Nacala: population and official figures
What is the population of Nacala?
Nacala had 386,096 inhabitants (city proper) on 1 July 2024, according to an official estimate (people present) reported to the United Nations.
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyHow does Nacala rank among cities in Mozambique?
Of the 13 cities the UN table lists for Mozambique (capitals and places of 100,000 or more), it is 7th largest.
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyHow many women and men live in Nacala?
Women and girls made up 51.1% of residents (197,112 female, 188,984 male).
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyThe UN marks this figure as an estimate of lower reliability.
Who runs Nacala?
In Mozambique, cities and towns are run by provinces: Provincial assembly elected by proportional representation; since 2019 the governor is the head of the winning list. A Secretary of State appointed by the President represents central government. Decentralised provincial services; central ministries keep their own provincial offices.
How local power works in Mozambique
Cities of a similar size in Mozambique
- Matola 1,390,461
- Maputo 1,136,296
- Nampula 1,020,953
- Beira 767,787
- Tete 523,973
- Chimoio 518,856
- Quelimane 309,569
Up a level: all cities in Mozambique · Mozambique · government and power
Sources
- United Nations Statistics Division: Demographic Yearbook 2024, Table 8: Population of capital cities and cities of 100 000 or more inhabitants, latest available year, 2005-2024, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 0c6784df022e…)
- United Nations Statistics Division: Demographic Yearbook 2024, technical notes to Table 8, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 b0d2d6d8ccd6…)
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