Venezuela vs Zimbabwe
Venezuela has a population of 28.5M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Venezuela is 1.7 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Venezuela ($119.8B) has a GDP 2.9 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Venezuela covers 916,445 km², 2.3 times larger than Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Life expectancy in Venezuela stands at 72.5 years, 9.7 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
VenezuelaZimbabwe| Population | +67.0%28.5M | -40.1%17.1M |
| Area | +134.5%916,445 km² | -57.4%390,757 km² |
| GDP | +188.4%$119.8B | -65.3%$41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +68.9%$4,217.591 | -40.8%$2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | +15.5%72.5 yrs | -13.4%62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -47.0%21.5 | +88.8%40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -42.9%5.3% | +75.1%9.3% |
| Capital | Caracas | Harare |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | VES (Bs.S.) | ZWL ($) |
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
Venezuela is 1.7 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 28.5M residents compared to 17.1M. Venezuela is a nation of 28.5M people, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Venezuela averages 31 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 Venezuela.
Economy Comparison
Venezuela is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Venezuela economy ($119.8B) is 2.9 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Venezuela's GDP per capita of $4,217.591 is 69% 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 Venezuela are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Venezuela is 72.5 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 9.7 years. Venezuela (72.5 years) is 0.5 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 89% higher than Venezuela's 21.5.
Geographic Comparison
Venezuela (916,445 km²) is 2.3 times larger by land area than Zimbabwe (390,757 km²). Venezuela shares borders with 3 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Venezuela spans 1 timezone, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Venezuela lies in South America, while Zimbabwe is located in Africa. Venezuela is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Zimbabwe belongs to Africa (Southern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Venezuela and Zimbabwe is in GDP: Venezuela's $119.8B compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B represents a 65% gap. The most significant difference between Venezuela and Zimbabwe is in land area: Venezuela's 916,445 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² represents a 57% gap. The most significant difference between Venezuela and Zimbabwe is in infant mortality: Venezuela's 21.5 per 1,000 compared to Zimbabwe's 40.6 per 1,000 represents a 47% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Venezuela's lower-middle-income economy and Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Venezuela has a GDP per capita of $4,217.591, which is 1.7x 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 Venezuela is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Zimbabwe is 1.4x more densely populated than Venezuela (44 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Venezuela's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Venezuela live an average of 9.7 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (72.5 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
Venezuela's economy grew at 5.3% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Venezuela's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Venezuela vs Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Venezuela generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (21.5 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 Venezuela's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Venezuela 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 Venezuela. However, Venezuela may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Venezuela vs Zimbabwe for Retirees
Venezuela's life expectancy of 72.5 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.
Venezuela vs Zimbabwe Cost of Living
Venezuela's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Venezuela, 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 Venezuela's smaller cities.
Venezuela vs Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Venezuela and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Venezuela 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, Venezuela or Zimbabwe by population?
Venezuela is larger by population, with 28.5M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Venezuela is 1.7 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Venezuela or Zimbabwe?
Venezuela has the higher GDP at $119.8B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Venezuela's economy is 2.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Venezuela and Zimbabwe?
Venezuela has a higher life expectancy at 72.5 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.7 years. Venezuela's life expectancy is 0.5 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, Venezuela or Zimbabwe?
Venezuela is larger by land area, covering 916,445 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Venezuela is 2.3 times larger than Zimbabwe.
What languages are spoken in Venezuela and Zimbabwe?
Venezuela recognizes the following official language: 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, Venezuela or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Venezuela or Zimbabwe.
Is Venezuela or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Venezuela generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (21.5 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 cou...
Is Venezuela 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 Venezuela. However, Venezuela may offer better...
Is Venezuela or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Venezuela's life expectancy of 72.5 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, cl...
Is Venezuela or Zimbabwe more expensive to live in?
Venezuela's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Venezuela, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Venezuela or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Venezuela and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Venezuela spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...