Zimbabwe
Republic of Zimbabwe
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +1.86%
Zimbabwe is a Southern Africa landlocked nation of around 17.1 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. This landlocked territory spans 390,757 km² with a density of 44 people per km². Its capital is Harare, and official languages include Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, and Zimbabwean Sign Language, while the Zimbabwean dollar serves as the national currency.
Population
17,073,087
Area
390,757 km²
Density
44/km²
World Rank
#74
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 30.4 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 7.6 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 40.9% of the population is under 15, while only 3.6% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Harare
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Southern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language
- Currencies
- Zimbabwean dollar ($)
- Calling Code
- +263
- Top-Level Domain
- .zw
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 17,073,087
- Land Area
- 390,757 km²
- Population Density
- 44 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +1.86%
- Annual Growth
- +317,559 people
- Daily Growth
- +870 people
- World Population Share
- 0.21%
- Coordinates
- -20.00°, 30.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $2.5k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. Unemployment sits at 9.3%, well above the global average of 5.8%. A Gini index of 50.3 signals substantial income inequality, suggesting that economic gains are concentrated among a smaller share of the population.
Life Expectancy
62.8 years
GDP per Capita
$2,497
Birth Rate
30.4 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.6 per 1,000
Urban Population
39.9%
Fertility Rate
3.72 births/woman
Infant Mortality
40.6 per 1,000
Unemployment
9.3%
Literacy Rate
93.2%
Internet Users
38.4%
Under 15
40.9%
Over 65
3.6%
Health Spending
2.9% GDP
Gini Index
50.3
Age Distribution
0-14 years
7.0M
15-64 years
9.5M
65+ years
615K
Urbanization
Only 39.9% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. The capital, Harare, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 54555.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
6.8M
39.9%
10.3M
60.1%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 62.8 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 40.6 per thousand live births, somewhat lower than the global average. The literacy rate of 93.2% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has 8 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Zimbabwe is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Zimbabwe participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 17,073,087 |
| 2030 | 18,323,582 |
| 2035 | 19,893,086 |
| 2040 | 21,468,694 |
| 2045 | 23,050,692 |
| 2050 | 24,640,508 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Zimbabwe.
Largest Cities in Zimbabwe
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Zimbabwe by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Zimbabwe?
The population of Zimbabwe is approximately 17.1 million as of 2026, making it #74 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Zimbabwe?
The capital of Zimbabwe is Harare.
What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe?
The main languages spoken in Zimbabwe are Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language.
How big is Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe covers an area of 390,757 km² with a population density of 44 people per km².
Is Zimbabwe growing or shrinking?
Zimbabwe is growing at a rate of 1.86% per year, adding approximately 317,559 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Zimbabwe?
The average life expectancy in Zimbabwe is 62.8 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Zimbabwe?
The GDP per capita of Zimbabwe is $2,497.