GuatemalaZimbabwe
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Guatemala is 1.1 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Guatemala ($113.2B) has a GDP 2.7 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Zimbabwe covers 390,757 km², 3.6 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 9.8 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
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Guatemala wins
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Zimbabwe wins
Metric
GuatemalaZimbabwe| Population | 18.1M | 17.1M |
| Area | 108,889 km² | 390,757 km² |
| GDP | $113.2B | $41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,150.026 | $2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | 72.6 yrs | 62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 17.9 | 40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.6% | 9.3% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Harare |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | ZWL ($) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Guatemala is 1.1 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 18.1M residents compared to 17.1M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse). While Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade, Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Guatemala economy ($113.2B) is 2.7 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Guatemala are on average 2.5 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 9.8 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 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 127% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
Zimbabwe (390,757 km²) is 3.6 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Guatemala lies in North America, while Zimbabwe is located in Africa. Guatemala is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Zimbabwe belongs to Africa (Southern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and Zimbabwe is in land area: Guatemala's 108,889 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Zimbabwe is in GDP: Guatemala's $113.2B compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Zimbabwe is in GDP per capita: Guatemala's $6,150.026 compared to Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 represents a 59% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy and Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, which is 2.5x 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 Guatemala is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 3.8x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (166 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 Guatemala live an average of 9.8 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (72.6 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
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Guatemala vs Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 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 Guatemala's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Guatemala 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Guatemala vs Zimbabwe for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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.
Guatemala vs Zimbabwe Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 2.5x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, 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 Guatemala's smaller cities.
Guatemala vs Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala 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, Guatemala or Zimbabwe by population?
Guatemala is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Guatemala is 1.1 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or Zimbabwe?
Guatemala has the higher GDP at $113.2B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Guatemala's economy is 2.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and Zimbabwe?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.8 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 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, Guatemala or Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe is larger by land area, covering 390,757 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Zimbabwe is 3.6 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and Zimbabwe?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. 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, Guatemala or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Guatemala's inflation rate is 2.9%.
Is Guatemala or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 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-friend...
Is Guatemala 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better...
Is Guatemala or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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, cl...
Is Guatemala or Zimbabwe more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 2.5x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Guatemala or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...
Population Growth
Guatemala, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Zimbabwe, 1994 to 2023