Zimbabwe Population
Sub-Saharan Africa · 73rd most populous · Lower middle income
Population right now (estimate)
17,375,142
The population of Zimbabwe is about 17,375,142 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 17.3 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.21% of the world's people.
Zimbabwe is ranked 73rd of 217 by population. The population is still growing, by about 1.90% a year. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 25.9 million. That is 4.5 times its 1960 population of 3.8 million. Population density is 45 people per square kilometre. 40% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
17.3 million
Yearly change
+1.90%
World rank
73rd
Share of world
0.21%
Density
45/km²
Land area
386,850 km²
Life expectancy
63.1 yrs
Births per woman
3.67
GDP per capita
$3,021
GDP
$51.2B
Population of Zimbabwe, 1960–2050
Zimbabwe population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 3,809,389 | — | 10 |
| 1970 | 5,215,918 | +3.12% | 13 |
| 1980 | 7,041,303 | +5.92% | 18 |
| 1990 | 10,137,281 | +2.76% | 26 |
| 2000 | 11,892,055 | +0.92% | 31 |
| 2010 | 13,356,548 | +1.63% | 35 |
| 2020 | 15,526,888 | +1.67% | 40 |
| 2024 | 16,634,373 | +1.80% | 43 |
| 2026proj. | 17,273,580 | +1.90% | 45 |
| 2030proj. | 18,610,349 | +1.87% | 48 |
| 2040proj. | 22,250,109 | +1.69% | 58 |
| 2050proj. | 25,866,385 | +1.36% | 67 |
Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 10.3 times as many people as Zimbabwe. Bangladesh is 30.6 times more densely populated.
Zimbabwe population: questions and answers
What is the population of Zimbabwe in 2026?
About 17,273,580 (17.3 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Zimbabwe's population growing?
Yes, by about 1.90% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Zimbabwe?
About 45 people per km², with a land area of 386,850 km².
What will the population of Zimbabwe be in 2050?
About 25.9 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Zimbabwe?
Harare.
What is the life expectancy in Zimbabwe?
63.1 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.