Mozambique vs Cameroon
Mozambique has a population of 34.1M, compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Mozambique is 1.2 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, Cameroon ($53.3B) has a GDP 2.3 times larger than Mozambique's ($22.7B). Mozambique covers 801,590 km², 1.7 times larger than Cameroon's 475,442 km². Life expectancy in Cameroon stands at 63.7 years, 0.1 years higher than Mozambique's 63.6 years.
MozambiqueCameroon| Population | +15.8%34.1M | -13.6%29.4M |
| Area | +68.6%801,590 km² | -40.7%475,442 km² |
| GDP | -57.3%$22.7B | +134.3%$53.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -64.1%$656.777 | +178.6%$1,830.008 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.1%63.6 yrs | +0.1%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +10.2%45.4 | -9.3%41.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +84.0%6.6% | -45.7%3.6% |
| Capital | Maputo | Yaoundé |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Portuguese | English, French |
| Currencies | MZN (MT) | XAF (Fr) |
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 1.2 times more populous than Cameroon, with 34.1M residents compared to 29.4M. Mozambique is a nation of 34.1M people, while Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people. In terms of population density, Mozambique averages 43 people per km² (sparse), while Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate). While Mozambique has grown at 2.99% annually over the past decade, Cameroon has grown at 2.86% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Mozambique is classified as a low-income economy, while Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cameroon economy ($53.3B) is 2.3 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. Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cameroon are on average 2.8 times wealthier than those in Mozambique.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Mozambique is 63.6 years, compared to 63.7 years in Cameroon, a gap of 0.1 years. Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 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 10% higher than Cameroon's 41.2.
Geographic Comparison
Mozambique (801,590 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Cameroon (475,442 km²). Mozambique shares borders with 6 countries, while Cameroon borders 6 countries. Mozambique spans 1 timezone, compared to Cameroon's 1 timezone. Both Mozambique and Cameroon are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Mozambique and Cameroon is in GDP per capita: Mozambique's $656.777 compared to Cameroon's $1,830.008 represents a 64% gap. The most significant difference between Mozambique and Cameroon is in GDP: Mozambique's $22.7B compared to Cameroon's $53.3B represents a 57% gap. The most significant difference between Mozambique and Cameroon is in land area: Mozambique's 801,590 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km² represents a 41% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mozambique's low-income economy and Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cameroon has a GDP per capita of $1,830.008, which is 2.8x that of Mozambique ($656.777). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Cameroon is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cameroon is 1.5x more densely populated than Mozambique (62 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 Cameroon live an average of 0.1 years longer than those of Mozambique (63.7 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
Cameroon's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Mozambique's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Cameroon has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Mozambique vs Cameroon for Families
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 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 Cameroon's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Mozambique vs Cameroon 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 Cameroon. However, Cameroon 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 Cameroon for Retirees
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 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 Cameroon Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of Mozambique, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, 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 Cameroon's smaller cities.
Mozambique vs Cameroon for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Mozambique and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mozambique spans 1 timezone while Cameroon 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 Cameroon by population?
Mozambique is larger by population, with 34.1M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Mozambique is 1.2 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, Mozambique or Cameroon?
Cameroon has the higher GDP at $53.3B, compared to Mozambique's $22.7B. Cameroon's economy is 2.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Mozambique and Cameroon?
Cameroon has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to Mozambique's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.1 years. Mozambique's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Mozambique or Cameroon?
Mozambique is larger by land area, covering 801,590 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km². Mozambique is 1.7 times larger than Cameroon.
What languages are spoken in Mozambique and Cameroon?
Mozambique recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Cameroon recognizes: English, French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mozambique or Cameroon?
Mozambique has lower inflation at 4.1%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Mozambique's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Cameroon's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Mozambique or Cameroon better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 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-frien...
Is Mozambique or Cameroon 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 Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better...
Is Mozambique or Cameroon better for retirement?
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 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 Mozambique or Cameroon more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of Mozambique, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Mozambique offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Mozambique or Cameroon better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Mozambique and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mozambique spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Mozambique's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...