Egypt vs Zimbabwe
Egypt has a population of 107.3M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Egypt is 6.3 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Egypt ($389.1B) has a GDP 9.4 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Egypt covers 1,002,450 km², 2.6 times larger than Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Life expectancy in Egypt stands at 71.6 years, 8.9 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
EgyptZimbabwe| Population | +528.3%107.3M | -84.1%17.1M |
| Area | +156.5%1,002,450 km² | -61.0%390,757 km² |
| GDP | +836.6%$389.1B | -89.3%$41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +33.7%$3,338.474 | -25.2%$2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | +14.1%71.6 yrs | -12.4%62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -60.3%16.1 | +152.2%40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -27.0%6.8% | +37.0%9.3% |
| Capital | Cairo | Harare |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | EGP (£) | ZWL ($) |
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
Egypt is 6.3 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 107.3M residents compared to 17.1M. Egypt is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Egypt averages 107 people per km² (moderate), while Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse). While Egypt has grown at 1.85% annually over the past decade, Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Egypt is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Egypt economy ($389.1B) is 9.4 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Egypt's GDP per capita of $3,338.474 is 52% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Egypt are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Egypt is 71.6 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 8.9 years. Egypt (71.6 years) is at 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 152% higher than Egypt's 16.1.
Geographic Comparison
Egypt (1,002,450 km²) is 2.6 times larger by land area than Zimbabwe (390,757 km²). Egypt shares borders with 4 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Egypt spans 1 timezone, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Both Egypt and Zimbabwe are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Southern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Egypt and Zimbabwe is in GDP: Egypt's $389.1B compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Zimbabwe is in population: Egypt's 107.3M compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Zimbabwe is in land area: Egypt's 1,002,450 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² represents a 61% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Egypt's lower-middle-income economy and Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Egypt has a GDP per capita of $3,338.474, which is 1.3x 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 Egypt is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Egypt is 2.4x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (107 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 Egypt live an average of 8.9 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (71.6 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
Egypt's economy grew at 2.4% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Egypt has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Egypt vs Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 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 Egypt's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Egypt 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 Egypt. However, Egypt may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Egypt vs Zimbabwe for Retirees
Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 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.
Egypt vs Zimbabwe Cost of Living
Egypt's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Egypt, 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 Egypt's smaller cities.
Egypt vs Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt 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, Egypt or Zimbabwe by population?
Egypt is larger by population, with 107.3M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Egypt is 6.3 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Egypt or Zimbabwe?
Egypt has the higher GDP at $389.1B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Egypt's economy is 9.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Egypt and Zimbabwe?
Egypt has a higher life expectancy at 71.6 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.9 years. Egypt's life expectancy is at 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, Egypt or Zimbabwe?
Egypt is larger by land area, covering 1,002,450 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Egypt is 2.6 times larger than Zimbabwe.
What languages are spoken in Egypt and Zimbabwe?
Egypt recognizes the following official language: Arabic. 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, Egypt or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Egypt's inflation rate is 28.3%.
Is Egypt or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 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 Egypt 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 Egypt. However, Egypt may offer better value i...
Is Egypt or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 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 Egypt or Zimbabwe more expensive to live in?
Egypt's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Egypt, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Egypt or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...