Why visit
Maputo is Mozambique's Indian Ocean capital, known for jacaranda avenues, seafood, music, markets, and Portuguese-era architecture. It is a city for food, walking, and southern Mozambique beach routes.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Maputo is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Mozambique. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Maputo, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Mozambique better matches the trip style.
Maputo at a glance
City population
1.3 million
Elevation
70 m
230 ft
Time zone
UTC+2
Africa/Maputo
Airport
MPM
Maputo Airport
Mozambique at a glance
Country center
-18.3°, 35.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
801,590 km²
309,496 mi²
Country population
33.9 million
42/km²
Subregion
Eastern Africa
Currency
Mozambican metical (MT)
MZN
Dial
+258
Language
Portuguese
Demonym
Mozambican
Internet
.mz
UN
Member state
ISO code
MZ / MOZ
Where in the world
-18.3° - 35.0°
Mozambique
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Maputo Central Railway Station is a landmark of early 20th-century architecture in southern Africa.
- The city was called Lourenco Marques during the Portuguese colonial period.
- Maputo's wrought-iron Central Railway Station is regularly ranked among the most beautiful stations in the world.
- Mozambique's flag features an AK-47: the only national flag to depict a modern firearm.
- Portuguese is the official language: a legacy of nearly 500 years of colonial rule ending in 1975.
Bordering Mozambique
Traveler notes
- Maputo Central Railway Station is a landmark building
- The fish market is a classic seafood stop
- Catembe ferry views show the city from the bay
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Maputo
What currency is used in Maputo?
Maputo uses the Mozambican metical (MT), ISO code MZN.
What languages are spoken in Mozambique?
The primary language is Portuguese.
What is the international calling code for Mozambique?
The calling code is +258.
When is the best time to visit Maputo?
May–Nov. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Maputo?
Maputo Airport (IATA: MPM).
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