Mozambique vs Nigeria
Mozambique has a population of 34.1M, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. 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.
MozambiqueNigeria| Population | -84.8%34.1M | +556.5%223.8M |
| Area | -13.2%801,590 km² | +15.2%923,768 km² |
| GDP | -91.0%$22.7B | +1009.1%$252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -39.4%$656.777 | +65.1%$1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | +16.8%63.6 yrs | -14.4%54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -24.5%45.4 | +32.4%60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +116.3%6.6% | -53.8%3.1% |
| Capital | Maputo | Abuja |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Portuguese | English |
| Currencies | MZN (MT) | NGN (₦) |
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. Mozambique is a nation of 34.1M people, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Mozambique averages 43 people per km² (sparse), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). While Mozambique has grown at 2.99% annually over the past decade, Nigeria has grown at 2.33% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Mozambique is classified as a low-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 11.1 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. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% 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 Mozambique is 63.6 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, 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). Mozambique shares borders with 6 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. Mozambique spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Both Mozambique and Nigeria 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 Nigeria is in GDP: Mozambique's $22.7B compared to Nigeria's $252.3B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Mozambique and Nigeria is in population: Mozambique's 34.1M compared to Nigeria's 223.8M represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Mozambique and Nigeria is in GDP per capita: Mozambique's $656.777 compared to Nigeria's $1,084.16 represents a 39% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mozambique's low-income economy and Nigeria'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
Mozambique vs Nigeria 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.
Mozambique vs Nigeria 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.
Mozambique vs Nigeria 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.
Mozambique vs Nigeria 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.
Mozambique vs Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Mozambique and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mozambique spans 1 timezone while Nigeria 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 Nigeria 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, Mozambique or Nigeria?
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 Mozambique and Nigeria?
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. Mozambique's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria's is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Mozambique or Nigeria?
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 Mozambique and Nigeria?
Mozambique recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Nigeria recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mozambique or Nigeria?
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 Mozambique or Nigeria 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 Mozambique or Nigeria 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 Mozambique or Nigeria 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 Mozambique or Nigeria 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 Mozambique or Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Mozambique and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mozambique spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Mozambique's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...