Philippines vs Zimbabwe
Philippines has a population of 114.1M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Philippines is 6.7 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Philippines ($461.6B) has a GDP 11.1 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Zimbabwe covers 390,757 km², 1.1 times larger than Philippines's 342,353 km². Life expectancy in Philippines stands at 69.8 years, 7.1 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
PhilippinesZimbabwe| Population | +568.4%114.1M | -85.0%17.1M |
| Area | -12.4%342,353 km² | +14.1%390,757 km² |
| GDP | +1011.3%$461.6B | -91.0%$41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +59.6%$3,984.832 | -37.3%$2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | +11.2%69.8 yrs | -10.1%62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -45.6%22.1 | +83.7%40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -75.9%2.2% | +315.8%9.3% |
| Capital | Manila | Harare |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | English, Filipino | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | PHP (₱) | ZWL ($) |
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
Philippines is 6.7 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 114.1M residents compared to 17.1M. Philippines is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Philippines averages 333 people per km² (dense), while Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse). Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Philippines.
Economy Comparison
Philippines is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Philippines economy ($461.6B) is 11.1 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Philippines's GDP per capita of $3,984.832 is 64% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Zimbabwe's GDP per capita of $2,497.203 is 14% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Philippines are on average 1.6 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Philippines is 69.8 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 7.1 years. Philippines (69.8 years) is 2.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zimbabwe (62.8 years) is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 40.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Zimbabwe's infant mortality is 84% higher than Philippines's 22.1.
Geographic Comparison
Zimbabwe (390,757 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Philippines (342,353 km²). Philippines shares borders with 0 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Philippines spans 1 timezone, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Philippines lies in Asia, while Zimbabwe is located in Africa. Philippines is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Zimbabwe belongs to Africa (Southern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Philippines and Zimbabwe is in GDP: Philippines's $461.6B compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Zimbabwe is in population: Philippines's 114.1M compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Zimbabwe is in infant mortality: Philippines's 22.1 per 1,000 compared to Zimbabwe's 40.6 per 1,000 represents a 46% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Philippines's lower-middle-income economy and Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Philippines has a GDP per capita of $3,984.832, which is 1.6x that of Zimbabwe ($2,497.203). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Philippines is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Philippines is 7.6x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (333 vs 44 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Zimbabwe's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Philippines live an average of 7.1 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (69.8 vs 62.8 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Philippines's economy grew at 5.7% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Philippines's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Philippines vs Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Philippines generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (22.1 vs 40.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zimbabwe offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Philippines's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Philippines vs Zimbabwe for Budget Travelers
Zimbabwe is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,497.203 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zimbabwe can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Philippines. However, Philippines may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Philippines vs Zimbabwe for Retirees
Philippines's life expectancy of 69.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zimbabwe 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.
Philippines vs Zimbabwe Cost of Living
Philippines's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Philippines, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Zimbabwe can approach or exceed average costs in Philippines's smaller cities.
Philippines vs Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Zimbabwe'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, Philippines or Zimbabwe by population?
Philippines is larger by population, with 114.1M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Philippines is 6.7 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Philippines or Zimbabwe?
Philippines has the higher GDP at $461.6B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Philippines's economy is 11.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Philippines and Zimbabwe?
Philippines has a higher life expectancy at 69.8 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.1 years. Philippines's life expectancy is 2.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zimbabwe's is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Philippines or Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe is larger by land area, covering 390,757 km² compared to Philippines's 342,353 km². Zimbabwe is 1.1 times larger than Philippines.
What languages are spoken in Philippines and Zimbabwe?
Philippines recognizes the following languages: English, Filipino. Zimbabwe recognizes: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Philippines or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Philippines's inflation rate is 3.2%.
Is Philippines or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Philippines generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (22.1 vs 40.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zimbabwe offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frie...
Is Philippines or Zimbabwe cheaper to visit?
Zimbabwe is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,497.203 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zimbabwe can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Philippines. However, Philippines may offer be...
Is Philippines or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Philippines's life expectancy of 69.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zimbabwe may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...
Is Philippines or Zimbabwe more expensive to live in?
Philippines's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Philippines, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is Philippines or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...