ZimbabweIsrael
Zimbabwe has a population of 17.1M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Zimbabwe is 1.7 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Israel ($540.4B) has a GDP 13.0 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Zimbabwe covers 390,757 km², 17.8 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 20.4 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
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Zimbabwe wins
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Israel wins
Metric
ZimbabweIsrael| Population | 17.1M | 10.1M |
| Area | 390,757 km² | 21,937 km² |
| GDP | $41.5B | $540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,497.203 | $54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | 62.8 yrs | 83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 40.6 | 2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 9.3% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Harare | Jerusalem |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | ZWL ($) | ILS (₪) |
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 1.7 times more populous than Israel, with 17.1M residents compared to 10.1M. Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). While Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% annually over the past decade, Israel has grown at 2.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Israel economy ($540.4B) is 13.0 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. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Israel are on average 21.7 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Zimbabwe is 62.8 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 20.4 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 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 1404% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
Zimbabwe (390,757 km²) is 17.8 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Zimbabwe shares borders with 4 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Zimbabwe lies in Africa, while Israel is located in Asia. Zimbabwe is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Israel belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Israel is in GDP per capita: Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 compared to Israel's $54,176.684 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Israel is in land area: Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Israel is in infant mortality: Zimbabwe's 40.6 per 1,000 compared to Israel's 2.7 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Israel has a GDP per capita of $54,176.684, which is 21.7x 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 Israel is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Israel is 10.6x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (462 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 Israel live an average of 20.4 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (83.2 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
Zimbabwe's economy grew at 1.7% compared to Israel's 0.9%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges.
Travel Comparison
Zimbabwe vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 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 Israel's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Zimbabwe vs Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel 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 Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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.
Zimbabwe vs Israel Cost of Living
Israel's GDP per capita is 21.7x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, 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 Israel's smaller cities.
Zimbabwe vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Israel 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 Israel by population?
Zimbabwe is larger by population, with 17.1M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Zimbabwe is 1.7 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Zimbabwe or Israel?
Israel has the higher GDP at $540.4B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Israel's economy is 13.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Zimbabwe and Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.4 years. Zimbabwe's life expectancy is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Zimbabwe or Israel?
Zimbabwe is larger by land area, covering 390,757 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Zimbabwe is 17.8 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe and Israel?
Zimbabwe recognizes the following languages: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Zimbabwe or Israel?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Israel's inflation rate is 3.1%.
Is Zimbabwe or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 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 a...
Is Zimbabwe or Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel may offer better value...
Is Zimbabwe or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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, clima...
Is Zimbabwe or Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel's GDP per capita is 21.7x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantl...
Is Zimbabwe or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...
Population Growth
Zimbabwe, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Israel, 1994 to 2023