Rank #212 by World Population
🇿🇼Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has a population of 16,340,822, ranking #212 in the world. The capital is Harare. Located in Sub-Saharan Africa .
World Bank: Lower middle income
16,340,822
Population
#212
World Rank
62.8
Life Expectancy
$2,195
GDP Per Capita
Zimbabwe, #212 by world population
Zimbabwe Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Zimbabwe had a population of 3,809,389 in 1960 and 16,634,373 in 2024, a 4.4× growth over 64 years. The peak was 16,634,373 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.34%.
16,634,373
Population (2024)
3,809,389
Population (1960)
16,634,373
Peak (2024)
2.34%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 3,809,389 |
| 1961 | 3,930,401 |
| 1962 | 4,055,959 |
| 1963 | 4,185,877 |
| 1964 | 4,320,006 |
| 1965 | 4,458,462 |
| 1966 | 4,601,217 |
| 1967 | 4,748,307 |
| 1968 | 4,900,440 |
| 1969 | 5,058,181 |
| 1970 | 5,215,918 |
| 1971 | 5,374,712 |
| 1972 | 5,542,445 |
| 1973 | 5,720,404 |
| 1974 | 5,908,328 |
| 1975 | 6,098,658 |
| 1976 | 6,287,105 |
| 1977 | 6,449,512 |
| 1978 | 6,543,575 |
| 1979 | 6,647,556 |
| 1980 | 7,041,303 |
| 1981 | 7,498,635 |
| 1982 | 7,796,496 |
| 1983 | 8,098,404 |
| 1984 | 8,391,488 |
| 1985 | 8,686,813 |
| 1986 | 8,982,578 |
| 1987 | 9,284,644 |
| 1988 | 9,583,094 |
| 1989 | 9,864,798 |
| 1990 | 10,137,281 |
| 1991 | 10,404,816 |
| 1992 | 10,702,700 |
| 1993 | 10,860,288 |
| 1994 | 10,873,148 |
| 1995 | 10,974,599 |
| 1996 | 11,158,360 |
| 1997 | 11,369,827 |
| 1998 | 11,594,297 |
| 1999 | 11,783,458 |
| 2000 | 11,892,055 |
| 2001 | 11,971,901 |
| 2002 | 12,087,653 |
| 2003 | 12,232,323 |
| 2004 | 12,365,896 |
| 2005 | 12,483,432 |
| 2006 | 12,636,445 |
| 2007 | 12,804,058 |
| 2008 | 12,959,149 |
| 2009 | 13,142,790 |
| 2010 | 13,356,548 |
| 2011 | 13,595,424 |
| 2012 | 13,817,887 |
| 2013 | 14,013,808 |
| 2014 | 14,207,359 |
| 2015 | 14,399,013 |
| 2016 | 14,600,294 |
| 2017 | 14,812,482 |
| 2018 | 15,034,452 |
| 2019 | 15,271,368 |
| 2020 | 15,526,888 |
| 2021 | 15,797,210 |
| 2022 | 16,069,056 |
| 2023 | 16,340,822 |
| 2024 | 16,634,373 |
Demographics
| Population | 16,340,822 |
| Population Growth Rate | 1.68% |
| Urban Population | 39.3% |
| Fertility Rate | 3.72 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 62.8 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 62.2 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | - |
Economy & Trade
$2,195
GDP Per Capita
9.3%
Unemployment Rate
Lower middle income
Income Level
50.3
Gini Index (inequality)
40.3%
Trade (% of GDP)
639,000
Tourism Arrivals
Health & Education
2.9%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
0.14
Physicians per 1,000
0.4%
Education Expenditure (% GDP)
62.2
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
62.0%
Electricity Access
36.3%
Internet Users
90
Mobile Subs per 100
42.2
People per km2
-97,380
Net Migration
Environment
44.7%
Forest Area
Zimbabwe Climate
Zimbabwe has an average annual temperature of 18.6°C (65°F) and receives about 854 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is November and the coldest is July. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
18.6°C
Avg Temp
854
Precip (mm/yr)
Nov
Hottest Month
Jul
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 21° / 70° | 201 mm |
| February | 21° / 69° | 173 mm |
| March | 20° / 69° | 107 mm |
| April | 19° / 66° | 38 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 10 mm |
| June | 14° / 57° | 2 mm |
| July | 14° / 57° | 2 mm |
| August | 16° / 60° | 2 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 6 mm |
| October | 21° / 70° | 33 mm |
| November | 22° / 71° | 99 mm |
| December | 21° / 70° | 181 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Zimbabwe
The most comfortable months to visit Zimbabwe are typically October, September and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is November (around 28°C high). The coldest is July (near 7°C low). January is usually the wettest month.
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Other Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
Zimbabwe in global context
Zimbabwe is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Zimbabwe has a population of 16,340,822, ranking #212 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 1.68%.
Life expectancy in Zimbabwe is 62.8 years. The infant mortality rate is 62.2 per 1,000 live births.
Zimbabwe's GDP per capita is $2,195. It is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank.
39.3% of Zimbabwe's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 42.2 people per square kilometer.
Literacy data for Zimbabwe is available from the World Bank.
The most comfortable months to visit Zimbabwe are typically October, September and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Zimbabwe has an average annual temperature of 18.6°C and about 854 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically November and the coldest is July.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
With 16,340,822 residents, Zimbabwe is a country in Sub-Saharan Africa . Its population is growing quickly, by about 1.7% a year.
Zimbabwe is a lower-income economy, with GDP per capita of about $2,195. Life expectancy is 62.8 years, below the global average, with a fertility rate of 3.7 births per woman, and 39.3% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.