Zimbabwe vs Japan
Zimbabwe has a population of 17.1M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Japan is 7.2 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 97.0 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Zimbabwe covers 390,757 km², 1.0 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 21.3 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
ZimbabweJapan| Population | -86.1%17.1M | +621.7%123.2M |
| Area | +3.4%390,757 km² | -3.3%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -99.0%$41.5B | +9595.8%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -92.3%$2,497.203 | +1200.9%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -25.3%62.8 yrs | +33.9%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +2155.6%40.6 | -95.6%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +279.2%9.3% | -73.6%2.5% |
| Capital | Harare | Tokyo |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language | Japanese |
| Currencies | ZWL ($) | JPY (¥) |
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
Japan is 7.2 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 123.2M residents compared to 17.1M. Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Japan.
Economy Comparison
Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 97.0 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Zimbabwe's GDP per capita of $2,497.203 is 14% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Japan are on average 13.0 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Zimbabwe is 62.8 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 21.3 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 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 2156% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Zimbabwe (390,757 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). Zimbabwe shares borders with 4 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Zimbabwe lies in Africa, while Japan is located in Asia. Zimbabwe is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Japan belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Japan is in GDP: Zimbabwe's $41.5B compared to Japan's $4.03T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Japan is in infant mortality: Zimbabwe's 40.6 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Japan is in GDP per capita: Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 compared to Japan's $32,487.078 represents a 92% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy and Japan's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Japan has a GDP per capita of $32,487.078, which is 13.0x 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 Japan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Japan is 7.5x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (326 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 Japan live an average of 21.3 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (84.0 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
Zimbabwe's economy grew at 1.7% compared to Japan's 0.1%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Zimbabwe or Japan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Japan is 7.2 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Zimbabwe or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Japan's economy is 97.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Zimbabwe and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 21.3 years. Zimbabwe's life expectancy is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Japan's is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Zimbabwe or Japan?
Zimbabwe is larger by land area, covering 390,757 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². Zimbabwe is 1.0 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe and Japan?
Zimbabwe recognizes the following languages: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Zimbabwe or Japan?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Japan's inflation rate is 2.7%.