Zimbabwe · Africa
How many people die in Zimbabwe every day?
In Zimbabwe, about 329 people die every day, roughly one death every 4 minutes. That is about 120,000 deaths a year, 0.2% of everyone who dies worldwide and the 71st highest total of 194 countries. Life expectancy is 59.3 years and the leading cause of death is hiv/aids. See every death on earth as it happens on the live death counter.
Deaths per day
329
Deaths per year
120,000
Life expectancy
59.3 years
Population
16,665,409
Death rate
7.2 per 1,000
Top cause of death
HIV/AIDS
Compared to the World Average
Life expectancy
Zimbabwe
59.3
World avg
72.8
-13.5 yrs
Death rate (per 1,000)
Zimbabwe
7.2
World avg
7.7
Deaths in Zimbabwe by time period
| Per hour | 14 |
| Per day | 329 |
| Per week | 2,301 |
| Per month | 10,000 |
| Per year | 120,000 |
What people die of in Zimbabwe
According to the World Health Organization’s Global Health Estimates, the single biggest cause of death in Zimbabwe in 2023 was HIV/AIDS, which accounted for 12.4% of all deaths, about 49 a day. It was followed by pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections and stroke.
Deaths from pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections have more than doubled since 2000, from about 5,194 to 14,613 a year. Deaths from HIV/AIDS have fallen by 83% since 2000, from about 105,659 to 17,842 a year.
| # | Cause | Deaths (2023) | Per day | Share | Since 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HIV/AIDS | 17,842 | 49 | 12.4% | -83% |
| 2 | Pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections | 14,613 | 40 | 10.1% | +181% |
| 3 | Stroke | 11,102 | 30 | 7.7% | +134% |
| 4 | Heart disease (ischaemic) | 7,204 | 20 | 5% | +116% |
| 5 | Preterm birth complications | 6,961 | 19 | 4.8% | +94% |
| 6 | Diarrhoeal diseases | 5,698 | 16 | 3.9% | +64% |
| 7 | Road injuries | 4,817 | 13 | 3.3% | +76% |
| 8 | Hypertensive heart disease | 4,224 | 12 | 2.9% | +116% |
| 9 | Birth asphyxia and birth trauma | 3,748 | 10 | 2.6% | +53% |
| 10 | Diabetes | 3,691 | 10 | 2.6% | +160% |
Deaths in Zimbabwe since 2000
WHO estimates that about 144,272 people died in Zimbabwe in 2023, 13% fewer than in 2000. Totals rise as populations grow and age, even when health improves. WHO’s modelled estimates can differ from the headline figures above, which come from a different source.
| 2000 | 165,215 deaths |
| 2010 | 157,449 deaths |
| 2019 | 134,106 deaths |
| 2023 | 144,272 deaths |
Life expectancy in Zimbabwe since 1950
A baby born in Zimbabwe in 1950 could expect to live about 49.4 years. By 2023 that had risen to 62.8, a gain of 13.4 years. See how this compares worldwide on our life expectancy by country page.
| 1950 | 49.4 years |
| 1980 | 59.1 years |
| 2000 | 46 years |
| 2010 | 51.9 years |
| 2019 | 61.1 years |
| 2023 | 62.8 years |
Zimbabwe compared with similar countries in Africa
Among the 50 countries in Africa on this site, Zimbabwe ranks 39th for life expectancy. Here is how it compares with the countries closest to it in population.
| Country | Deaths per day | Life expectancy | Top cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | 329 | 59.3 | HIV/AIDS |
| Senegal | 301 | 67.5 | Cardiovascular disease |
| Somalia | 411 | 55.4 | Lower respiratory infections |
| Chad | 466 | 52.5 | Lower respiratory infections |
| Guinea | 301 | 58.9 | Malaria |
| Rwanda | 186 | 66.1 | Lower respiratory infections |
Sources: WHO Global Health Estimates 2023 (deaths by cause and totals); UN World Population Prospects via Our World in Data (life expectancy). Figures are modelled estimates and are rounded.
Frequently asked questions
How many people die in Zimbabwe every day?
In Zimbabwe, about 329 people die every day, or roughly one death every 4 minutes. That adds up to about 120,000 deaths a year, 0.2% of all deaths worldwide.
What is the leading cause of death in Zimbabwe?
HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death in Zimbabwe. It is one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, and most deaths from it could be avoided with prevention and treatment. Counting single causes, WHO's estimates put HIV/AIDS first in 2023, with 12.4% of deaths.
What is the life expectancy in Zimbabwe?
Life expectancy at birth in Zimbabwe is 59.3 years, 13.5 years below the world average of 72.8. That ranks 183rd of 194 countries.
Is the death rate in Zimbabwe high?
Zimbabwe records about 7.2 deaths per 1,000 people each year, below the world average of 7.7. Crude death rates are higher in countries with older populations, so a high rate does not always mean poor health care.