Zimbabwe vs Sweden
Zimbabwe has a population of 17.1M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Zimbabwe is 1.6 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 14.5 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 1.2 times larger than Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 20.5 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
ZimbabweSweden| Population | +61.0%17.1M | -37.9%10.6M |
| Area | -13.2%390,757 km² | +15.2%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -93.1%$41.5B | +1353.4%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -95.6%$2,497.203 | +2187.3%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -24.6%62.8 yrs | +32.7%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1930.0%40.6 | -95.1%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +6.9%9.3% | -6.4%8.7% |
| Capital | Harare | Stockholm |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language | Swedish |
| Currencies | ZWL ($) | SEK (kr) |
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 1.6 times more populous than Sweden, with 17.1M residents compared to 10.6M. Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 14.5 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. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 22.9 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Zimbabwe is 62.8 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 20.5 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 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 1930% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Zimbabwe (390,757 km²). Zimbabwe shares borders with 4 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Zimbabwe lies in Africa, while Sweden is located in Europe. Zimbabwe is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Sweden is in infant mortality: Zimbabwe's 40.6 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Sweden is in GDP: Zimbabwe's $41.5B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 22.9x 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 Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Zimbabwe is 1.9x more densely populated than Sweden (44 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 20.5 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (83.3 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 Sweden's 0.8%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges.
Travel Comparison
Zimbabwe vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 40.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zimbabwe offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Zimbabwe vs Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden 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 Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 22.9x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, 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 Sweden's smaller cities.
Zimbabwe vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Sweden 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 Sweden by population?
Zimbabwe is larger by population, with 17.1M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Zimbabwe is 1.6 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Zimbabwe or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Sweden's economy is 14.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Zimbabwe and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.5 years. Zimbabwe's life expectancy is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Zimbabwe or Sweden?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Sweden is 1.2 times larger than Zimbabwe.
What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe and Sweden?
Zimbabwe recognizes the following languages: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Zimbabwe or Sweden?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Sweden's inflation rate is 2.8%.
Is Zimbabwe or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 40.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zimbabwe offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Zimbabwe or Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value...
Is Zimbabwe or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 22.9x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantl...
Is Zimbabwe or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...