Zimbabwe vs Benin
Zimbabwe has a population of 17.1M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Zimbabwe is 1.3 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Zimbabwe ($41.5B) has a GDP 1.9 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Zimbabwe covers 390,757 km², 3.5 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Zimbabwe stands at 62.8 years, 2.0 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
ZimbabweBenin| Population | +29.1%17.1M | -22.5%13.2M |
| Area | +247.0%390,757 km² | -71.2%112,622 km² |
| GDP | +93.4%$41.5B | -48.3%$21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +68.1%$2,497.203 | -40.5%$1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | +3.3%62.8 yrs | -3.2%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -12.5%40.6 | +14.3%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +484.8%9.3% | -82.9%1.6% |
| Capital | Harare | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language | French |
| Currencies | ZWL ($) | XOF (Fr) |
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
Zimbabwe is 1.3 times more populous than Benin, with 17.1M residents compared to 13.2M. Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Benin.
Economy Comparison
Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Zimbabwe economy ($41.5B) is 1.9 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Zimbabwe's GDP per capita of $2,497.203 is 14% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Zimbabwe are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Zimbabwe is 62.8 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 2.0 years. Zimbabwe (62.8 years) is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 14% higher than Zimbabwe's 40.6.
Geographic Comparison
Zimbabwe (390,757 km²) is 3.5 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Zimbabwe shares borders with 4 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Both Zimbabwe and Benin are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Benin is in land area: Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km² represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Benin is in GDP: Zimbabwe's $41.5B compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 48% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Benin is in GDP per capita: Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 compared to Benin's $1,485.38 represents a 41% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy and Benin's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Zimbabwe has a GDP per capita of $2,497.203, which is 1.7x that of Benin ($1,485.38). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Zimbabwe is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Benin is 2.7x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (117 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 Zimbabwe live an average of 2.0 years longer than those of Benin (62.8 vs 60.8 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Zimbabwe vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Zimbabwe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.6 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Zimbabwe's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Zimbabwe vs Benin for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwe may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Zimbabwe vs Benin for Retirees
Zimbabwe's life expectancy of 62.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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.
Zimbabwe vs Benin Cost of Living
Zimbabwe's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Zimbabwe, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Zimbabwe's smaller cities.
Zimbabwe vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin'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, Zimbabwe or Benin by population?
Zimbabwe is larger by population, with 17.1M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Zimbabwe is 1.3 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Zimbabwe or Benin?
Zimbabwe has the higher GDP at $41.5B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Zimbabwe's economy is 1.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Zimbabwe and Benin?
Zimbabwe has a higher life expectancy at 62.8 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.0 years. Zimbabwe's life expectancy is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Zimbabwe or Benin?
Zimbabwe is larger by land area, covering 390,757 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Zimbabwe is 3.5 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe and Benin?
Zimbabwe recognizes the following languages: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. Benin recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Zimbabwe or Benin?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Benin's inflation rate is 1.2%.
Is Zimbabwe or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Zimbabwe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.6 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Zimbabwe or Benin cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwe may offer better value in...
Is Zimbabwe or Benin better for retirement?
Zimbabwe's life expectancy of 62.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Zimbabwe or Benin more expensive to live in?
Zimbabwe's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Zimbabwe, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Zimbabwe or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...