Zimbabwe

All demographic indicators on this page are based on UN mid 2025 estimates unless stated otherwise.

Zimbabwe population (live estimate)

Real-time estimate based on UN demographic growth models.

16,950,000

Annual growth: 1.893%.

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Official population estimates

World population
16,950,000
Median age
18.1
Population growth rate (%)
1.893 ▲ Population is growing

This map shows first-level administrative regions (ADM1).

Key Facts

  • Capital: Harare
  • Official language: South Ndebele
  • Region: Eastern Africa
  • Continent: Africa
Languages
Languages and linguistic groups
Religions
Religious composition
Cities
Major cities and urban areas
Administrative divisions
Provinces
Population
Population structure and dynamics

Languages

A brief overview of the linguistic situation in the country.

Official language
Shona, North Ndebele, English, South Ndebele
Minority language
3
Working / administrative language
1

Zimbabwe recognizes 16 official languages, including Shona, Ndebele, English, Tonga, Venda, Kalanga, and others. Shona and Ndebele are the most widely spoken, while English dominates government, business, and education.

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Religions

A brief overview of the religious composition of the country.

Dominant religion
Christianity
Largest share
87.2%
Number of religions
7

Zimbabwe’s population is concentrated in and around Harare, Bulawayo, and smaller urban centers. Rural regions maintain strong linguistic identities tied to ethnic heritage. Migration and economic shifts contribute to multilingualism.

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Cities

A brief overview of the major cities and urban structure of the country.

Largest city
Harare
Number of cities
15

The cities shown here represent major urban centres with populations over 50,000, as defined by the UN Degree of Urbanisation (DEGURBA) methodology. Smaller towns and rural settlements are not included.

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