Tanzania vs Mozambique
Tanzania has a population of 68.2M, compared to Mozambique's 34.1M. Tanzania is 2.0 times more populous than Mozambique. Economically, Tanzania ($78.8B) has a GDP 3.5 times larger than Mozambique's ($22.7B). Tanzania covers 947,303 km², 1.2 times larger than Mozambique's 801,590 km². Life expectancy in Tanzania stands at 67.0 years, 3.4 years higher than Mozambique's 63.6 years.
TanzaniaMozambique| Population | +99.9%68.2M | -50.0%34.1M |
| Area | +18.2%947,303 km² | -15.4%801,590 km² |
| GDP | +246.6%$78.8B | -71.2%$22.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | +80.7%$1,186.717 | -44.7%$656.777 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.3%67.0 yrs | -5.1%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -34.1%29.9 | +51.8%45.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -76.3%1.6% | +321.6%6.6% |
| Capital | Dodoma | Maputo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Swahili | Portuguese |
| Currencies | TZS (Sh) | 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
Tanzania is 2.0 times more populous than Mozambique, with 68.2M residents compared to 34.1M. Tanzania is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Mozambique is a nation of 34.1M people. In terms of population density, Tanzania averages 72 people per km² (moderate), while Mozambique averages 43 people per km² (sparse). Mozambique has grown at 2.99% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Tanzania.
Economy Comparison
Tanzania is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Mozambique is classified as a low-income economy. The Tanzania economy ($78.8B) is 3.5 times larger than Mozambique's ($22.7B). Tanzania's GDP per capita of $1,186.717 is 46% 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 Tanzania are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Mozambique.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Tanzania is 67.0 years, compared to 63.6 years in Mozambique, a gap of 3.4 years. Tanzania (67.0 years) is 5.0 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 52% higher than Tanzania's 29.9.
Geographic Comparison
Tanzania (947,303 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Mozambique (801,590 km²). Tanzania shares borders with 8 countries, while Mozambique borders 6 countries. Tanzania spans 1 timezone, compared to Mozambique's 1 timezone. Both Tanzania and Mozambique are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Tanzania and Mozambique is in GDP: Tanzania's $78.8B compared to Mozambique's $22.7B represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and Mozambique is in population: Tanzania's 68.2M compared to Mozambique's 34.1M represents a 50% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and Mozambique is in GDP per capita: Tanzania's $1,186.717 compared to Mozambique's $656.777 represents a 45% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Tanzania's lower-middle-income economy and Mozambique's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Tanzania has a GDP per capita of $1,186.717, which is 1.8x that of Mozambique ($656.777). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Tanzania is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Tanzania is 1.7x more densely populated than Mozambique (72 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 Tanzania live an average of 3.4 years longer than those of Mozambique (67.0 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
Tanzania's economy grew at 5.5% compared to Mozambique's 2.1%. Tanzania's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Tanzania vs Mozambique for Families
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 vs 45.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mozambique offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Tanzania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Tanzania 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 Tanzania. However, Tanzania may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Tanzania vs Mozambique for Retirees
Tanzania's life expectancy of 67.0 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.
Tanzania vs Mozambique Cost of Living
Tanzania's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Mozambique, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Tanzania, 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 Tanzania's smaller cities.
Tanzania vs Mozambique for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and Mozambique, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania 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, Tanzania or Mozambique by population?
Tanzania is larger by population, with 68.2M residents compared to Mozambique's 34.1M. Tanzania is 2.0 times more populous than Mozambique.
Which country has a higher GDP, Tanzania or Mozambique?
Tanzania has the higher GDP at $78.8B, compared to Mozambique's $22.7B. Tanzania's economy is 3.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Tanzania and Mozambique?
Tanzania has a higher life expectancy at 67.0 years, compared to Mozambique's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.4 years. Tanzania's life expectancy is 5.0 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, Tanzania or Mozambique?
Tanzania is larger by land area, covering 947,303 km² compared to Mozambique's 801,590 km². Tanzania is 1.2 times larger than Mozambique.
What languages are spoken in Tanzania and Mozambique?
Tanzania recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Mozambique recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Tanzania or Mozambique?
Tanzania has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to Mozambique's 4.1%. Tanzania's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Mozambique's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Tanzania or Mozambique better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 vs 45.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mozambique offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both co...
Is Tanzania 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 Tanzania. However, Tanzania may offer better...
Is Tanzania or Mozambique better for retirement?
Tanzania's life expectancy of 67.0 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, c...
Is Tanzania or Mozambique more expensive to live in?
Tanzania's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Mozambique, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Tanzania, while Mozambique offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Tanzania or Mozambique better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and Mozambique, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania spans 1 timezone while Mozambique covers 1. Mozambique's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...