Unlike many other letters that commonly begin country names, the letter “Z” is strikingly unique—only Zimbabwe and Zambia begin with it. This linguistic rarity stems from the fact that the “Z” sound appears in only 30% of the world’s languages, making it uncommon not just in English, but globally.

In fact, in the English language, the letter “Z” accounts for just 0.07% of all words, making it the least frequently used letter in the alphabet.

This scarcity makes the presence of Zimbabwe and Zambia on the global map all the more intriguing. Both countries are located in Southern Africa, where temperatures can vary widely—from cool highs of 15°C (59°F) in highland winters to hot 35°C (95°F) summer days in the valleys and plains.

The story behind how these nations came to be among the few that begin with “Z” is as fascinating as the letter’s rarity itself.

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Countries That Start With Z: Summary Table

Below is a comprehensive table showcasing the countries that start with Z, along with important 2025 demographic and geographic data.

Country Name	2025 Population (est.)	Currency	Region
Zambia	21.3 million	Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)	Sub-Saharan Africa
Zimbabwe	17.7 million	Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL)	Sub-Saharan Africa

Countries That End with Z

When examining country names in English, it’s clear that no current country ends with the letter Z. This observation highlights how rare Z is as a terminal letter in nation names.

Even among lesser-known or unrecognized states, such as Western Sahara or Transnistria, none conclude with the letter Z. Most country names tend to end with vowels (like “a” or “e”) or consonants like “n” and “d.” This absence makes Z even more exceptional and worthy of study among linguistic and geopolitical enthusiasts.

Conclusion

In summary, the country that starts with Z is rare—with only Zambia and Zimbabwe holding that title out of 195 recognized nations. Both countries, while facing their own unique economic and political challenges, have rich histories, breathtaking landscapes, and significant roles in southern Africa.

Meanwhile, no country ends with Z, further adding to the letter’s rarity in geopolitical contexts.

These nations starting with Z remind us that every country—no matter how few share its starting letter—has a distinctive story to tell. Whether you’re studying world geography, planning a trip to southern Africa, or just indulging in alphabetical curiosity, Zambia and Zimbabwe offer plenty to explore.

If you’re looking to learn more about global naming patterns, regional development, or African history, then examining each country that starts with Z is a great place to begin.