Ivory Coast vs Zimbabwe
Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Ivory Coast is 1.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Ivory Coast ($87.1B) has a GDP 2.1 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Zimbabwe covers 390,757 km², 1.2 times larger than Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Life expectancy in Zimbabwe stands at 62.8 years, 0.8 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
Ivory CoastZimbabwe| Population | +85.8%31.7M | -46.2%17.1M |
| Area | -17.5%322,463 km² | +21.2%390,757 km² |
| GDP | +109.7%$87.1B | -52.3%$41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +9.2%$2,727.894 | -8.5%$2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | -1.3%61.9 yrs | +1.3%62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +14.8%46.6 | -12.9%40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -75.0%2.3% | +300.0%9.3% |
| Capital | Yamoussoukro | Harare |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | ZWL ($) |
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
Ivory Coast is 1.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 31.7M residents compared to 17.1M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse). While Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ivory Coast economy ($87.1B) is 2.1 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% 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 Ivory Coast are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 0.8 years. Zimbabwe (62.8 years) is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 15% higher than Zimbabwe's 40.6.
Geographic Comparison
Zimbabwe (390,757 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Ivory Coast (322,463 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Both Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Southern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe is in GDP: Ivory Coast's $87.1B compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B represents a 52% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe is in population: Ivory Coast's 31.7M compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M represents a 46% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe is in land area: Ivory Coast's 322,463 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² represents a 17% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy and Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ivory Coast has a GDP per capita of $2,727.894, which is 1.1x 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 Ivory Coast is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ivory Coast is 2.3x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (98 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 Zimbabwe live an average of 0.8 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (62.8 vs 61.9 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ivory Coast vs Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Zimbabwe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.6 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Zimbabwe's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ivory Coast vs Zimbabwe for Retirees
Zimbabwe's life expectancy of 62.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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.
Ivory Coast vs Zimbabwe Cost of Living
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, 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 Ivory Coast's smaller cities.
Ivory Coast vs Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast 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, Ivory Coast or Zimbabwe by population?
Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Ivory Coast is 1.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast or Zimbabwe?
Ivory Coast has the higher GDP at $87.1B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Ivory Coast's economy is 2.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe has a higher life expectancy at 62.8 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.8 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 years below 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, Ivory Coast or Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe is larger by land area, covering 390,757 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Zimbabwe is 1.2 times larger than Ivory Coast.
What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe?
Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. 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, Ivory Coast or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Ivory Coast's inflation rate is 3.5%.
Is Ivory Coast or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Zimbabwe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.6 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both c...
Is Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer be...
Is Ivory Coast or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Zimbabwe's life expectancy of 62.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...
Is Ivory Coast or Zimbabwe more expensive to live in?
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is Ivory Coast or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...