Africa: Zimbabwe Population



Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa, located between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Mozambique to the east, Zambia to the north, and Botswana to the west. The country is home to an estimated population of 16.54 million people, according to the World Bank’s 2019 estimates.

Zimbabwe has a young population, with an estimated median age of 17.7 years in 2019. The population is also growing rapidly, with an estimated growth rate of 2.3% in 2019. The country’s population is expected to reach 20 million by 2030 and 25 million by 2050.

Zimbabwe is a multi-ethnic country with 16 major ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group is the Shona, which makes up about 80% of the population. Other major ethnic groups include the Ndebele, Kalanga, Tonga, and Venda.

The majority of the population is rural, with about 60% of the population living in rural areas. The urban population is estimated to be around 40%. The capital, Harare, is the largest city in Zimbabwe with an estimated population of 1.6 million. Other major cities include Bulawayo, Gweru, and Mutare.

The official language of Zimbabwe is English, but the majority of the population speaks Shona or Ndebele. Other languages spoken in the country include Kalanga, Tonga, Venda, and Chewa. The majority of the population is Christian, with an estimated 72% of the population being Christian. Other major religions include traditional African religions and Islam.

The literacy rate in Zimbabwe is estimated to be around 90%, with the majority of the population being literate. Education is free and compulsory up to the age of 16.

The economy of Zimbabwe is largely agricultural, with an estimated 70% of the population being employed in the agricultural sector. The main crops grown in the country are maize, cotton, tobacco, and sugar. The country is also rich in mineral resources such as gold, diamonds, and platinum.

The life expectancy in Zimbabwe is estimated to be around 60 years, with an infant mortality rate of around 55 deaths per 1,000 live births. The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is estimated to be around 13.5%.

Zimbabwe is a developing country with a growing population and a wide range of ethnic and religious groups. The country has a diverse economy and a high literacy rate, but it also faces many challenges such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, and political instability.