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Zimbabwe vs United States

Zimbabwe has a population of 17.1M, compared to United States's 340.1M. United States is 19.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, United States ($28.75T) has a GDP 692.1 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). United States covers 9,525,067 km², 24.4 times larger than Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Life expectancy in United States stands at 78.4 years, 15.6 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.

Metric
Flag of ZimbabweZimbabwe
Flag of United StatesUnited States
Population
-95.0%17.1M
+1892.1%340.1M
Area
-95.9%390,757 km²
+2337.6%9,525,067 km²
GDP
-99.9%$41.5B
+69113.7%$28.75T
GDP Per Capita
-97.0%$2,497.203
+3285.1%$84,534.041
Life Expectancy
-19.9%62.8 yrs
+24.9%78.4 yrs
Infant Mortality
+638.2%40.6
-86.5%5.5
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
+121.4%9.3%
-54.8%4.2%
Capital
Harare
Washington, D.C.
Region
Africa
Americas
Languages
Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language
English
Currencies
ZWL ($)
USD ($)

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

United States is 19.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 340.1M residents compared to 17.1M. Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people, while United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse), while United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse). While Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% annually over the past decade, United States has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.

Economy Comparison

Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while United States is classified as a high-income economy. The United States economy ($28.75T) is 692.1 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. United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of United States are on average 33.9 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Zimbabwe is 62.8 years, compared to 78.4 years in United States, a gap of 15.6 years. United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 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 638% higher than United States's 5.5.

Geographic Comparison

United States (9,525,067 km²) is 24.4 times larger by land area than Zimbabwe (390,757 km²). Zimbabwe shares borders with 4 countries, while United States borders 2 countries. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone, compared to United States's 11 timezones. Zimbabwe lies in Africa, while United States is located in North America. Zimbabwe is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas United States belongs to Americas (North America).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and United States is in GDP: Zimbabwe's $41.5B compared to United States's $28.75T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and United States is in GDP per capita: Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 compared to United States's $84,534.041 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and United States is in land area: Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² compared to United States's 9,525,067 km² represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy and United States's high-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Living Standards

United States has a GDP per capita of $84,534.041, which is 33.9x 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 United States is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.

Population Density

Zimbabwe is 1.2x more densely populated than United States (44 vs 36 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. United States's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of United States live an average of 15.6 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (78.4 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

United States's economy grew at 2.8% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though United States has a modest edge in economic dynamism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, Zimbabwe or United States by population?

United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. United States is 19.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe.

Which country has a higher GDP, Zimbabwe or United States?

United States has the higher GDP at $28.75T, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. United States's economy is 692.1 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between Zimbabwe and United States?

United States has a higher life expectancy at 78.4 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.6 years. Zimbabwe's life expectancy is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while United States's is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, Zimbabwe or United States?

United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². United States is 24.4 times larger than Zimbabwe.

What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe and United States?

Zimbabwe recognizes the following languages: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. United States recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.

Which country has lower inflation, Zimbabwe or United States?

Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. United States's inflation rate is 2.9%.

Population Growth — Zimbabwe

Population Growth — United States