Zimbabwe vs Bolivia
Zimbabwe has a population of 17.1M, compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Zimbabwe is 1.5 times more populous than Bolivia. Economically, Bolivia ($54.9B) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Bolivia covers 1,098,581 km², 2.8 times larger than Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Life expectancy in Bolivia stands at 68.6 years, 5.8 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
ZimbabweBolivia| Population | +50.2%17.1M | -33.4%11.4M |
| Area | -64.4%390,757 km² | +181.1%1,098,581 km² |
| GDP | -24.3%$41.5B | +32.1%$54.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | -43.5%$2,497.203 | +77.0%$4,421.166 |
| Life Expectancy | -8.5%62.8 yrs | +9.2%68.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +103.0%40.6 | -50.7%20.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +213.2%9.3% | -68.1%3.0% |
| Capital | Harare | Sucre |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | ZWL ($) | BOB (Bs.) |
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 1.5 times more populous than Bolivia, with 17.1M residents compared to 11.4M. Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people, while Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people. In terms of population density, Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse), while Bolivia averages 10 people per km² (sparse). While Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% annually over the past decade, Bolivia has grown at 1.37% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bolivia economy ($54.9B) is 1.3 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Zimbabwe's GDP per capita of $2,497.203 is 14% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Bolivia's GDP per capita of $4,421.166 is 67% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Bolivia are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Zimbabwe is 62.8 years, compared to 68.6 years in Bolivia, a gap of 5.8 years. Bolivia (68.6 years) is 3.4 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 103% higher than Bolivia's 20.0.
Geographic Comparison
Bolivia (1,098,581 km²) is 2.8 times larger by land area than Zimbabwe (390,757 km²). Zimbabwe shares borders with 4 countries, while Bolivia borders 5 countries. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone, compared to Bolivia's 1 timezone. Zimbabwe lies in Africa, while Bolivia is located in South America. Zimbabwe is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Bolivia belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Bolivia is in land area: Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² compared to Bolivia's 1,098,581 km² represents a 64% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Bolivia is in infant mortality: Zimbabwe's 40.6 per 1,000 compared to Bolivia's 20.0 per 1,000 represents a 51% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Bolivia is in GDP per capita: Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 compared to Bolivia's $4,421.166 represents a 44% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy and Bolivia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Bolivia has a GDP per capita of $4,421.166, which is 1.8x 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 Bolivia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Zimbabwe is 4.2x more densely populated than Bolivia (44 vs 10 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Bolivia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bolivia live an average of 5.8 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (68.6 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
Zimbabwe's economy grew at 1.7% compared to Bolivia's -1.1%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Bolivia's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Zimbabwe vs Bolivia for Families
For family travel, Bolivia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.0 vs 40.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zimbabwe offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Bolivia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Zimbabwe vs Bolivia 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 Bolivia. However, Bolivia 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 Bolivia for Retirees
Bolivia's life expectancy of 68.6 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.
Zimbabwe vs Bolivia Cost of Living
Bolivia's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bolivia, 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 Bolivia's smaller cities.
Zimbabwe vs Bolivia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Bolivia 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, Zimbabwe or Bolivia by population?
Zimbabwe is larger by population, with 17.1M residents compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Zimbabwe is 1.5 times more populous than Bolivia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Zimbabwe or Bolivia?
Bolivia has the higher GDP at $54.9B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Bolivia's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Zimbabwe and Bolivia?
Bolivia has a higher life expectancy at 68.6 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.8 years. Zimbabwe's life expectancy is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Bolivia's is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Zimbabwe or Bolivia?
Bolivia is larger by land area, covering 1,098,581 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Bolivia is 2.8 times larger than Zimbabwe.
What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe and Bolivia?
Zimbabwe recognizes the following languages: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. Bolivia recognizes: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Zimbabwe or Bolivia?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Bolivia's inflation rate is 5.1%.
Is Zimbabwe or Bolivia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bolivia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.0 vs 40.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zimbabwe offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Zimbabwe or Bolivia 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 Bolivia. However, Bolivia may offer better val...
Is Zimbabwe or Bolivia better for retirement?
Bolivia's life expectancy of 68.6 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, clim...
Is Zimbabwe or Bolivia more expensive to live in?
Bolivia's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bolivia, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Zimbabwe or Bolivia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...