Geographic Context

Understanding the boundaries and extent of the Mocímboa da Praia urban area as defined by the Global Human Settlement Layer Urban Center Database.

56,337

Population (2020)

3 km²

Built-up area (2020)

Defining the urban area

In this context, Mocímboa da Praia refers to the continuously built-up urban area with population density ≥ 1,500 people/km², independent of administrative boundaries. We use the Global Human Settlement Layer Urban Center Database (GHS-UCDB) to define boundaries. See the corresponding area shaded below.

Urban extent map

Mocímboa da Praia geographic map

Administrative context

Country
Mozambique
Region
Cabo Delgado
City
Mocímboa da Praia

Data sources

GHS-UCDB R2024A

Global Human Settlement Layer Urban Centre Database. Provides population, built-up area, and boundary definitions for urban centers worldwide.

OpenStreetMap

Street network data used to compute the Street Network Disconnectedness Index (SNDi).

Why use urban centers?

Using consistently defined urban center boundaries allows meaningful comparison across cities and countries, regardless of how local administrative boundaries are drawn. This means Mocímboa da Praia can be compared to any other city in the world on equal terms.