Zimbabwe vs Pakistan
Zimbabwe has a population of 17.1M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 14.1 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 8.9 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 2.0 times larger than Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Life expectancy in Pakistan stands at 67.6 years, 4.9 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
ZimbabwePakistan| Population | -92.9%17.1M | +1314.5%241.5M |
| Area | -50.9%390,757 km² | +103.7%796,095 km² |
| GDP | -88.8%$41.5B | +794.5%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +68.9%$2,497.203 | -40.8%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | -7.2%62.8 yrs | +7.8%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -19.0%40.6 | +23.4%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +71.5%9.3% | -41.7%5.4% |
| Capital | Harare | Islamabad |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | ZWL ($) | PKR (₨) |
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
Pakistan is 14.1 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 241.5M residents compared to 17.1M. Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Pakistan.
Economy Comparison
Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 8.9 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. Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Zimbabwe are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Zimbabwe is 62.8 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 4.9 years. Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zimbabwe (62.8 years) is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 23% higher than Zimbabwe's 40.6.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Zimbabwe (390,757 km²). Zimbabwe shares borders with 4 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Zimbabwe lies in Africa, while Pakistan is located in Asia. Zimbabwe is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Pakistan is in population: Zimbabwe's 17.1M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Pakistan is in GDP: Zimbabwe's $41.5B compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Pakistan is in land area: Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 51% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Zimbabwe has a GDP per capita of $2,497.203, which is 1.7x that of Pakistan ($1,478.773). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Zimbabwe is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 6.9x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (303 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 Pakistan live an average of 4.9 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (67.6 vs 62.8 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Pakistan's economy grew at 3.0% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Pakistan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Zimbabwe vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Zimbabwe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.6 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Zimbabwe's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Zimbabwe vs Pakistan for Budget Travelers
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan 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.
Zimbabwe vs Pakistan for Retirees
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 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.
Zimbabwe vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Zimbabwe's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Zimbabwe, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Pakistan can approach or exceed average costs in Zimbabwe's smaller cities.
Zimbabwe vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan'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, Zimbabwe or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Pakistan is 14.1 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Zimbabwe or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Pakistan's economy is 8.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Zimbabwe and Pakistan?
Pakistan has a higher life expectancy at 67.6 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.9 years. Zimbabwe's life expectancy is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan's is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Zimbabwe or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Pakistan is 2.0 times larger than Zimbabwe.
What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe and Pakistan?
Zimbabwe recognizes the following languages: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Zimbabwe or Pakistan?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Pakistan's inflation rate is 12.6%.
Is Zimbabwe or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Zimbabwe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.6 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Zimbabwe or Pakistan cheaper to visit?
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwe may offer better v...
Is Zimbabwe or Pakistan better for retirement?
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 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, cli...
Is Zimbabwe or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Zimbabwe's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Zimbabwe, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Zimbabwe or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...