List of Countries that Start With the Letter ‘Z’

According to the member states of the United Nations, there are a total of 195 countries in the world. From Asia to Antarctica, the world is diverse in culture, language, and geography. 

Each country is different in its way, such as Canada being home to the most lakes in the world or Bolivia being considered the flattest country in the world.

You must have seen many videos and reels where people are being asked to name any 4 countries that start with a specific alphabet, like 'a', 'f', 'x' or 'n'. 

Many of them fail to answer correctly since they may not be aware of the vast number of countries that exist beyond the most commonly known ones. 

If you are looking for countries that start with the letter "Z", then in this article, you will find a list of countries that begin with that letter. It's always interesting to learn about lesser-known countries and expand your knowledge of the world.

Countries that start with "Z"

The countries that start with the letter “Z” are Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Zimbabwe

Source: Wikimedia Commons

• Continent: Africa
• Capital: Harare
• Population: 16.95 million
• Land Area: 386,850

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, characterised by a high central plateau known as the Highveld, which runs diagonally across the country. 

This elevated region, reaching altitudes of 1,200 to 1,500 metres, gives way to lower Middleveld and Lowveld areas, sloping towards the Zambezi River in the north and the Limpopo and Save rivers in the south. 

Notable physical features include massive granite outcrops, such as the iconic balancing rocks of the Matobo Hills, and the majestic Eastern Highlands with Mount Nyangani, the country's highest peak. Zimbabwe is globally renowned for the magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world.

Zambia

Source: Freepik

• Continent: Africa
• Capital: Lusaka
• Population: 21.91 million
• Land Area: 743,390

Zambia, also a landlocked country in south-central Africa, is largely dominated by a vast plateau, typically ranging from 900 to 1,500 metres above sea level. This plateau is punctuated by impressive river valleys, notably those of the Zambezi, Kafue, and Luangwa rivers. 

The country is home to several significant natural lakes, including portions of Lake Tanganyika, Lake Mweru, and the extensive Bangweulu Swamps. The highest elevations are found in the Mafinga Hills in the east. Zambia is particularly famous for its spectacular natural beauty. 

Most notably, the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The Smoke that Thunders"), offers world-class walking safaris and incredible wildlife viewing in parks like South Luangwa and Kafue.

List of Countries That End With the Letter ‘H’

No, there are no internationally recognised countries in English whose names end with the letter "Z".

How Did Zimbabwe and Zambia Get Their Names? Check Here

Zambia got its name after the robust “Zambezi River”, which reflected the country’s rich landscapes and abundance of water. Zambia gained independence from British colonial rule in 1964. 

Zambia was chosen for naming the country to represent a new beginning while also paying homage to the country's natural heritage. The Zambezi, which translates as "Great River", reflects the country's lush landscape and plentiful water resources.

Zimbabwe derives its name from the historic city of Great Zimbabwe, an ancient site renowned for its impressive stone ruins. When the country gained independence from British rule in 1980, the name was chosen to honour its rich cultural heritage and to distance itself from its colonial past as Rhodesia.

The name "Zimbabwe" originates from "dzimba-dza-mabwe", meaning "houses of stone" in the Shona language — a fitting description for a country with such monumental architecture.