Cameroon vs Zimbabwe
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Cameroon is 1.7 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Cameroon ($53.3B) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 1.2 times larger than Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Life expectancy in Cameroon stands at 63.7 years, 0.9 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
CameroonZimbabwe| Population | +72.4%29.4M | -42.0%17.1M |
| Area | +21.7%475,442 km² | -17.8%390,757 km² |
| GDP | +28.3%$53.3B | -22.1%$41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | -26.7%$1,830.008 | +36.5%$2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.5%63.7 yrs | -1.5%62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1.5%41.2 | -1.5%40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -61.2%3.6% | +158.0%9.3% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Harare |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, French | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | ZWL ($) |
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
Cameroon is 1.7 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 29.4M residents compared to 17.1M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse). While Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade, Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cameroon economy ($53.3B) is 1.3 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Zimbabwe are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 0.9 years. Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zimbabwe (62.8 years) is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 41.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cameroon's infant mortality is 1% higher than Zimbabwe's 40.6.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Zimbabwe (390,757 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Both Cameroon and Zimbabwe are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Southern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Zimbabwe is in population: Cameroon's 29.4M compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M represents a 42% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Zimbabwe is in GDP per capita: Cameroon's $1,830.008 compared to Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 represents a 27% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Zimbabwe is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B represents a 22% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Zimbabwe has a GDP per capita of $2,497.203, which is 1.4x that of Cameroon ($1,830.008). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Zimbabwe is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cameroon is 1.4x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (62 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 Cameroon live an average of 0.9 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (63.7 vs 62.8 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Cameroon's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Cameroon has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Zimbabwe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.6 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Zimbabwe's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs Zimbabwe for Budget Travelers
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwe may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Cameroon vs Zimbabwe for Retirees
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 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.
Cameroon vs Zimbabwe Cost of Living
Zimbabwe's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Zimbabwe, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Cameroon can approach or exceed average costs in Zimbabwe's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Cameroon'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, Cameroon or Zimbabwe by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Cameroon is 1.7 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Zimbabwe?
Cameroon has the higher GDP at $53.3B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Cameroon's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Zimbabwe?
Cameroon has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.9 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below 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, Cameroon or Zimbabwe?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Cameroon is 1.2 times larger than Zimbabwe.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Zimbabwe?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Zimbabwe recognizes: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Cameroon's inflation rate is 4.5%.
Is Cameroon or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Zimbabwe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.6 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Cameroon or Zimbabwe cheaper to visit?
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwe may offer better v...
Is Cameroon or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 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, cli...
Is Cameroon or Zimbabwe more expensive to live in?
Zimbabwe's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Zimbabwe, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Cameroon or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...