Peru vs Zimbabwe
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Peru is 2.0 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Peru ($289.2B) has a GDP 7.0 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 3.3 times larger than Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 15.0 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
PeruZimbabwe| Population | +101.2%34.4M | -50.3%17.1M |
| Area | +228.9%1,285,216 km² | -69.6%390,757 km² |
| GDP | +596.3%$289.2B | -85.6%$41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +238.5%$8,452.372 | -70.5%$2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | +23.8%77.7 yrs | -19.3%62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -66.7%13.5 | +200.7%40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -44.9%5.1% | +81.6%9.3% |
| Capital | Lima | Harare |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | ZWL ($) |
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
Peru is 2.0 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 34.4M residents compared to 17.1M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse). Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Peru.
Economy Comparison
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Peru economy ($289.2B) is 7.0 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Peru are on average 3.4 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 15.0 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 201% higher than Peru's 13.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 3.3 times larger by land area than Zimbabwe (390,757 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Peru lies in South America, while Zimbabwe is located in Africa. Peru is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Zimbabwe belongs to Africa (Southern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Zimbabwe is in GDP: Peru's $289.2B compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Zimbabwe is in GDP per capita: Peru's $8,452.372 compared to Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Zimbabwe is in land area: Peru's 1,285,216 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² represents a 70% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 3.4x 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 Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Zimbabwe is 1.6x more densely populated than Peru (44 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 15.0 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (77.7 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
Peru's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Peru has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 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 Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Peru vs Zimbabwe for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Peru vs Zimbabwe Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, 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 Peru's smaller cities.
Peru vs Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru 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, Peru or Zimbabwe by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Peru is 2.0 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Zimbabwe?
Peru has the higher GDP at $289.2B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Peru's economy is 7.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Zimbabwe?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.0 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 years above 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, Peru or Zimbabwe?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Peru is 3.3 times larger than Zimbabwe.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Zimbabwe?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. 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, Peru or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Peru's inflation rate is 2.0%.
Is Peru or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 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 countrie...
Is Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in ...
Is Peru or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 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...
Is Peru or Zimbabwe more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Peru or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....