Mozambique’s population rose to 35.6 m people in 2025.

Neither way is good in itself. A larger population brings more workers and customers, and it also raises demand for schools, clinics, housing and food, so the direction matters less than whether the economy keeps pace. The latest figure is 35.6 million people for 2025, up from 34.6 million a year earlier, a rise of 2.9%. Since 2016 the series has climbed from 27.3 million, its lowest point in that span. The 2025 figure is the highest in the same span.

Why it matters. An extra 1 million people in a single year means more children needing school places and more young adults looking for work. Households feel it in crowding and competition for jobs, and firms see a growing pool of workers and buyers. The state has to extend water, power, health and education services to a population that is much larger than it was in 2016.