Zambia vs Sweden
Zambia has a population of 19.7M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Zambia is 1.9 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 23.9 times larger than Zambia's ($25.3B). Zambia covers 752,612 km², 1.7 times larger than Sweden's 450,295 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 17.0 years higher than Zambia's 66.3 years.
ZambiaSweden| Population | +85.7%19.7M | -46.1%10.6M |
| Area | +67.1%752,612 km² | -40.2%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -95.8%$25.3B | +2285.9%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -97.9%$1,187.109 | +4711.5%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -20.4%66.3 yrs | +25.6%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1445.0%30.9 | -93.5%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -31.9%5.9% | +46.9%8.7% |
| Capital | Lusaka | Stockholm |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | English | Swedish |
| Currencies | ZMW (ZK) | SEK (kr) |
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
Zambia is 1.9 times more populous than Sweden, with 19.7M residents compared to 10.6M. Zambia is a nation of 19.7M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Zambia averages 26 people per km² (sparse), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Zambia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 23.9 times larger than Zambia's ($25.3B). Zambia's GDP per capita of $1,187.109 is 46% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 48.1 times wealthier than those in Zambia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Zambia is 66.3 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 17.0 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Zambia (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 30.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Zambia's infant mortality is 1445% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Zambia (752,612 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Sweden (450,295 km²). Zambia shares borders with 8 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Zambia spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Zambia lies in Africa, while Sweden is located in Europe. Zambia is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Zambia and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Zambia's $1,187.109 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Zambia and Sweden is in GDP: Zambia's $25.3B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Zambia and Sweden is in infant mortality: Zambia's 30.9 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Zambia's lower-middle-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 48.1x that of Zambia ($1,187.109). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Zambia is 1.1x more densely populated than Sweden (26 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 17.0 years longer than those of Zambia (83.3 vs 66.3 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
Zambia's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Zambia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Zambia vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 30.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zambia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Zambia vs Sweden for Budget Travelers
Zambia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,187.109 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zambia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Zambia vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zambia 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.
Zambia vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 48.1x that of Zambia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Zambia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Zambia can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Zambia vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Zambia and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zambia spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Zambia'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, Zambia or Sweden by population?
Zambia is larger by population, with 19.7M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Zambia is 1.9 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Zambia or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Zambia's $25.3B. Sweden's economy is 23.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Zambia and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Zambia's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.0 years. Zambia's life expectancy is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Zambia or Sweden?
Zambia is larger by land area, covering 752,612 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km². Zambia is 1.7 times larger than Sweden.
What languages are spoken in Zambia and Sweden?
Zambia recognizes the following official language: English. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Zambia or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Zambia's 15.0%. Sweden's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Zambia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 4.3 times the global median.
Is Zambia or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 30.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zambia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Zambia or Sweden cheaper to visit?
Zambia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,187.109 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zambia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in ...
Is Zambia or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zambia 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 Zambia or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 48.1x that of Zambia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Zambia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by...
Is Zambia or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Zambia and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zambia spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Zambia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. B...