M people. In terms of population density, Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense), while Mozambique averages 43 people per km² (sparse). While Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade, Mozambique has grown at 2.99% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy, while Mozambique is classified as a low-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 11.1 times larger than Mozambique's ($22.7B). Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Mozambique's GDP per capita of $656.777 is 70% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Nigeria are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Mozambique.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.5 years, compared to 63.6 years in Mozambique, a gap of 9.1 years. Mozambique (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 32% higher than Mozambique's 45.4.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Mozambique (801,590 km²). Nigeria shares borders with 4 countries, while Mozambique borders 6 countries. Nigeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Mozambique's 1 timezone. Both Nigeria and Mozambique are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Nigeria and Mozambique is in GDP: Nigeria's $252.3B compared to Mozambique's $22.7B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Mozambique is in population: Nigeria's 223.8M compared to Mozambique's 34.1M represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Mozambique is in GDP per capita: Nigeria's $1,084.16 compared to Mozambique's $656.777 represents a 39% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nigeria's low-income economy and Mozambique's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Nigeria has a GDP per capita of $1,084.16, which is 1.7x that of Mozambique ($656.777). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Nigeria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nigeria is 5.7x more densely populated than Mozambique (242 vs 43 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mozambique's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Mozambique live an average of 9.1 years longer than those of Nigeria (63.6 vs 54.5 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Nigeria's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Mozambique's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nigeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Nigeria vs Mozambique for Families
For family travel, Mozambique generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (45.4 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Mozambique's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Nigeria vs Mozambique for Budget Travelers
Mozambique is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $656.777 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mozambique can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Nigeria. However, Nigeria may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Nigeria vs Mozambique for Retirees
Mozambique's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Nigeria vs Mozambique Cost of Living
Nigeria's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Mozambique, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Nigeria, while Mozambique offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Mozambique can approach or exceed average costs in Nigeria's smaller cities.
Nigeria vs Mozambique for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Mozambique, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Mozambique covers 1. Mozambique's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Nigeria or Mozambique by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Mozambique's 34.1M. Nigeria is 6.6 times more populous than Mozambique.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nigeria or Mozambique?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to Mozambique's $22.7B. Nigeria's economy is 11.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Nigeria and Mozambique?
Mozambique has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.1 years. Nigeria's life expectancy is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Mozambique's is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Nigeria or Mozambique?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Mozambique's 801,590 km². Nigeria is 1.2 times larger than Mozambique.
What languages are spoken in Nigeria and Mozambique?
Nigeria recognizes the following official language: English. Mozambique recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nigeria or Mozambique?
Mozambique has lower inflation at 4.1%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Mozambique's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Nigeria or Mozambique better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Mozambique generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (45.4 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Nigeria or Mozambique cheaper to visit?
Mozambique is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $656.777 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mozambique can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Nigeria. However, Nigeria may offer better v...
Is Nigeria or Mozambique better for retirement?
Mozambique's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Nigeria or Mozambique more expensive to live in?
Nigeria's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Mozambique, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Nigeria, while Mozambique offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Nigeria or Mozambique better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Mozambique, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Mozambique covers 1. Mozambique's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...