Iran vs Zambia
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Zambia's 19.7M. Iran is 4.4 times more populous than Zambia. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 18.8 times larger than Zambia's ($25.3B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 2.2 times larger than Zambia's 752,612 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 11.3 years higher than Zambia's 66.3 years.
IranZambia| Population | +336.5%86.0M | -77.1%19.7M |
| Area | +119.0%1,648,195 km² | -54.3%752,612 km² |
| GDP | +1778.2%$475.3B | -94.7%$25.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +337.2%$5,190.17 | -77.1%$1,187.109 |
| Life Expectancy | +17.0%77.7 yrs | -14.6%66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -65.4%10.7 | +188.8%30.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +40.3%8.3% | -28.7%5.9% |
| Capital | Tehran | Lusaka |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | English |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | ZMW (ZK) |
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
Iran is 4.4 times more populous than Zambia, with 86.0M residents compared to 19.7M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Zambia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Zambia averages 26 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Zambia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 18.8 times larger than Zambia's ($25.3B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Zambia's GDP per capita of $1,187.109 is 46% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iran are on average 4.4 times wealthier than those in Zambia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 66.3 years in Zambia, a gap of 11.3 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Zambia (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 30.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Zambia's infant mortality is 189% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 2.2 times larger by land area than Zambia (752,612 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Zambia borders 8 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Zambia's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Zambia is located in Africa. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Zambia belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Zambia is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Zambia's $25.3B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Zambia is in GDP per capita: Iran's $5,190.17 compared to Zambia's $1,187.109 represents a 77% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Zambia is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Zambia's 19.7M represents a 77% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Zambia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 4.4x that of Zambia ($1,187.109). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iran is 2.0x more densely populated than Zambia (52 vs 26 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Zambia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 11.3 years longer than those of Zambia (77.7 vs 66.3 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
Zambia's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Iran's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Zambia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Zambia for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 30.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zambia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs Zambia for Budget Travelers
Zambia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,187.109 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zambia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs Zambia for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zambia 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.
Iran vs Zambia Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 4.4x that of Zambia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Zambia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Zambia can approach or exceed average costs in Iran's smaller cities.
Iran vs Zambia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Zambia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Zambia covers 1. Zambia'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, Iran or Zambia by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Zambia's 19.7M. Iran is 4.4 times more populous than Zambia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Zambia?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Zambia's $25.3B. Iran's economy is 18.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Zambia?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Zambia's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.3 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Zambia's is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iran or Zambia?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Zambia's 752,612 km². Iran is 2.2 times larger than Zambia.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Zambia?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Zambia recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Zambia?
Zambia has lower inflation at 15.0%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Zambia's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 4.3 times the global median, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Zambia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 30.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zambia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Iran or Zambia cheaper to visit?
Zambia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,187.109 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zambia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in spec...
Is Iran or Zambia better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zambia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate p...
Is Iran or Zambia more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 4.4x that of Zambia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Zambia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Iran or Zambia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Zambia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Zambia covers 1. Zambia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both ...