Zimbabwe vs Austria
Zimbabwe has a population of 17.1M, compared to Austria's 9.2M. Zimbabwe is 1.9 times more populous than Austria. Economically, Austria ($534.8B) has a GDP 12.9 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Zimbabwe covers 390,757 km², 4.7 times larger than Austria's 83,871 km². Life expectancy in Austria stands at 81.5 years, 18.8 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
ZimbabweAustria| Population | +85.6%17.1M | -46.1%9.2M |
| Area | +365.9%390,757 km² | -78.5%83,871 km² |
| GDP | -92.2%$41.5B | +1187.4%$534.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -95.7%$2,497.203 | +2233.4%$58,268.879 |
| Life Expectancy | -23.0%62.8 yrs | +29.9%81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1461.5%40.6 | -93.6%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +66.5%9.3% | -39.9%5.6% |
| Capital | Harare | Vienna |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language | German |
| Currencies | ZWL ($) | EUR (€) |
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 1.9 times more populous than Austria, with 17.1M residents compared to 9.2M. Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people, while Austria is a nation of 9.2M people. In terms of population density, Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse), while Austria averages 110 people per km² (moderate). Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Austria.
Economy Comparison
Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Austria is classified as a high-income economy. The Austria economy ($534.8B) is 12.9 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. Austria's GDP per capita of $58,268.879 is 108% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Austria are on average 23.3 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Zimbabwe is 62.8 years, compared to 81.5 years in Austria, a gap of 18.8 years. Austria (81.5 years) is 9.5 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 1462% higher than Austria's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Zimbabwe (390,757 km²) is 4.7 times larger by land area than Austria (83,871 km²). Zimbabwe shares borders with 4 countries, while Austria borders 8 countries. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone, compared to Austria's 1 timezone. Zimbabwe lies in Africa, while Austria is located in Europe. Zimbabwe is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Austria belongs to Europe (Central Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Austria is in GDP per capita: Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 compared to Austria's $58,268.879 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Austria is in infant mortality: Zimbabwe's 40.6 per 1,000 compared to Austria's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Austria is in GDP: Zimbabwe's $41.5B compared to Austria's $534.8B represents a 92% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy and Austria's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Austria has a GDP per capita of $58,268.879, which is 23.3x 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 Austria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Austria is 2.5x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (110 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 Austria live an average of 18.8 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (81.5 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 Austria's -0.7%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Austria's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Zimbabwe vs Austria for Families
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 Austria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Zimbabwe vs Austria 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 Austria. However, Austria 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 Austria for Retirees
Austria's life expectancy of 81.5 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 Austria Cost of Living
Austria's GDP per capita is 23.3x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, 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 Austria's smaller cities.
Zimbabwe vs Austria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Austria 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 Austria by population?
Zimbabwe is larger by population, with 17.1M residents compared to Austria's 9.2M. Zimbabwe is 1.9 times more populous than Austria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Zimbabwe or Austria?
Austria has the higher GDP at $534.8B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Austria's economy is 12.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Zimbabwe and Austria?
Austria has a higher life expectancy at 81.5 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 18.8 years. Zimbabwe's life expectancy is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Austria's is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Zimbabwe or Austria?
Zimbabwe is larger by land area, covering 390,757 km² compared to Austria's 83,871 km². Zimbabwe is 4.7 times larger than Austria.
What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe and Austria?
Zimbabwe recognizes the following languages: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. Austria recognizes: German. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Zimbabwe or Austria?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Austria's inflation rate is 2.9%.
Is Zimbabwe or Austria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 ...
Is Zimbabwe or Austria 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 Austria. However, Austria may offer better val...
Is Zimbabwe or Austria better for retirement?
Austria's life expectancy of 81.5 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, clim...
Is Zimbabwe or Austria more expensive to live in?
Austria's GDP per capita is 23.3x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significan...
Is Zimbabwe or Austria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...