Zimbabwe/Society

Society in Zimbabwe

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
16.3M(2023)
Population Growth
1.7%(2023)
Fertility Rate
3.72(2023)
Death Rate
7.6 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-60.5K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
62.8 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
44.2 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
358 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure
3.6%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

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Literacy Rate
89.8%(2022)
Primary Enrollment
94.1%(2013)
Secondary Enrollment
51.8%(2013)
Tertiary Enrollment
9.7(2020)
Education Expenditure
2.1%(2018)

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
38.4%(2023)
Access to Electricity
62%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
62.3%(2022)
Urban Population
5.3M(2023)
Rural Population
11M(2023)

Current Social Overview of Zimbabwe

A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.

  • Zimbabwe has an estimated population of 16.3M
    2023
    A steady annual growth rate of 1.7%
    2023
    supports sustained population expansion, providing a stable base for economic development. With a fertility rate of 3.7 births per woman
    2023
    , the population maintains momentum, necessitating strategic investments in social infrastructure. Net emigration of approximately 61K individuals annually (or 3.7 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    adds pressure to demographic transitions and workforce sustainability.
  • Regarding public health, The notably low life expectancy of 62.8 years
    2023
    underscores critical public health challenges that necessitate urgent and comprehensive interventions. Concurrently, Healthcare delivery faces significant systemic challenges, as evidenced by elevated child mortality (under 5 years) (44.2 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality (358 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    ) rates, suggesting areas for critical intervention and resource allocation. These outcomes are supported by limited healthcare spending, at 3.6% of GDP
    2022
    , which may constrain comprehensive health system improvements and the attainment of higher health outcomes.
  • Educational progress is reflected in a literacy rate of 90%
    2022
    , though continued efforts are needed to achieve universal literacy and enhance foundational skills. Complementing this, while primary education reaches 94% of children
    2013
    , secondary enrollment at 52%
    2013
    suggests significant attrition challenges that may hinder higher skill development and future economic potential. This educational framework is supported by limited educational investment, at 2.1% of GDP
    2018
    , which may constrain the scale and quality of future human capital development initiatives.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the primarily rural population distribution (67% rural population
    2023
    ) presents distinct challenges for universal infrastructure provision, service access, and economic modernization. Furthermore, critical infrastructure gaps are evident, with electricity access at 62%
    2023
    and internet penetration at 38%
    2023
    severely limiting economic potential, hindering social development, and impeding digital integration.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

A youthful, rapidly growing population presents a "demographic dividend" opportunity if met with sufficient investment in jobs and services.

Public Health System

Addressing critical gaps in the healthcare system is essential to improve lagging indicators like life expectancy and maternal mortality.

Human Capital Formation

Improving foundational literacy and secondary school completion is a critical priority for unlocking future economic potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Expanding access to basic infrastructure, particularly electricity, remains a key bottleneck for broad-based development.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.