Country Profile: Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe, located in Southern Africa, is a landlocked country bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia. With a population of approximately 17.5 million, it is characterized by a predominantly young demographic, where over one-third of its citizens are aged 0-14. The economy, primarily reliant on natural resource extraction, agriculture, and remittances, faces challenges due to political instability and corruption, stalling significant reforms. Governance is structured as a presidential republic, currently led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has maintained control amidst allegations of electoral malpractices and human rights violations.

Geography

Zimbabwe's geography features a high plateau, characterized by moderate tropical climates and significant natural formations such as the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls. The country is landlocked, with no coastlines, and comprises approximately 390,757 square kilometers, making it slightly larger than Montana.

2,592 m: Highest elevation at Inyangani.
162 m: Lowest elevation at the junction of the Runde and Save Rivers.
41.8%: Percentage of land allocated for agriculture (2023).
35.9%: Forested area in the country (2023).
3,229 km: Total land boundaries.

People and Society

The estimated population of Zimbabwe is around 17.5 million (2025), with a mixture of ethnic groups predominantly consisting of Shona and Ndebele. The country boasts a relatively high literacy rate of 93.2% (2019 est.), but it also faces socio-economic challenges, reflected in a 38.3% poverty rate as of 2019. Urbanization is progressing, with 32.5% of the population residing in urban areas (2023).

38.3%: Birth rate per 1,000 population (2025).
67.2 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
1.03: Sex ratio at birth (male(s)/female).
93.4%: Literacy rate for females (2019).
5.4%: Women married by age 15 (2019).

Economy

Zimbabwe's economy remains classified as a low-income, Sub-Saharan economy, heavily influenced by political instability, which hampers reforms and economic growth. The country has recently introduced the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency to combat hyperinflation, with the GDP estimated at $57.39 billion (2024). Major economic sectors include agriculture, mining, and remittances from the diaspora.

8.6%: Unemployment rate (2024).
91.5%: Household consumption as a percentage of GDP (2024).
9.4%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2023).
5.4%: Agriculture's contribution to GDP (2024).
$3,500: GDP per capita (2024).

Government

Zimbabwe is a presidential republic with a mixed legal system that incorporates elements of English common law and customary law. The government structure includes a bicameral Parliament, with the President serving as the head of state and government. President Emmerson Mnangagwa was recently reelected in 2023, amid contested elections and criticism over the democratic process.

18 April 1980: Date of Zimbabwe's independence from the UK.
280: Total seats in the National Assembly.
80: Total seats in the Senate.
18 years: Minimum voting age.
5 years: Term length for the President.

Military and Security

The Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF) includes the Army and Air Force, playing a crucial role in domestic security and protection of national sovereignty. The military budget comprises around 0.4% of GDP (2024), and there are approximately 30,000 active military personnel.

0.4%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024).
30,000: Active military personnel (2025).
18-22 years: Age for voluntary military service.

Energy

Energy access in Zimbabwe is relatively low, with 50.1% of the population having access to electricity as of 2022, and considerable reliance on hydroelectric power, which constitutes 65.7% of the installed capacity. The country struggles with energy imports due to insufficient domestic production.

2.491 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
8.346 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
33.7%: Electrification rate in rural areas (2022).
7.968 million metric tons: Coal production (2023).

Environment

Zimbabwe faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution, particularly related to mining activities. The government is a participant in various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues, including the Climate Change agreements.

12.578 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023).
1.45 million tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024).
21.8%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).

Transportation

Zimbabwe's transportation network includes roads, railways, and civil aviation, with 144 airports as of 2025. The total railway length is approximately 3,427 km, primarily narrow gauge.

3,427 km: Total railway length (2014).
144: Number of airports (2025).

Communications

Communications infrastructure in Zimbabwe is developing, with significant growth in mobile cellular subscriptions and internet usage. Approximately 15.7 million mobile subscriptions were recorded in 2024, with only 38% of the population having internet access.

15.7 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
310,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	17,472,752 (2025 est.)
Area	390,757 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$57.391 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	8.6% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	28.18 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy at Birth	67.2 years (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	50.1% (2022 est.)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	10.855 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Youth Unemployment Rate (ages 15-24)	14% (2024 est.)
Population Below Poverty Line	38.3% (2019 est.)