Mozambique vs Somalia
Mozambique has a population of 34.1M, compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Mozambique is 1.7 times more populous than Somalia. Economically, Mozambique ($22.7B) has a GDP 1.9 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Mozambique covers 801,590 km², 1.3 times larger than Somalia's 637,657 km². Life expectancy in Mozambique stands at 63.6 years, 4.8 years higher than Somalia's 58.8 years.
MozambiqueSomalia| Population | +73.4%34.1M | -42.3%19.7M |
| Area | +25.7%801,590 km² | -20.5%637,657 km² |
| GDP | +90.1%$22.7B | -47.4%$12.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | +4.3%$656.777 | -4.1%$629.539 |
| Life Expectancy | +8.2%63.6 yrs | -7.5%58.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -33.0%45.4 | +49.3%67.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -65.0%6.6% | +185.9%18.9% |
| Capital | Maputo | Mogadishu |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Portuguese | Arabic, Somali |
| Currencies | MZN (MT) | SOS (Sh) |
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 1.7 times more populous than Somalia, with 34.1M residents compared to 19.7M. Mozambique is a nation of 34.1M people, while Somalia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Mozambique averages 43 people per km² (sparse), while Somalia averages 31 people per km² (sparse). Mozambique has grown at 2.99% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Somalia.
Economy Comparison
Mozambique is classified as a low-income economy, while Somalia is classified as a low-income economy. The Mozambique economy ($22.7B) is 1.9 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Mozambique's GDP per capita of $656.777 is 70% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Somalia's GDP per capita of $629.539 is 71% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Mozambique are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Somalia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Mozambique is 63.6 years, compared to 58.8 years in Somalia, a gap of 4.8 years. Mozambique (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Somalia (58.8 years) is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Somalia's infant mortality is 49% higher than Mozambique's 45.4.
Geographic Comparison
Mozambique (801,590 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Somalia (637,657 km²). Mozambique shares borders with 6 countries, while Somalia borders 3 countries. Mozambique spans 1 timezone, compared to Somalia's 1 timezone. Both Mozambique and Somalia 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 Mozambique and Somalia is in GDP: Mozambique's $22.7B compared to Somalia's $12.0B represents a 47% gap. The most significant difference between Mozambique and Somalia is in population: Mozambique's 34.1M compared to Somalia's 19.7M represents a 42% gap. The most significant difference between Mozambique and Somalia is in infant mortality: Mozambique's 45.4 per 1,000 compared to Somalia's 67.8 per 1,000 represents a 33% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mozambique's low-income economy and Somalia's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Mozambique has a GDP per capita of $656.777, which is 1.0x that of Somalia ($629.539). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Mozambique is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Mozambique is 1.4x more densely populated than Somalia (43 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Somalia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Mozambique live an average of 4.8 years longer than those of Somalia (63.6 vs 58.8 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
Somalia's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Mozambique's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Somalia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Mozambique vs Somalia for Families
For family travel, Mozambique generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (45.4 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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 Somalia for Budget Travelers
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Mozambique. However, Mozambique 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 Somalia for Retirees
Mozambique's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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 Somalia Cost of Living
Mozambique's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mozambique, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Somalia can approach or exceed average costs in Mozambique's smaller cities.
Mozambique vs Somalia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Mozambique and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mozambique spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia'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 Somalia by population?
Mozambique is larger by population, with 34.1M residents compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Mozambique is 1.7 times more populous than Somalia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Mozambique or Somalia?
Mozambique has the higher GDP at $22.7B, compared to Somalia's $12.0B. Mozambique's economy is 1.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Mozambique and Somalia?
Mozambique has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to Somalia's 58.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.8 years. Mozambique's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Somalia's is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Mozambique or Somalia?
Mozambique is larger by land area, covering 801,590 km² compared to Somalia's 637,657 km². Mozambique is 1.3 times larger than Somalia.
What languages are spoken in Mozambique and Somalia?
Mozambique recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Somalia recognizes: Arabic, Somali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mozambique or Somalia?
Inflation data is not available for Somalia. Mozambique's inflation rate is 4.1%.
Is Mozambique or Somalia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Mozambique generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (45.4 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both cou...
Is Mozambique or Somalia cheaper to visit?
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Mozambique. However, Mozambique may offer better v...
Is Mozambique or Somalia better for retirement?
Mozambique's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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 Somalia more expensive to live in?
Mozambique's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mozambique, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Mozambique or Somalia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Mozambique and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mozambique spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remot...