Which has higher population, Malawi or Zambia?

Malawi, at 15,667 against 15,306 in Zambia as of 2030.

How many years of comparable data are there for Malawi and Zambia?

41 years are reported by both, from 1990 to 2030.

Where does this data come from?

International Labour Organization, published as Population (UN estimates and projections). Statizoid refreshes it automatically from the source and publishes the full history for both places.

Malawi vs Zambia: Population

Malawi

15,667

in 2030

Zambia

15,306

in 2030

Malawi rank

65th

Zambia rank

67th

Population over time

Malawi
Zambia

How they compare

Malawi currently reports 15,667 against 15,306 in Zambia, a difference of 361.

Across all 41 years both countries report, Malawi has been ahead every year.

Malawi ranks 65th and Zambia ranks 67th of 188 countries.

Malawi has averaged higher in every one of the 5 decades both report.

Head to head by decade

Decade	Malawi	Zambia	Difference	Ahead
1990s	5,556	4,512	1,045	Malawi
2000s	6,870	6,142	728.19	Malawi
2010s	9,242	8,883	359.79	Malawi
2020s	13,101	12,748	352.78	Malawi
2030s	15,667	15,306	360.3	Malawi

Averages of every year both report within each decade.

Frequently asked questions

Which has higher population, Malawi or Zambia?: Malawi, at 15,667 against 15,306 in Zambia as of 2030.
What is the difference in population between Malawi and Zambia?: 361, with Malawi ahead.
How many years of comparable data are there for Malawi and Zambia?: 41 years are reported by both, from 1990 to 2030.
How do Malawi and Zambia rank globally for population?: Malawi ranks 65th and Zambia ranks 67th of 188 countries.
Where does this data come from?: International Labour Organization, published as Population (UN estimates and projections). Statizoid refreshes it automatically from the source and publishes the full history for both places.

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Malawi vs Zambia: Population. Statizoid, drawing on International Labour Organization. Retrieved 06 September 2026, from https://gender.statizoid.com/compare/population-un-estimates-and-projections/malawi/zambia/

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About this data

Indicator: Population (UN estimates and projections)
Source: International Labour Organization
Licence: ILO Terms of Use (attribution required)
Coverage: 280 places, 11,480 data points, 1990–2030
Last refreshed: 05 September 2026

Imputed observations are not based on national data, are subject to high uncertainty and should not be used for country comparisons or rankings. The total population comprises persons of all ages who were living in the country during the reference period, regardless of residency status or citizenship. The source for the population figures used is the United Nations' World Population Prospects. For more information, refer to the ILO Modelled Estimates (ILOEST) database description.