Moving to Zambia from Barbados

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What to Expect

Considering a move from Barbados to Zambia? Here's how the two compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from Barbados to Zambia.

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Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in Zambia compared to Barbados.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate World Bank, 2023

per 100,000 people per year

BB
7.4
ZM
5.2
Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

BB
10.0
ZM
17.1

Barbados generally does better on safety, though Zambia leads in homicide rate.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2023

annual government + private spending per person

BB
$1,153
ZM
$244
Doctors per 10,000 people World Bank, 2022

affects wait times and access to care

BB
29.6
ZM
3.2

Barbados generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Zambia leads in healthcare spending per person.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

BB
19.0
ZM
50.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

BB
2.5t
ZM
0.5t

Barbados generally does better on environment, though Zambia leads in co₂ emissions per capita.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people World Bank, 2024

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

BB
37.5
ZM
0.8
Water stress level World Bank, 2022

higher means greater strain on freshwater supply

BB
87.5%
ZM
2.8%

Barbados generally does better on infrastructure, though Zambia leads in water stress level.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate World Bank, 2025

percentage of the labour force without work

BB
6.5%
ZM
5.9%
GDP per capita World Bank, 2025

a broad measure of economic output per person

BB
$28,365
ZM
$1,318

Barbados generally does better on employment & economy, though Zambia leads in unemployment rate.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy World Bank, 2024

average years of life at birth

BB
76.3 yrs
ZM
66.5 yrs
Infant mortality World Bank, 2024

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

BB
9.1
ZM
34.6

Barbados generally does better on family life, though Zambia leads in education spending.

Sources: World Bank (2015–2025), United Nations SDG Indicators (2019–2021), World Health Organization (2024), Ministry of Finance, Barbados (2016), Zambia Revenue Authority (2016), The World Factbook (2014). How we calculate this

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Barbados and Zambia. To live, work, or study long-term in Zambia, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Zambia's immigration authority.

Barbados passport

Barbados passport holder visiting Zambia

Visa Free
Barbados passport holders can enter Zambia without a visa.
Zambia passport

Zambia passport holder visiting Barbados

Visa Free
Zambia passport holders can enter Barbados without a visa.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from Zambia?

Connectivity is usually fine (Zambia: 0.8 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does Zambia offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is Zambia safe for expats?

Barbados generally does better on safety, though Zambia leads in homicide rate. The homicide rate in Zambia is 5.2 per 100,000 people, compared to 7.4 in Barbados.

How is healthcare in Zambia compared to Barbados?

Barbados generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Zambia leads in healthcare spending per person. There are 3.2 doctors per 10,000 people in Zambia, compared to 29.6 in Barbados. Zambia scores 56 on the WHO universal health coverage index (Barbados: 77).

What language do they speak in Zambia?

Both Barbados and Zambia share the same official language: English.

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At a Glance

BB ZM
Population 282,623 21,913,874
Currency Barbadian Dollar (BBD) Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
Languages English English
Driving side Left Left
Calling code +1246 +260
Time zones 1 1