Italy vs Zimbabwe
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Italy is 3.5 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 57.3 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Zimbabwe covers 390,757 km², 1.3 times larger than Italy's 301,336 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 20.9 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
ItalyZimbabwe| Population | +245.1%58.9M | -71.0%17.1M |
| Area | -22.9%301,336 km² | +29.7%390,757 km² |
| GDP | +5631.5%$2.38T | -98.3%$41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1517.2%$40,385.341 | -93.8%$2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | +33.3%83.7 yrs | -25.0%62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -94.3%2.3 | +1665.2%40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -31.2%6.4% | +45.4%9.3% |
| Capital | Rome | Harare |
| Region | Europe | Africa |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | ZWL ($) |
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
Italy is 3.5 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 58.9M residents compared to 17.1M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse). While Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade, Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 57.3 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Italy are on average 16.2 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 20.9 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 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 1665% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Zimbabwe (390,757 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Italy (301,336 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Italy lies in Europe, while Zimbabwe is located in Africa. Italy is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Zimbabwe belongs to Africa (Southern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Zimbabwe is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Zimbabwe is in infant mortality: Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Zimbabwe's 40.6 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Zimbabwe is in GDP per capita: Italy's $40,385.341 compared to Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Italy has a GDP per capita of $40,385.341, which is 16.2x 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 Italy is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Italy is 4.5x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (196 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 Italy live an average of 20.9 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (83.7 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 Italy's 0.7%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 Italy's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Italy 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Italy vs Zimbabwe for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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.
Italy vs Zimbabwe Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 16.2x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, 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 Italy's smaller cities.
Italy vs Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy 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, Italy or Zimbabwe by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Italy is 3.5 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Zimbabwe?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Italy's economy is 57.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Zimbabwe?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.9 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 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, Italy or Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe is larger by land area, covering 390,757 km² compared to Italy's 301,336 km². Zimbabwe is 1.3 times larger than Italy.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Zimbabwe?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. 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, Italy or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Italy's inflation rate is 1.0%.
Is Italy or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 at...
Is Italy 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value i...
Is Italy or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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, climat...
Is Italy or Zimbabwe more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 16.2x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly ...
Is Italy or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...