Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh
Zimbabwe has a population of 17.1M, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 9.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 10.8 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Zimbabwe covers 390,757 km², 2.6 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 11.9 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
ZimbabweBangladesh| Population | -89.9%17.1M | +894.7%169.8M |
| Area | +164.8%390,757 km² | -62.2%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -90.8%$41.5B | +983.6%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | -3.7%$2,497.203 | +3.9%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | -15.9%62.8 yrs | +19.0%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +66.4%40.6 | -39.9%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +146.0%9.3% | -59.3%3.8% |
| Capital | Harare | Dhaka |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language | Bengali |
| Currencies | ZWL ($) | BDT (৳) |
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
Bangladesh is 9.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 169.8M residents compared to 17.1M. Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Bangladesh.
Economy Comparison
Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 10.8 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. Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Bangladesh are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Zimbabwe is 62.8 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 11.9 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 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 66% higher than Bangladesh's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
Zimbabwe (390,757 km²) is 2.6 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Zimbabwe shares borders with 4 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Zimbabwe lies in Africa, while Bangladesh is located in Asia. Zimbabwe is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Bangladesh belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh is in GDP: Zimbabwe's $41.5B compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh is in population: Zimbabwe's 17.1M compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh is in land area: Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km² represents a 62% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy and Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Bangladesh has a GDP per capita of $2,593.416, which is 1.0x 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 Bangladesh is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 26.3x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (1151 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 Bangladesh live an average of 11.9 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (74.7 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
Bangladesh's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 40.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zimbabwe offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Bangladesh's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 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 Bangladesh Cost of Living
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, 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 Bangladesh's smaller cities.
Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh 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, Zimbabwe or Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Bangladesh is 9.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Zimbabwe or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Bangladesh's economy is 10.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.9 years. Zimbabwe's life expectancy is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh's is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Zimbabwe or Bangladesh?
Zimbabwe is larger by land area, covering 390,757 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Zimbabwe is 2.6 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe and Bangladesh?
Zimbabwe recognizes the following languages: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Zimbabwe or Bangladesh?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Bangladesh's inflation rate is 10.5%.
Is Zimbabwe or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 40.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zimbabwe offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frien...
Is Zimbabwe or Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offer bett...
Is Zimbabwe or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 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, c...
Is Zimbabwe or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Zimbabwe or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zimbabwe spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...