Syria vs Zimbabwe
Syria has a population of 25.6M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Syria is 1.5 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe covers 390,757 km², 2.1 times larger than Syria's 185,180 km². Life expectancy in Syria stands at 72.1 years, 9.3 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
SyriaZimbabwe| Population | +50.1%25.6M | -33.4%17.1M |
| Area | -52.6%185,180 km² | +111.0%390,757 km² |
| GDP | — | $41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | +14.9%72.1 yrs | -13.0%62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -53.2%19.0 | +113.7%40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +46.0%13.6% | -31.5%9.3% |
| Capital | Damascus | Harare |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | SYP (£) | ZWL ($) |
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
Syria is 1.5 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 25.6M residents compared to 17.1M. Syria is a nation of 25.6M people, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate), while Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse). While Syria has grown at 0.86% annually over the past decade, Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Syria is classified as a low-income economy, while Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. Zimbabwe's GDP stands at $41.5B. GDP data is not available for Syria. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria. Zimbabwe's GDP per capita of $2,497.203 is 14% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Syria is 72.1 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 9.3 years. Syria (72.1 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 114% higher than Syria's 19.0.
Geographic Comparison
Zimbabwe (390,757 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than Syria (185,180 km²). Syria shares borders with 5 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Syria spans 1 timezone, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Syria lies in Asia, while Zimbabwe is located in Africa. Syria is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Zimbabwe belongs to Africa (Southern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Syria and Zimbabwe is in infant mortality: Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 compared to Zimbabwe's 40.6 per 1,000 represents a 53% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Zimbabwe is in land area: Syria's 185,180 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² represents a 53% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Zimbabwe is in population: Syria's 25.6M compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M represents a 33% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Syria's low-income economy and Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Syria is 3.2x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (138 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 Syria live an average of 9.3 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (72.1 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.
Travel Comparison
Syria vs Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 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 Syria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Syria vs Zimbabwe for Budget Travelers
Syria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Syria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwe may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Syria vs Zimbabwe for Retirees
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 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.
Syria vs Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, Syria or Zimbabwe by population?
Syria is larger by population, with 25.6M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Syria is 1.5 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Syria or Zimbabwe?
GDP data is not available for Syria. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Syria and Zimbabwe?
Syria has a higher life expectancy at 72.1 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.3 years. Syria'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, Syria or Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe is larger by land area, covering 390,757 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km². Zimbabwe is 2.1 times larger than Syria.
What languages are spoken in Syria and Zimbabwe?
Syria 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, Syria or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Syria or Zimbabwe.
Is Syria or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 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 a...
Is Syria or Zimbabwe cheaper to visit?
Syria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Syria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwe may offer better value...
Is Syria or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 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 Syria or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing di...