Zimbabwe vs Russia
Zimbabwe has a population of 17.1M, compared to Russia's 146.0M. Russia is 8.6 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Russia ($2.17T) has a GDP 52.3 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 43.8 times larger than Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Life expectancy in Russia stands at 73.3 years, 10.5 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
ZimbabweRussia| Population | -88.3%17.1M | +755.3%146.0M |
| Area | -97.7%390,757 km² | +4275.7%17,098,246 km² |
| GDP | -98.1%$41.5B | +5133.2%$2.17T |
| GDP Per Capita | -83.2%$2,497.203 | +496.2%$14,889.019 |
| Life Expectancy | -14.3%62.8 yrs | +16.7%73.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +997.3%40.6 | -90.9%3.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +335.7%9.3% | -77.0%2.1% |
| Capital | Harare | Moscow |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language | Russian |
| Currencies | ZWL ($) | RUB (₽) |
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
Russia is 8.6 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 146.0M residents compared to 17.1M. Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people, while Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse), while Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse). While Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% annually over the past decade, Russia has grown at 0.00% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Russia is classified as a high-income economy. The Russia economy ($2.17T) is 52.3 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. Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Russia are on average 6.0 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Zimbabwe is 62.8 years, compared to 73.3 years in Russia, a gap of 10.5 years. Russia (73.3 years) is 1.3 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 997% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 43.8 times larger by land area than Zimbabwe (390,757 km²). Zimbabwe shares borders with 4 countries, while Russia borders 14 countries. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone, compared to Russia's 9 timezones. Zimbabwe lies in Africa, while Russia is located in Europe and Asia. Zimbabwe is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Russia belongs to Europe (Eastern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Russia is in GDP: Zimbabwe's $41.5B compared to Russia's $2.17T represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Russia is in land area: Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² compared to Russia's 17,098,246 km² represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Russia is in infant mortality: Zimbabwe's 40.6 per 1,000 compared to Russia's 3.7 per 1,000 represents a 91% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy and Russia's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Russia has a GDP per capita of $14,889.019, which is 6.0x 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 Russia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Zimbabwe is 5.1x more densely populated than Russia (44 vs 9 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Russia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Russia live an average of 10.5 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (73.3 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
Russia's economy grew at 4.3% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Russia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Zimbabwe vs Russia for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 Russia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Zimbabwe vs Russia 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 Russia. However, Russia 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 Russia for Retirees
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 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 Russia Cost of Living
Russia's GDP per capita is 6.0x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, 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 Russia's smaller cities.
Zimbabwe vs Russia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. 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, Zimbabwe or Russia by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Russia is 8.6 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Zimbabwe or Russia?
Russia has the higher GDP at $2.17T, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Russia's economy is 52.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Zimbabwe and Russia?
Russia has a higher life expectancy at 73.3 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.5 years. Zimbabwe's life expectancy is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Russia's is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Zimbabwe or Russia?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Russia is 43.8 times larger than Zimbabwe.
What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe and Russia?
Zimbabwe recognizes the following languages: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. Russia recognizes: Russian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Zimbabwe or Russia?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Russia's inflation rate is 8.4%.
Is Zimbabwe or Russia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 countri...
Is Zimbabwe or Russia 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 Russia. However, Russia may offer better value...
Is Zimbabwe or Russia better for retirement?
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 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, clima...
Is Zimbabwe or Russia more expensive to live in?
Russia's GDP per capita is 6.0x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Zimbabwe or Russia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...