Chile vs Zimbabwe
Chile has a population of 20.2M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Chile is 1.2 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Chile ($330.3B) has a GDP 8.0 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Chile covers 756,102 km², 1.9 times larger than Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Life expectancy in Chile stands at 81.2 years, 18.4 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
ChileZimbabwe| Population | +18.4%20.2M | -15.5%17.1M |
| Area | +93.5%756,102 km² | -48.3%390,757 km² |
| GDP | +695.1%$330.3B | -87.4%$41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +569.1%$16,709.889 | -85.1%$2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | +29.3%81.2 yrs | -22.7%62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -84.7%6.2 | +554.8%40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -3.4%9.0% | +3.6%9.3% |
| Capital | Santiago | Harare |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | CLP ($) | 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
Chile is 1.2 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 20.2M residents compared to 17.1M. Chile is a nation of 20.2M people, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Chile averages 27 people per km² (sparse), 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 Chile.
Economy Comparison
Chile is classified as a high-income economy, while Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Chile economy ($330.3B) is 8.0 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Chile's GDP per capita of $16,709.889 is 24% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Chile are on average 6.7 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Chile is 81.2 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 18.4 years. Chile (81.2 years) is 9.2 years above 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 555% higher than Chile's 6.2.
Geographic Comparison
Chile (756,102 km²) is 1.9 times larger by land area than Zimbabwe (390,757 km²). Chile shares borders with 3 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Chile spans 2 timezones, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Chile lies in South America, while Zimbabwe is located in Africa. Chile is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Zimbabwe belongs to Africa (Southern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Chile and Zimbabwe is in GDP: Chile's $330.3B compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Zimbabwe is in GDP per capita: Chile's $16,709.889 compared to Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Zimbabwe is in infant mortality: Chile's 6.2 per 1,000 compared to Zimbabwe's 40.6 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Chile's high-income economy and Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Chile has a GDP per capita of $16,709.889, which is 6.7x 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 Chile is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Zimbabwe is 1.6x more densely populated than Chile (44 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chile's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Chile live an average of 18.4 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (81.2 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
Chile's economy grew at 2.6% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Chile has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Chile vs Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 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 Chile's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Chile 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 Chile. However, Chile may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Chile vs Zimbabwe for Retirees
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 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.
Chile vs Zimbabwe Cost of Living
Chile's GDP per capita is 6.7x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, 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 Chile's smaller cities.
Chile vs Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones 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, Chile or Zimbabwe by population?
Chile is larger by population, with 20.2M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Chile is 1.2 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Chile or Zimbabwe?
Chile has the higher GDP at $330.3B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Chile's economy is 8.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Chile and Zimbabwe?
Chile has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 18.4 years. Chile's life expectancy is 9.2 years above 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, Chile or Zimbabwe?
Chile is larger by land area, covering 756,102 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Chile is 1.9 times larger than Zimbabwe.
What languages are spoken in Chile and Zimbabwe?
Chile recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Zimbabwe recognizes: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Chile or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Chile's inflation rate is 4.3%.
Is Chile or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 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 countrie...
Is Chile 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 Chile. However, Chile may offer better value i...
Is Chile or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 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, climat...
Is Chile or Zimbabwe more expensive to live in?
Chile's GDP per capita is 6.7x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Chile or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones while Zimbabwe covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...