IranZimbabwe
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Iran is 5.0 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 11.4 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 4.2 times larger than Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 14.9 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
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Zimbabwe wins
Metric
IranZimbabwe| Population | 86.0M | 17.1M |
| Area | 1,648,195 km² | 390,757 km² |
| GDP | $475.3B | $41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | $5,190.17 | $2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | 77.7 yrs | 62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 10.7 | 40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Capital | Tehran | Harare |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | ZWL ($) |
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
Iran is 5.0 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 86.0M residents compared to 17.1M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), 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 Iran.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 11.4 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% 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 Iran are on average 2.1 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 14.9 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 279% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 4.2 times larger by land area than Zimbabwe (390,757 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Zimbabwe is located in Africa. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Zimbabwe belongs to Africa (Southern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Zimbabwe is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Zimbabwe is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Zimbabwe is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² represents a 76% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 2.1x 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 Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iran is 1.2x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (52 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 Iran live an average of 14.9 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (77.7 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
Iran's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Iran has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 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 Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs Zimbabwe for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Iran vs Zimbabwe Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 2.1x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, 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 Iran's smaller cities.
Iran vs Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran 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, Iran or Zimbabwe by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Iran is 5.0 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Zimbabwe?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Iran's economy is 11.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Zimbabwe?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.9 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 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, Iran or Zimbabwe?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Iran is 4.2 times larger than Zimbabwe.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Zimbabwe?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). 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, Iran or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Iran's inflation rate is 32.5%.
Is Iran or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 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 Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in ...
Is Iran or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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...
Is Iran or Zimbabwe more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 2.1x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Iran or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....