Ethiopia vs Mozambique
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Mozambique's 34.1M. Ethiopia is 3.3 times more populous than Mozambique. Economically, Ethiopia ($149.7B) has a GDP 6.6 times larger than Mozambique's ($22.7B). Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 1.4 times larger than Mozambique's 801,590 km². Life expectancy in Ethiopia stands at 67.3 years, 3.7 years higher than Mozambique's 63.6 years.
EthiopiaMozambique| Population | +227.5%111.7M | -69.5%34.1M |
| Area | +37.8%1,104,300 km² | -27.4%801,590 km² |
| GDP | +558.3%$149.7B | -84.8%$22.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | +72.6%$1,133.883 | -42.1%$656.777 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.8%67.3 yrs | -5.5%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -21.4%35.7 | +27.2%45.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -49.9%3.3% | +99.5%6.6% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Maputo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Amharic | Portuguese |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | 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
Ethiopia is 3.3 times more populous than Mozambique, with 111.7M residents compared to 34.1M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Mozambique is a nation of 34.1M people. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Mozambique averages 43 people per km² (sparse). While Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade, Mozambique has grown at 2.99% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Mozambique is classified as a low-income economy. The Ethiopia economy ($149.7B) is 6.6 times larger than Mozambique's ($22.7B). Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% 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 Ethiopia are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Mozambique.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 63.6 years in Mozambique, a gap of 3.7 years. Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 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 27% higher than Ethiopia's 35.7.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Mozambique (801,590 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Mozambique borders 6 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Mozambique's 1 timezone. Both Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia and Mozambique is in GDP: Ethiopia's $149.7B compared to Mozambique's $22.7B represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Mozambique is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Mozambique's 34.1M represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Mozambique is in GDP per capita: Ethiopia's $1,133.883 compared to Mozambique's $656.777 represents a 42% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Mozambique's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ethiopia has a GDP per capita of $1,133.883, 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 Ethiopia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ethiopia is 2.4x more densely populated than Mozambique (101 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 Ethiopia live an average of 3.7 years longer than those of Mozambique (67.3 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
Ethiopia's economy grew at 7.6% compared to Mozambique's 2.1%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Mozambique for Families
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 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 Ethiopia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ethiopia vs Mozambique for Retirees
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 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.
Ethiopia vs Mozambique Cost of Living
Ethiopia'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 Ethiopia, 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 Ethiopia's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Mozambique for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Mozambique, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia 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, Ethiopia or Mozambique by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Mozambique's 34.1M. Ethiopia is 3.3 times more populous than Mozambique.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Mozambique?
Ethiopia has the higher GDP at $149.7B, compared to Mozambique's $22.7B. Ethiopia's economy is 6.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Mozambique?
Ethiopia has a higher life expectancy at 67.3 years, compared to Mozambique's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.7 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 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, Ethiopia or Mozambique?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to Mozambique's 801,590 km². Ethiopia is 1.4 times larger than Mozambique.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Mozambique?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Mozambique recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Mozambique?
Mozambique has lower inflation at 4.1%, compared to Ethiopia's 21.0%. Mozambique's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Ethiopia's rate is severely elevated at 21.0%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ethiopia or Mozambique better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 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 Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia may offer better...
Is Ethiopia or Mozambique better for retirement?
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 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 Ethiopia or Mozambique more expensive to live in?
Ethiopia'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 Ethiopia, while Mozambique offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Ethiopia or Mozambique better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Mozambique, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Mozambique covers 1. Mozambique's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...