Mozambique vs Ghana
Mozambique has a population of 34.1M, compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Mozambique is 1.0 times more populous than Ghana. Economically, Ghana ($82.3B) has a GDP 3.6 times larger than Mozambique's ($22.7B). Mozambique covers 801,590 km², 3.4 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Ghana stands at 65.5 years, 1.9 years higher than Mozambique's 63.6 years.
MozambiqueGhana| Population | +1.0%34.1M | -1.0%33.7M |
| Area | +236.0%801,590 km² | -70.2%238,533 km² |
| GDP | -72.4%$22.7B | +261.9%$82.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -72.5%$656.777 | +264.0%$2,390.772 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.9%63.6 yrs | +3.0%65.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +61.0%45.4 | -37.9%28.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +122.5%6.6% | -55.1%3.0% |
| Capital | Maputo | Accra |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Portuguese | English |
| Currencies | MZN (MT) | GHS (₵) |
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
Mozambique is 1.0 times more populous than Ghana, with 34.1M residents compared to 33.7M. Mozambique is a nation of 34.1M people, while Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people. In terms of population density, Mozambique averages 43 people per km² (sparse), while Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate). While Mozambique has grown at 2.99% annually over the past decade, Ghana has grown at 2.12% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Mozambique is classified as a low-income economy, while Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ghana economy ($82.3B) is 3.6 times larger than Mozambique's ($22.7B). Mozambique's GDP per capita of $656.777 is 70% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ghana are on average 3.6 times wealthier than those in Mozambique.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Mozambique is 63.6 years, compared to 65.5 years in Ghana, a gap of 1.9 years. Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Mozambique (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 45.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mozambique's infant mortality is 61% higher than Ghana's 28.2.
Geographic Comparison
Mozambique (801,590 km²) is 3.4 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Mozambique shares borders with 6 countries, while Ghana borders 3 countries. Mozambique spans 1 timezone, compared to Ghana's 1 timezone. Both Mozambique and Ghana are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Mozambique and Ghana is in GDP per capita: Mozambique's $656.777 compared to Ghana's $2,390.772 represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Mozambique and Ghana is in GDP: Mozambique's $22.7B compared to Ghana's $82.3B represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Mozambique and Ghana is in land area: Mozambique's 801,590 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km² represents a 70% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mozambique's low-income economy and Ghana's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ghana has a GDP per capita of $2,390.772, which is 3.6x that of Mozambique ($656.777). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ghana is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ghana is 3.3x more densely populated than Mozambique (141 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 Ghana live an average of 1.9 years longer than those of Mozambique (65.5 vs 63.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Ghana's economy grew at 5.6% compared to Mozambique's 2.1%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Mozambique vs Ghana for Families
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 vs 45.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mozambique offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Ghana's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Mozambique vs Ghana 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 Ghana. However, Ghana may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Mozambique vs Ghana for Retirees
Ghana's life expectancy of 65.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mozambique 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.
Mozambique vs Ghana Cost of Living
Ghana's GDP per capita is 3.6x that of Mozambique, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ghana, 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 Ghana's smaller cities.
Mozambique vs Ghana for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Mozambique and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mozambique spans 1 timezone while Ghana 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, Mozambique or Ghana by population?
Mozambique is larger by population, with 34.1M residents compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Mozambique is 1.0 times more populous than Ghana.
Which country has a higher GDP, Mozambique or Ghana?
Ghana has the higher GDP at $82.3B, compared to Mozambique's $22.7B. Ghana's economy is 3.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Mozambique and Ghana?
Ghana has a higher life expectancy at 65.5 years, compared to Mozambique's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.9 years. Mozambique's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ghana's is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Mozambique or Ghana?
Mozambique is larger by land area, covering 801,590 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². Mozambique is 3.4 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Mozambique and Ghana?
Mozambique recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Ghana recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mozambique or Ghana?
Mozambique has lower inflation at 4.1%, compared to Ghana's 22.8%. Mozambique's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Ghana's rate is severely elevated at 22.8%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Mozambique or Ghana better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 vs 45.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mozambique offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Mozambique or Ghana 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 Ghana. However, Ghana may offer better value...
Is Mozambique or Ghana better for retirement?
Ghana's life expectancy of 65.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mozambique may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Mozambique or Ghana more expensive to live in?
Ghana's GDP per capita is 3.6x that of Mozambique, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ghana, while Mozambique offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Mozambique or Ghana better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Mozambique and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mozambique spans 1 timezone while Ghana covers 1. Mozambique's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...