Zimbabwe vs Dominican Republic
Zimbabwe has a population of 17.1M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Zimbabwe is 1.6 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Dominican Republic ($124.3B) has a GDP 3.0 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Zimbabwe covers 390,757 km², 8.0 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Dominican Republic stands at 73.7 years, 10.9 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
ZimbabweDominican Republic| Population | +58.5%17.1M | -36.9%10.8M |
| Area | +702.9%390,757 km² | -87.5%48,671 km² |
| GDP | -66.6%$41.5B | +199.2%$124.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -77.0%$2,497.203 | +335.5%$10,875.662 |
| Life Expectancy | -14.8%62.8 yrs | +17.4%73.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +43.0%40.6 | -30.0%28.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +82.5%9.3% | -45.2%5.1% |
| Capital | Harare | Santo Domingo |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language | Spanish |
| Currencies | ZWL ($) | DOP ($) |
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 1.6 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 17.1M residents compared to 10.8M. Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse), while Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense). Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Dominican Republic.
Economy Comparison
Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Dominican Republic economy ($124.3B) is 3.0 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. Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Dominican Republic are on average 4.4 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Zimbabwe is 62.8 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 10.9 years. Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 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 43% higher than Dominican Republic's 28.4.
Geographic Comparison
Zimbabwe (390,757 km²) is 8.0 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Zimbabwe shares borders with 4 countries, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. Zimbabwe lies in Africa, while Dominican Republic is located in North America. Zimbabwe is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Dominican Republic belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Dominican Republic is in land area: Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Dominican Republic is in GDP per capita: Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 compared to Dominican Republic's $10,875.662 represents a 77% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Dominican Republic is in GDP: Zimbabwe's $41.5B compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B represents a 67% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy and Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Dominican Republic has a GDP per capita of $10,875.662, which is 4.4x 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 Dominican Republic is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Dominican Republic is 5.1x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (221 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 Dominican Republic live an average of 10.9 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (73.7 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
Dominican Republic's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Dominican Republic has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Zimbabwe vs Dominican Republic for Families
For family travel, Dominican Republic generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.4 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 Dominican Republic's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Zimbabwe vs Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic for Retirees
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 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.
Zimbabwe vs Dominican Republic Cost of Living
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 4.4x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, 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 Dominican Republic's smaller cities.
Zimbabwe vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic by population?
Zimbabwe is larger by population, with 17.1M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Zimbabwe is 1.6 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Zimbabwe or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has the higher GDP at $124.3B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Dominican Republic's economy is 3.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Zimbabwe and Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has a higher life expectancy at 73.7 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.9 years. Zimbabwe's life expectancy is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic's is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Zimbabwe or Dominican Republic?
Zimbabwe is larger by land area, covering 390,757 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Zimbabwe is 8.0 times larger than Dominican Republic.
What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe and Dominican Republic?
Zimbabwe recognizes the following languages: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Zimbabwe or Dominican Republic?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Dominican Republic's inflation rate is 3.3%.
Is Zimbabwe or Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Dominican Republic generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.4 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 fami...
Is Zimbabwe or Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republi...
Is Zimbabwe or Dominican Republic better for retirement?
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 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 a...
Is Zimbabwe or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 4.4x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of liv...
Is Zimbabwe or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive f...