Zimbabwe vs Jordan
Zimbabwe has a population of 17.1M, compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Zimbabwe is 1.5 times more populous than Jordan. Economically, Jordan ($53.4B) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Zimbabwe covers 390,757 km², 4.4 times larger than Jordan's 89,342 km². Life expectancy in Jordan stands at 77.8 years, 15.0 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
ZimbabweJordan| Population | +45.5%17.1M | -31.3%11.7M |
| Area | +337.4%390,757 km² | -77.1%89,342 km² |
| GDP | -22.1%$41.5B | +28.4%$53.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -45.9%$2,497.203 | +84.9%$4,618.096 |
| Life Expectancy | -19.3%62.8 yrs | +24.0%77.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +232.8%40.6 | -70.0%12.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -43.8%9.3% | +77.9%16.5% |
| Capital | Harare | Amman |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language | Arabic |
| Currencies | ZWL ($) | JOD (د.ا) |
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 1.5 times more populous than Jordan, with 17.1M residents compared to 11.7M. Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people, while Jordan is a nation of 11.7M people. In terms of population density, Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse), while Jordan averages 131 people per km² (moderate). While Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% annually over the past decade, Jordan has grown at 3.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Jordan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Jordan economy ($53.4B) is 1.3 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. Jordan's GDP per capita of $4,618.096 is 59% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Jordan are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Zimbabwe is 62.8 years, compared to 77.8 years in Jordan, a gap of 15.0 years. Jordan (77.8 years) is 5.8 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 233% higher than Jordan's 12.2.
Geographic Comparison
Zimbabwe (390,757 km²) is 4.4 times larger by land area than Jordan (89,342 km²). Zimbabwe shares borders with 4 countries, while Jordan borders 5 countries. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone, compared to Jordan's 1 timezone. Zimbabwe lies in Africa, while Jordan is located in Asia. Zimbabwe is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Jordan belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Jordan is in land area: Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km² represents a 77% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Jordan is in infant mortality: Zimbabwe's 40.6 per 1,000 compared to Jordan's 12.2 per 1,000 represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Jordan is in GDP per capita: Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 compared to Jordan's $4,618.096 represents a 46% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy and Jordan's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Jordan has a GDP per capita of $4,618.096, which is 1.8x 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 Jordan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Jordan is 3.0x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (131 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 Jordan live an average of 15.0 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (77.8 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
Jordan's economy grew at 2.5% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Jordan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Zimbabwe vs Jordan for Families
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 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 Jordan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Zimbabwe vs Jordan 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 Jordan. However, Jordan 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 Jordan for Retirees
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 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 Jordan Cost of Living
Jordan's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Jordan, 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 Jordan's smaller cities.
Zimbabwe vs Jordan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Jordan 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 Jordan by population?
Zimbabwe is larger by population, with 17.1M residents compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Zimbabwe is 1.5 times more populous than Jordan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Zimbabwe or Jordan?
Jordan has the higher GDP at $53.4B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Jordan's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Zimbabwe and Jordan?
Jordan has a higher life expectancy at 77.8 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.0 years. Zimbabwe's life expectancy is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Jordan's is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Zimbabwe or Jordan?
Zimbabwe is larger by land area, covering 390,757 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km². Zimbabwe is 4.4 times larger than Jordan.
What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe and Jordan?
Zimbabwe recognizes the following languages: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. Jordan recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Zimbabwe or Jordan?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Jordan's inflation rate is 1.6%.
Is Zimbabwe or Jordan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 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 Jordan 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 Jordan. However, Jordan may offer better value...
Is Zimbabwe or Jordan better for retirement?
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 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, clima...
Is Zimbabwe or Jordan more expensive to live in?
Jordan's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Jordan, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Zimbabwe or Jordan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...