List of Countries that starts with Z and Ends with Z
Out of around 195 countries in the world, only 2 countries that starts with Z.
According to a study by Cornell University, the letter “Z” appears in roughly 0.07% of all English words, making it one of the least-used letters globally.
The two countries beginning with Z are Zambia and Zimbabwe, both located in southern Africa, within the African continent and bordered by the Indian Ocean region.
The majority religion in these countries is Christianity, followed by smaller groups practicing Islam and traditional African beliefs. Together, these nations represent less than 1% of the world’s total countries, yet hold rich cultural, linguistic, and natural diversity.
Their shared colonial past, strong agricultural roots, and developing economies make them unique examples of modern African growth and resilience.
Exploring these nations reveals how rare names can reflect remarkable histories and identities.

Countries That Starts with Z
There are only two countries in the world that start with the letter “Z” — Zambia and Zimbabwe. Both are located in Sub-Saharan Africa and are known for their warm cultures, natural wonders, and rich histories.
Despite sharing borders and similar cultural roots, each country has its own unique identity, language, and currency that reflect its national pride.
| Country Name | Population (2025 est.) | Region | National Language | Currency |
| Zambia | 21,913,874 | Sub-Saharan Africa | English | Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) |
| Zimbabwe | 16,950,795 | Sub-Saharan Africa | English, Shona, Ndebele | Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) |
Countries That Starts with Z
Out of almost 195 countries in the world, only two countries begin with the letter “Z.” Both are located in southern Africa and are known for their breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultures, and significant historical heritage. The letter “Z” is one of the least commonly used letters in English, which makes these nations stand out globally for their unique names and strong regional identities.
- (Republic of) Zambia
- (Republic of) Zimbabwe
Countries That End with the Letter Z
In the English language, there are no modern countries whose names end with the letter “Z.”
This makes “Z” one of the rarest ending letters in global geography. Even among historical nations, the Kingdom of Hejaz (1916–1925) is one of the few examples that ended with “Z.”
No currently recognized or partially recognized states, such as Western Sahara or Transnistria, have names ending in this letter.
Most country names typically end with vowels like “a” or “e,” or consonants such as “n” and “d.” While there are two modern nations that start with “Z” — Zambia and Zimbabwe — none end with it, making “Z” exceptionally rare in global naming conventions.
Zambia
Zambia, officially the Republic of Zambia, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by eight nations including Tanzania, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. Its capital and largest city is Lusaka.
The country covers an area of 752,617 km² and has a population of about 20.2 million (2023). The official language is English, while several regional languages such as Bemba and Tonga are widely spoken.
The national currency is the Zambian kwacha (ZMW). Zambia is known for its rich mineral resources, diverse wildlife, and stable governance.

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, is a landlocked country in Southeast Africa, bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Mozambique. Its capital and largest city is Harare.
The nation covers 390,757 km² and has a population of about 16.8 million (2024). Zimbabwe recognizes 16 official languages, with English, Shona, and Ndebele being the most common.
The currency includes the Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG), along with the US dollar and South African rand. The country’s motto is “Unity, Freedom, Work.”

“To see countries starting with other letters, visit the alphabetical order section.
“Want to explore countries by starting letter? Check out the alphabetical section. And don’t forget to connect with Travelgoaround — a trusted travel consultant agency based in the USA
